What to see & do with your IDP in Poland?
With an International Driving Permit in hand, you’ll be able to experience Poland far beyond its urban highlights. Renting a car opens the door to some of the country’s most spectacular routes and hidden gems — many of which are difficult to reach by public transport.
Start your journey in Krakow, then head south to Zakopane, Poland’s gateway to the Tatra Mountains. The drive itself is lined with alpine scenery, and once you arrive, you can hike, ski, or ride the funicular up Gubałówka Hill for sweeping views. Your IDP ensures easy car rental in this popular region, where bus services can be limited during peak seasons.
Next, cruise through the Masurian Lake District in the northeast. Known as “the land of a thousand lakes,” it’s ideal for peaceful road trips, boating, and camping. Small towns like Giżycko and Mikołajki are scattered throughout, offering quaint charm and tranquil waterside views. With your own vehicle, you’re free to pause at scenic lookout points or explore forest-lined detours at your own pace.
Further west, take the Lower Silesia route toward the Karkonosze Mountains. This drive offers castles, forests, and wellness towns like Karpacz and Świeradów-Zdrój. Renting a car here — with your IDP ready — allows you to weave between spa resorts, historical ruins, and mountain trails with total flexibility.
Don’t miss the Baltic coast. From the tri-city area of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, follow the coastal highway to Leba and Slowinski National Park, where you can walk on Europe’s only shifting sand dunes. It’s a scenic and surreal detour that organized tours rarely reach.
Finally, consider the drive from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny — a charming riverside village full of art galleries, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views over the Vistula River. The freedom to stop, linger, or divert on a whim is exactly why having an IDP is so valuable when exploring Poland by road.