The Tatra Mountains may be well-established as a tourist destination, but few foreigners know that southern Poland also boasts a bona fide desert.
The Bledkowska Desert - which spans some 30 square kilometres - is the largest of its kind in Central Europe. According to legend, the sandy expanse was created by Master Twardowski, a 16th century sorcerer who is a ubiquitous figure in Polish folklore. Nevertheless, the site has shrunk considerably over the last century, owing to being planted with alien vegetation.
However, local authorities will soon receive subsidies to help return the desert to its former state. Recent encroachments will be removed, and trails for tourists introduced.
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