Spotting in Poland

[Olief22raptor]

Does anybody know of any spotting forums/fb groups or websites in Poland? Am visiting family in the country and might try photograph some aircraft whilst out there.

(Have done so before but would be good to be better informed of locations etc this time)

Apologies if posted in wrong place

[Kurnass]

Which area you want to go?

[page_verify]

You're brave! Have you checked the news recently to see what's keeping Poland busy right now?

[roughcutter]

There's the splendid Polish AF Museum at Deblin that is well worth a visit, but I think you're taking a chance if you go off road/fence walking. Not advisable under today's circumstances.

[Olief22raptor]

Cheers i’ll look into that, did see that some bases offer visits regularly but i’m not sure if that’s still the case. Did find a potential spot for a base by the roadside around 1km from the fence line, do you think this might be fine security wise?

[DavieB]

Judging by news reports on the activity at Rzeszów you might want to give that airfield a miss!

[Olief22raptor]

Judging by news reports on the activity at Rzeszów you might want to give that airfield a miss!

I’ll bear that in mind, was thinking Minsk Mazowiecki for MiG-29s as that’s nearest to where i’m staying

[Mike]

I really think that going to any military airfield in Poland to take photos of aircraft is a really bad idea at present, and it will be that way for a very long time to come.

[Olief22raptor]

I really think that going to any military airfield in Poland to take photos of aircraft is a really bad idea at present, and it will be that way for a very long time to come.

Good point, I’ll probably go to the museum to play it safe then

[Mike]

Good point, I’ll probably go to the museum to play it safe then

It would be best to check if the museum is open before going, Poland has an influx of well over 2 million refugees from Ukraine just now and I don't think that keeping a museum open will be their number 1 priority.

[Olief22raptor]

Good point, I’ll probably go to the museum to play it safe then

It would be best to check if the museum is open before going, Poland has an influx of well over 2 million refugees from Ukraine just now and I don't think that keeping a museum open will be their number 1 priority.

It’s open…

[pg1610]

According to the museum website it is open expect Mondays as with most museums in Europe

https://muzeumsp.pl/zaplanuj-wizyte/godziny-otwarcia/

However there is also a note that states


Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the current dynamic geopolitical situation in Ukraine, as well as the introduction of the CRP Bravo alert in the Lublin Province, from March 1, 2022, we have introduced a total ban on photographing at the Air Force Museum in Dęblin: i.e. exhibitions, areas and buildings belonging to the museum and its immediate vicinity, devices and technical equipment, offices, break rooms and workshops.

We hope to understand our decision - it is introduced temporarily (until further notice)

https://muzeumsp.pl/zaplanuj-wizyte/reg ... wiedzania/

If you are in or near Krakow then the museum there is excellent

Polish Aviation Museum
Muzeum Lotnictwa PolskiegoNo information on the website as to no photography so would suggest you contact them first to save disappointment

Hopefully you will get to enjoy a visit to one or other, of these superb museums , there are also smaller museums in Warsaw center if you have time, all have websites to check opening times etc

[Xany]

In slovakia is now banned any photographing of anything to do with defence and airbases.
I would assume same in poland! Good luck

[JJC]

Echo the sentiments above re Kraków’s museum - truly superb with some absolute gems on display (Goering’s WW1 collection and the P.11 particularly). Very easily accessed via the excellent Tram, and I believe it is free entry 1 day per week.

Re spotting: a few years ago, I enquired with a local flying club at Pruszcz Gdanski Airport about visiting, as this is where the Polish Mi-24s are based. Total no-go unfortunately - no photography in or out of the base. I can only imagine that has gotten more strict in recent times.

We visited Malbork Castle too, and saw few Migs/PorAF F-16s conducting EAP missions whilst there.

Enjoy your time - Poland is a stunning country.

JJC