The Gałęscy moved out of the city to live in the country few years ago. They bought a farm, renovated the house and the adjacent buildings. We started with one room, adopted for renting purposes in the farm buildings – says Zofia Gałęska. As our children grew up and moved out, our home started to feel empty. At that time, three more rooms were assigned for holiday makers. At present, they rent four rooms with bathroom and kitchen annex. The basic condition to attract tourists from a city to the farm is to provide them with access to hot water and toilet, however, Ms. Zofia emphasizes that her house’s biggest asset is its location. It is not a coincidence that their farm is idyllically called “Dolina Stawów” (The Valley of Ponds). Wanderers and fishermen will find here everything what they need to enjoy their free time. There are two fish ponds close to the house, and a little bit further there are several lakes. The hosts offer off-road motorcycles for longer excursions. In the neighborhood there is also an airport, where powered paragliders take off.

The centerpiece of the hostess is delicious cooking: home made bigos and dumplings. „Dolina Stawów” is often visited by tourists from abroad.

In the neighborhood of Poznań there are more than 80 agricultural holdings, in Wielkopolska about 400. The biggest number of them was established in the first half of the 90s, as the farmers were looking for additional sources of income. The cost of the visit in such a holding amounts to PLN 17-30 for one person, for 24 hours. Full board costs PLN 25-35 more. A dinner costs usually a dozen or so PLN.

However, there are people who do a great business in the field of agriculture. Little country palaces or big houses have been adapted for the holiday makers. Some of them have built pretty large guesthouses. The season in such holdings lasts all year long. Not only family holidays, but company events and training, balls, weddings and New Year’ Eve and carnival parties including sleigh rides and baked rams are organized as well.

Poland’s accession to the European Union positively influenced the development of agriculture in Wielkopolska. Tourists from abroad are the ones who visit the holdings more willingly, and the hosts can count on support for the EU funds. Owners of the holdings, who belong to our associations, and their holdings have been granted a category, can apply for a grant amounting to PLN 50 000 - says Krystyna Święcicka, the President of the Poznań Agricultural Association. The UE aid caused that many young farmers and the city inhabitants who seek an idea to establish their own business in this branch of economy have became interested in agriculture.

However, holidays in the country are not for everyone. They are only for those who like resting in a peaceful environment and in close contact with nature. It is not an offer for people who like spending their holidays in a four-star hotel with a swimming pool. In order to not be disappointed with the accommodation offered by the hosts, it is worth finding out as much as possible about the place we plan our visit to.

Further information can be found at www.agro-turystyka.com.pl.

Picture: Poznań Agriculture Association