Poland in the footsteps of the 51st Highland Division

[Tim Cullis]

I'm sketching out a four week trip to Poland for late May/early June 2009 and would appreciate suggestions on 'must see' places to visit. I had a look at the Michelin maps (set of four) for Poland and was disappointed to find they don't have the green edges for scenic routes. Normally I would try to incorporate many of these, so I'm running blind.

My interests are general history, WWII history and natural beauty but I guess I should take in some towns as well. I'm planning to take a tent for fair weather camping so campsite recommendations plus details of cheapish accommodation are also welcome.

At the moment I'm thinking of visiting the 21-24 May German HU meeting near Worms, then travelling via the Harz Mountains, Colditz, Dresden, Prague and Auschwitz/Birkenau to Krakow.

From there north via Kazimierz Dolny towards Warsaw. Is Warsaw worth visiting? Then maybe visit Hitler's Wolf's Lair at Rastenburg. Then heading west towards Gdansk.

My wife's father was in the Gordon Highlanders and was a POW from 1940-1945 in Stalag XXA in Thorn (modern day Torun), so obviously I will spend some time in the area. You can find a reference to my father-in-law on this page by searching for 'philips'. He's recorded as Hurbert, though his name is actually Hubert.

As the Russians approached in Jan 1945 he was marched along with many other POWs through blizzards 450 miles to Fallingbostel on the Lunenberg Heath, so this will determine my return route. Ideally I would like to cross the Polish/German border at Swinoujscie/Korswandt which was the route Hubert took. Officially this is a foot-only crossing. Could I wheel the bike over? I've tried looking for a contact address for the Korswandt Rathaus to ask or advice, but no joy.

Another place to visit, maybe on the outward journey is the Hackenburg Fortress in the Maginot Line which the 51st Highland were defending when the Germans kicked off the May 1940 offensive. Some years ago we took Hubert to St Valéry en Caux and found the actual orchard where he was captured by Rommel's troops a couple of weeks after Dunkirk.

So... suggestions welcome.

Tim