Bory Tucholskie: Poland's Enchanted Forests

• HelloCześć
  [cheh-shch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [doh veed-zen-ya]
• YesTak
  [tahk]
• NoNie
  [nyeh]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [proh-sheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jyen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [psh-eh-prah-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yahk sh-eh mah-sh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [doh-bzheh. ah tih]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chih mo-vish poh ahn-gyehl-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nyeh roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [h-chahl-bim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, proh-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nyeh yem myen-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdroh-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [h-chahl-bim zah-plah-cheech, proh-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [poh-mo-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eedzh soh-bee-yeh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zah-dzvohn poh po-lit-syeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zah-dzvohn poh leh-kah-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bi-wem syeh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [yeh-stem hoh-ri]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [h-chahl-bim koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tih-koh sh-eh rohz-gwah-dahm]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo jest zbyt drogie
  [toh yest zbit droh-gyeh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy można obniżyć cenę?
  [chih moh-nah ohb-nee-zhich cheh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [ktoo-rah yest goh-dzih-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyehr-vshah]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poow doh dzyeh-shon-teh]
• MorningRano
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyeh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-choh-rye]
• TodayDziś
  [jish]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshih]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-ter-eh]
• 5Pięć
  [pyehnch]
• 6Sześć
  [sheh-shch]
• 7Siedem
  [shyeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyeh-vee-nyeh]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzyeh-shon-ch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...?
  [gdzhe yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-kee yest ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chih moh-zhesh mee poh-kah-zahch (nah mah-pyeh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-dih yest nah-stehp-nih (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let (doh)]

The Bory Tucholskie, also known as the Tuchola Forest, is a vast woodland area located in northern Poland. The forest's origins date back to the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago, when glaciers sculpted the landscape, leaving behind a diverse array of lakes, rivers, and moraines. This natural beauty has been preserved through centuries, shaping the region's ecological and cultural history.

In the 13th century, the Teutonic Order began to exert control over the region. They established a series of fortifications and settlements throughout the Bory Tucholskie, using the dense forests both as a resource and a natural defense. The remnants of these medieval fortifications can still be found, offering a glimpse into the region's strategic importance during the Middle Ages.

The Bory Tucholskie region is rich in ethnographic culture, particularly that of the Kashubians, an indigenous Slavic ethnic group. The Kashubians have preserved their unique language, customs, and traditions despite various political changes over the centuries. Visitors can explore local museums and cultural centers to learn more about the Kashubian heritage, which is deeply intertwined with the history of Bory Tucholskie.

During World War II, the dense forests of Bory Tucholskie served as a refuge for Polish partisans fighting against German occupation. The area's difficult terrain provided ideal cover for guerrilla warfare, and numerous battles and skirmishes took place in these woods. Memorials and monuments scattered throughout the forest commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of these partisans.

After World War II, the Polish government initiated efforts to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bory Tucholskie. In 1996, the Tuchola Forest National Park was established, covering an area of 46.13 square kilometers. The park aims to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region, including rare species of birds, mammals, and plants. Today, it stands as a testament to the successful conservation efforts that have safeguarded this natural treasure.

Bory Tucholskie is located in northern Poland. The nearest major city is Gdańsk, which has an international airport (Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport). From Gdańsk, you can take a train or bus to Chojnice or Tuchola, both of which serve as gateways to the Bory Tucholskie area. The journey by train or bus typically takes around 2-3 hours from Gdańsk. Alternatively, renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the region at your own pace.

Once in Bory Tucholskie, the best way to explore the area is by car or bicycle due to its expansive natural landscapes. Local buses and trains connect the larger towns like Chojnice and Tuchola, but services can be infrequent. Taxis are available but may need to be booked in advance, especially in more remote areas. For those interested in outdoor activities, canoeing and kayaking are popular ways to navigate the numerous lakes and rivers.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in the larger towns within Bory Tucholskie. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages or engaging in outdoor activities. ATMs are available in Chojnice and Tuchola, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into more remote areas.

Bory Tucholskie is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police stations and medical facilities are available in Chojnice and Tuchola. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are located in the larger towns, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. For outdoor emergencies, it is wise to carry a basic first aid kit and inform someone of your plans if you are going hiking or canoeing.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, especially if engaging in outdoor activities. Layers and waterproof gear are advisable. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful and respectful when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Dzień dobry' (Good day) or 'Cześć' (Hello). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bory Tucholskie like a local, visit the local markets in Chojnice or Tuchola, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Polish goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Tuchola Forest, one of the largest forest complexes in Poland, which offers numerous hiking and biking trails. For a unique experience, partake in a traditional Polish 'ogródek piwny' (beer garden) and enjoy local brews.