Visa Requirements
Poland is a member country of the EU since May 1, 2004, and since December 21, 2007, Poland is part of the Schengen Area, a zone without controls on internal borders which comprises of 28 countries. Third-country nationals may enter Poland if they are in possession of a valid travel document and a visa (if required). Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 includes the lists of third countries whose nationals must possess valid visas to cross external borders, and of countries whose nationals are exempt from this obligation.
All information for conference participants who need VISA can be found in the links below:
Airplane
Ławica Airport is located 5 km from the city centre, at ul. Bukowska 285, in the vicinity of the route leading directly to the major city points and next to the road out of Poznań to Berlin and Warsaw. It is possible to get to the city centre from the airport using bus line no. 159 (daytime line) or 242 (night line), which is going about 20 minutes, directly to Main Railway Station, “Poznań Głowny” stop (Poznań Main Station).
Ławica Airport passengers have air – conditioned, spacious arrival and departure halls at their disposal as well as travel agencies, an elegant restaurant, bars, shops, Car Rental points, City Information Centre point and viewing area.
Train
Poznań Główny Railway Station is open 24 hours a day. There are: regional trains (POLREGIO, Koleje Wielkopolskie), long-distance (TLK, IC, EIC) and international trains. All trains arriving to Poznań stop at “Poznań Główny” station. The Railway Station is located in the centre of Poznań, at ul. Dworcowa, in the area between ul. Zachodnia, Głogowska, Most Dworcowy, Matyi and Wolne Tory. The Railway Station consists of two buildings: the Main Railway Station and the West Railway Station. The Main Railway Station is located in the centre of Poznań, at ul. Dworcowa, in the immediate vicinity of the Bus Station and the Poznań International Fair. The West Railway Station is located at ul. Głogowska. Within the Railway Station there are: Tourist Information (CIM Poznań) and Railway Information (PKP, Koleje Wielkopolskie), PKP Intercity Customer Service Centre, cafes (Starbucks, Crobag, Costa), kiosks (Relay), chemist (Rossmann), supermarket (Biedronka), ATMs (Euronet, Planet Cash, BZ WBK, PKO BP, Pekao) and currency exchange.
Bus
The Bus Station is located at ul. Matyi, along the north wall of the Avenida Shopping Centre and is connected to the Poznań Główny Railway Station. It supports domestic and international routes. In the station hall next to ticket offices there are kiosks, a bar, PKS information and travel agencies selling tickets for international journeys. Opposite the Bus Station is the tram stop "Poznań Główny" (Poznań Main Station), at ul. Matyi.
Car
You can reach Poznań via the A2 motorway (access from the west: from the border, access from the east: from Konin), national roads No. 92, No. 5 (east-west direction) and No. 11 (north-south). The Parking Zone is in the city centre and it is payable. There are parking lots on the city streets in which drivers pay a parking fee in the zone. Its boundaries are designated by the D-44 road sign. It is recommended to leave cars on guarded parking lots and on specially prepared buffer car parks located around the Parking Zone.
Public transport in the city of Poznań consist of: tram and bus lines. The standard tickets are available in ticket machines at most of the bus and tram stops and are valid for all tram lines and city buses (daytime and night lines). Suburban bus lines have their own ticket system. Most of bus and tram lines go with a frequency of 10 minutes and after 19:00 in intervals of about 20-minutes. Then, after 23:00, the night timetable applies. All night buses and the night tram run in 30-minute or 1h intervals and the vast majority of them pass through the Kaponiera Roundabout. More information about Poznań public transport:
Poznań Transport Guide.
For registered participants of the conference public transport in Poznań is provided by the organizers.
Poznań is one of the oldest and largest cities in Poland, inhabited by over half a million people and located conveniently halfway between two European capitals - Berlin and Warsaw. International trade, business meetings and conventions play a vital role for the local economy, since Poznań from 1921 has hosted the most prominent trade fair events in the country, organized by Poznań International Fair, the largest organizer of fairs in Central-Eastern Europe.
A trip to Poznań is a chance to visit a place which is inherently linked to the very roots of Poland. It was here that Mieszko I of Poland decided to found his town, it was also probably here that he was baptized in 966 and joined the ranks of medieval European rulers. This event is considered to be the beginning of Polish statehood. This very story as well as many others related to the city can be heard at Porta Posnania, the interactive heritage interpretation center.
When visiting Poznań, the Old Market Square with its gorgeous, Renaissance city hall is a definite tourist must-see. Others include the Croissant Museum of Poznań, Lake Malta (one of the best and most picturesque professional regatta tracks in Europe), Europe’s youngest imperial castle, a former brewery from the 19th century, turned into one of the best shopping centers in the world - Stary Browar (the title awarded in 2005 in the medium-sized mall category by the International Council of Shopping Centers). And lastly - a feast of flavors in local restaurants as recommended in the prestigious yellow Gault & Millau Poland culinary guide.
A city rich in culture, Poznań is home to the world-famous Poznań Nightingales - Boys’ and Men’s Choir of the Poznań Philharmonic conducted for many years by Stefan Stuligrosz, the country’s only Polish Dance Theatre – Poznań Ballet, and the Agnieszka Duczmal’s Chamber Orchestra. Music lovers flock to the city every 5 years for the Henryk Wieniawski International Violin and Violin-making Competition. The memory of the eminent Poznań composer Krzysztof Komeda lives on in this hometown. Poznań also boasts a rich and vibrant theatre scene. Alternative theatre enthusiasts regularly descend on Poznań for the annual MALTA International Theatre Festival, which has become the city’s flagship event for June. The cultural programme is also enriched by other smaller festivals, which are rapidly gaining popularity, including the Animator festival, Poland’s largest festival of animated films, and the Transatlantyk festival devoted to film music.
Extra info about Poznań:
- the 2nd most attractive city in Poland to do business by Forbes 2016
- one of the 10 top European city breaks destinations in 2016 by The Guardian
- the 38th Best Value City to visit in 2017 by Trivago
- the 73rd most popular European city in European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report 2016
- the 3rd city in the annual report Poland Meetings & Events Industry Report 2017, with the highest number of hosted events (ranging from 50 participants)
Old Market
The Old Market Square and its surroundings are among the most interesting places to see in Poznań. The beautiful Renaissance town hall, old houses, charming side streets, numerous museums, pubs, cafes and people walking the streets - all of them create the unique atmosphere of the place. The Old Market Square is the heart of Poznań. From spring to autumn, surrounded by pavement cafes, the Square is bustling late into the night. It also hosts numerous events, performances and concerts.
Old Brewery
Buildings of the former Hugger’s Brewery became part of the new complex - multiple award-winning trade, art and business centre. Unusual architecture enters into a dialogue with the site's industrial past, a multitude of nooks and crannies hide mementos from the beer brewing times: ceramic seals, interior design elements, plaques...
Malta Lake
The name of the lake comes from the Maltese Knights, or Knights from the Order of Saint John, who had their seat, church and hospice here. The lake, where many important canoeing and rowing races are held, was established in 1952 by damming up the Cybina River and has an area of 64.0 ha.
Citadel
The Museum of Arms is located on the premises of the former Fort Winiary (the Poznań Citadel), in a Military Laboratory bunker added on in 1872. Originally used to make gun powder and shells, the facility was later converted to a munitions depot.The biggest attraction of its permanent exhibition are its outdoor displays of military equipment featuring over a dozen military vehicles, nine airplanes, two helicopters, five tanks, as well as numerous canons and mortars.
The Royal-Imperial Route
The Royal-Imperial Route is the best way for a close encounter with Poznań and an opportunity to get acquainted with the personality and character of one of the oldest cities in Poland. The Royal-Imperial Route is a tourist trail that leads through the most interesting corners of Poznań. The axis of the trail marked with a logo helps to orientate itself in the city space.
Town Hall
The town hall in Poznań is undoubtedly the most magnificent Renaissance building in Wielkopolska and one of the finest in Poland. The earliest mention of it is from 1310 but it must have been built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries judging by the keystone in the cellar decorated with the coat of arms of the Czech dynasty of the Premyslids (Weneclaus II Premyslid was King of Poland in the years 1300-06).
Poznań Palm House
In Wilson Park there is an over a hundred year-old Palm House, the largest in Poland and one of the largest in Europe.
Built to the design of S. Cybichowski in 1929, it was thoroughly remodelled in 1982–92. The Palm House has amassed huge collections of plants, thus becoming one of the biggest institutions of this kind in Europe. It has 17 thousand plants of 700 species and subspecies from the Mediterranean, subtropical, tropical, savannah and desert climates.
The Enigma Codebreakers
We would like to invite you to an exhibition dedicated to those, who have made a successful attempt to break the cipher, which as it was thought, was impossible to break. The success, which was based on a talent and work of some extraordinary people, had the beginning in 1929 in Poznań, exactly in the place where you stand... Visit the Enigma Codebreakers Exhibition based outside the Imperial Castle (Św. Marcin 80/82) and discover the history of Enigma Codebreakers.
The Porta Posnania
The remarkable Porta Posnania symbolically connects Poznań’s oldest districts of Cathedral Island and Śródka. It attracts its visitors with a multimedia display, educational workshops, cultural events and tours. It presents the fascinating history of Cathedral Island and encourages visitors to tour it with an audio guide. The Porta Posnania is a perfect starting point for exploring the city along the Royal-Imperial Route. Poznań’s Cathedral Island was once home to one of a principle settlements of the emerging state of the Piast dynasty.
The Croissant Museum
Dear visitor! We invite you to see our original shows which reveal the secrets of Saint Martin Croissants and other Poznań’s prides. Let’s meet in a beautiful, renaissance tenement house right opposite the Town Hall. The shows are presented live by the locals and prices include croissant tasting!
Kaiser`s Castle
This huge neo-Romanesque building, designed by Franz Schwechten, was constructed in the years 1905-10 for German Emperor William II. After WWI when Poland regained its independence, the Castle housed the faculty of mathematics of Poznań University, whose graduates broke the German Enigma code in the 1930’s.
National Museum in Poznań
Built in the beginning of the 20th century, the museum owns rich collections of Romanesque and Gothic art, paintings by famous artists - Polish (among others Jacek Malczewski, Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański) and foreign (an overview of 15th-18th century Italian, 17th century Dutch and 16th and 17th century Flemish paintings).
The Palace in Rogalin
A better place to get the spirit of great aristocracy than the palace and park in Rogalin is really hard to find. The interiors of this late-baroque-classicist residence host a museum, focused on the history of the Raczyński aristocratic family. The family used to left their mark on the Polish history. The exhibition also includes a coach house and Painting Gallery, featuring artworks of Jan Matejko and Jacek Malczewski, who belong to the most famous Polish painters of the second half of the 19th century.
National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa
The National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa is located about 10 kilometers from Poznań. Its exhibition covers the history of Polish agriculture since the prehistorical times right up to the present day. Many agricultural tools and machines as well as a permanent soil science, folk art and rural crafts exhibition are all part of the museum’s vast collection.
Kórnik Arboretum
Kórnik Arboretum is a Polish unique centre of multidisciplinary research on trees and shrubs. The Insitute of Dendrology was established in 1933 and carries out research in the areas of tree and shrub biology, especially in the fields of: genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, ecophysiology, ecology, systematics and geography, biology of seeds, mycorrhiza, anthropopression hazards to forest ecosystems. The Institute is authorized to confer the academic degree of doctor of biological sciences.
The Castle in Kórnik
The history of Kórnik castle dates back to the 15th century. It was then that a manor was built for one of the richest clans od Greater Poland – the Górka family. Its present neo-gothic form, which it’s had since the first half of the 19th century, was designed by Tytus Działyński, who was not only a nobleman, but also a politician and a patron of culture - which may be even more important.
Wielkopolski National Park
The Wielkopolski National Park is one of the most attractive areas located near Poznań. The park is located about 15 km south of Poznań and has very good bus and train connections with this city (Poznań - Wrocław route), and through Poznań, thanks to numerous fast trains - with Warsaw. The Park has 18 strict protection areas with a total area of 260 ha. They protect various forms of post-glacial landscape and the most natural plant communities as well as related animals. The protection also included 32 monument trees and 1 erratic boulder.
The Morasko Meteorite Natural Reserve
The environs of Poznań abound in areas of high natural value. However, definitely the most interesting and precious object is to be found within the city's borders! It is a group of meteorite impact craters on the slope of Mount Morasko (Góra Moraska). This hill is the highest rise in the Region of Wielkopolska (154 meters above the sea level).
Thermal Baths (Swimming Pools and Spa and world of saun)
Welcome to Malta Thermal Baths - the most modern and at the same time largest indoor water complex in Poland, located by Maltańskie Lake in the very heart of Poznań. On the stretch of about 6 hectares there are 18 pools of the joint water surface area of 500m2. The complex includes an Aqua Park, Sauna World and sports pools with auditorium for 4000 seats. More Malta Thermal Baths Aqua Park is a water world with countless attractions. For adrenaline junkies there are waterslides, wild rivers and sea waves. For those seeking relaxation, there is a number of jacuzzis, saltwater pools, whirlpools and beaches with rattan chairs.
Dendrological Garden
The garden was created in 1920 and with an area of 4 ha forms part of the western greenery wedge. On its grounds one can find practically all species of trees and shrubs existing in Polish forests and most important species growing abroad.
New Zoo
The New Zoo with an area of 116.33 ha. It's biggest attraction is a modern elephant house. The small vehicles in the Zoo make sightseeing easier.
Animals here live in conditions as close to natural as possible. To see nearly 2 thousand animals, the visitor can use three marked routes. In 2009, the Elephant House was opened, and in 2013, brown bears took up residence in Poznań.
A number of trains go around the zoo, making the long walks lot easier for children and the elderly.There is also a 19th century fort within the zoo grounds, which has been made visitor accessible.
"Maltanka" Miniature Railway
By the northern side of Maltańskie Lake runs the track of ‘Maltanka’ park train, which takes the passengers to the New Zoo. ‘Maltanka’ runs daily from the end of April till the end of September. The carriages are pulled among others by the steam engine Borsig from 1925.
Jump Arena
Jump Arena was created for the residents of Poznań and their active rest. The purpose of Jump Arena is to promote physical culture through having fun and spending time with your family. In Trampolines Jump Arena everyone will find a springboard adjusted to their age and skills. At the same time, we focus on the development of modern sports. Jumping releases endorphins that have a beneficial effect on our well-being.
Lech Poznań match live and Visit Museum
The stadium was the arena of the UEFA EURO 2012 European Football Championship. Today, it has over 43,000 spectators. It is a place of sports emotions, great concerts, performances, meetings and spectacular events.
Posnania
It satisfies modern lifestyle expectations of the residents of Poznań and Wielkopolska, as a trend-setting place to seek entertainment and inspiration. Posnania is a multifunctional centre of the latest generation, worth over 300 million EUR. It is the largest regional centre, with almost one million residents living within the catchment area of the mall.
The area of 100 thousand m2 accommodates 220 boutique shops, 40 cafés and restaurants and 40 medium-sized and large stores.
Avenida - Railway Station
Avenida Poznań is the bustling heart of the capital of Wielkopolska. The largest shopping center in the region, which on three floors, with a total area of 60,000 m2, houses over 200 commercial and utility premises as well as 30 restaurants and cafes. There are 1,500 parking spaces available for motorists (3 hours parking free) and a special parking lot for cyclists. The center has a direct connection to the railway and bus stations.
Old Brewery
Buildings of the former Hugger’s Brewery became part of the new complex - multiple award-winning trade, art and business centre. Unusual architecture enters into a dialogue with the site's industrial past, a multitude of nooks and crannies hide mementos from the beer brewing times: ceramic seals, interior design elements, plaques...
Manekin
Manekin is a place for everyone who likes pancakes and for whom popular pancakes with cheese, apple or spinach is definitely not enough. This place is very affordable. Lunch for two people will be even here for 30-40 PLN with drinks. Such a long wait for dishes should not be the norm and I hope that this will change. However, for real gourmet pancakes, long waiting times are not enough obstacles.
Colorful Ice Creams
Colorful shows how to stand out in the flood of traditional ice cream parlors. There are a lot of tastes, they change basically every day, and everybody basically from another parish. PLN 4 per serving, but these are always large portions - bigger than those at competitive locations that I have been able to visit so far.
St. Martin's Croissants
The St. Martin's Croissants have been baked in Poznań for over 100 years. This tidbit made of half-French pastry and overrun with poppy seed reigns on the local tables, especially on November 11, when the entire capital of Wielkopolska celebrates its St. Martin.
Suszone Pomidory
Dried Tomatoes is a must for fans of pizza and pasta. A small, cozy and buzzing Italian restaurant in Poznań's Wilderness has stood the test of time, it has gained a group of devotees and has become a place where it is increasingly difficult to get without prior reservation. The biggest advantages of the premises are a relaxed atmosphere, smiling service and a simple Italian kitchen. Be sure to try mussels! It is also worth to try dessert.
Pod niebieniem
They refer to the national noble, middle-class and peasant cuisine, which in their tradition profusely drew from the flavors of Europe and the Orient. They refresh Polish cuisine while retaining its character and enriching with elements that make it healthier and more attractive to the modern consumer. An important part of our menu are also vegan and vegetarian dishes. Our slogan: "fresh tradition". By setting the menu, we follow the seasons and seasonal products.
Papierówka
Paper folder is famous for duck. And from the fact that every day he offers his clients a different menu. All dishes change, but the duck remains. Papierówka is a family restaurant serving light regional cuisine varied seasonally. From the first days of activity, simple, yet varied and above all tasty food is served here. All this resulted in the prestigious distinction of the French publishing series, awarded to the premises in the fall of 2015. The advantages of Papierówka include reasonable prices. In summer, a large terrace overlooking the park is at guests' disposal.
Brovaria
The spacious interiors of the tenement building no. 73-74 in Poznań Stary Rynek are a combination of the historical past and the modern present. Hidden inside is a unique brewery, an excellent restaurant and a three-star hotel. Brovaria is an exceptional place – for many reasons.
Piwna Stopa
The place we are going to visit is the Land of the Golden Beverage. Over 200 types of beers from around the world, plus 12 beers on tap are a guarantee of an unforgettable experience for any beer fan. During those warmer months try a barbecue in the beer garden, and during colder weather warm up by the fireplace. Ask for the brewing shows and new beer 'releases'.
Czupito
The only real shot room in Poznań. The menu includes over 80 types of shots at a price of PLN 5. The restaurant is known not only for the characteristic recipes shots, but also for special effects with the use of fire. Part of the shots are set on fire - the vapors are also inhaled - and the bar itself.
Language & Traditions
The official language in Poland is Polish. In connection with the Polish education system, most Poles know at least one foreign language, especially English or German.
Poland is a country that retains its traditions. Since Poland's population is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic, that means that many Polish holidays follow Catholic traditions. If you visit Poland during
holiday periods, you get the chance to see authentic Polish life and come home with a memorable cultural experience.
Time Zone & Climate
Poland is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Poland, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). After the Summer months the time in Poland Time is shifted back by 1 hour to Central European Time (CET) or (GMT+1).
Poznań is in the moderate climate zone. It is a transition area from sea to continental climate and characterized by significant temperature variations. The hottest months are July and August (when temperatures exceed 20C/68F). January and February, on the other hand, are the coldest months with subzero temperatures (below 0C/32F).
Electricity & Phones
The electricity standard in Poland is 230 Volts AC, 50Hz (the standard frequency in Poland). Standard European appliances do not need any adaptors. In Poland plug and socket Type C & E is used.
The international access code to Poland is +48, and the prefix number for Poznań is 61. To dial an international number from Poland you need to precede your country number with 00 (double zero). Cellular telephones: All three operators use dualband system: GSM 900/DCS 1800. DCS 1900 is not available. The major operators are: T-mobile, Plus, Play and Orange.
Currency and Exchange
The currency in Poland is zloty (zł, PLN). Although some places accept Euro, in general it is not possible to pay in Euro in shops or restaurants. It is quite easy and safe to exchange currency in many exchange (pl. “kantor”) offices located in main streets. Most of exchange offices accept Euro, American dollar, pound and Swiss franc. At the time of publishing this material the exchange rate is 1 euro = 4,33 zloty, 1 USD = 4,10 zloty. At the Ławica airport foreign exchange office is located next to main entrance to the terminal and also on the mezzanine in the main hall. On the mezzanine there is also PKO S.A. bank. There are two cash machines near the main entrance to the terminal.
Free WiFi in Poznań
Poznań offers free WiFi access to its residents and tourists. In today’s increasingly connected world, having access to free and fast Wi-Fi service is more than a convenience, it’s practically a necessity. For city visitors is a possibility to share their experiences in Poznań in real time. The Poznań wireless network range covers the entire Old Town and the Plac Wolności area, most of the tourist atractions, as well as selected bus and tram stops and lines, Railway Station and Ławica Airport.
In addition, most shopping centers offer free WiFi access. You could also ask in restaurants and cafes - many of them offer WiFi access passwords per request.
Shops Opening Hours
The opening hours depend on the owner of the shop. Most of the shops are open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. Grocer’s shops are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. From March 2018 prohibition of trade on Sunday was introduced in Poland, therefore trade is allowed only on last Sunday of the month. Shops will be closed if a holiday falls on Sunday. Supermarkets are usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., of Monday to Saturday.
Tourist Information points run by the Poznań Tourism Organization will be open on all Sundays. You will be able to get information about Poznań and the surrounding area and buy souvenirs from Poznań.
