places to visit between Bratislava and Warsaw

Jane, That's some distance from Bratislava (Preßburg) to Warsaw via Gliwice (Gleiwitz). I stopped at that station on the train departing from Krakow to Katowice (Kattowitz). Something in between of, "even a little out of the way," I would suggest two places since you're motorised: en route to Gliwice but southwest of it is the town of Pszczyna (Pless) in the former Prussian Upper Silesia (Oberschlesien), maybe a little out of your way. See the famous chateau (Schloss) in that town, very historic, well worth it. Nest suggestion is Lodz, maybe an overnight stay.

Thank you, Fred. I will do a little reading about Pless and Lodz. I there something not to miss in Lodz?

Perhaps I wasn't clear that this is definitely a two day (or maybe two and a half day driving trip. Jane

Depending on your interests, you might stop by Czestochowa to visit the Jasna Gora Monastary, home of the famous Black Madonna icon. There's not that much to the town, but Jasna Gora is considered a place of pilgrimage in Poland. I'm not religious, but I found the visit very moving. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasna_G%C3%B3ra_Monastery And depending on how long you have and what you consider "a little out of the way", Krakow or Wroclaw aren't too terribly out of the way, though doing both would be. Though they are both beautiful, I prefer Krakow, my favorite city.:) However, from what I've read recently, it has become quite crowded; Wroclaw is considered a less touristy alternative.

Hi, You're welcome. Of course, Krakow. I didn't suggest Krakow or Wroclaw (Breslau) since either one of them may be too out of the way. Depending on how much time you are alloting the ride to Warsaw, Krakow is more feasible logistically. After staying there going westward gets you to Katowice, from Katowice in less than an hour you'll be in Pszczyna (Pless/Oberschlesien). The train takes ca. 45 mins. I recommend Pless and its Schloss not only for its unique historical value but also if you want to see a small town.

I'm sure Fred was right not to mention Krakow or Wroclaw in his original answer. You are probably well aware of Krakow's attractions (Wroclaw is a little less well known) and just don't have the time. I felt silly mentioning them, but there was a nagging voice in the back of my head saying, "Well, maybe she doesn't know how great they are." I've met people who still think of Krakow as a sad, grim industrial town. I hated to think of anyone missing out on the opportunity to visit Krakow (or Wroclaw) due to a misapprehension. I certainly didn't feel Fred had overlooked anything. :) Anyway, have a great trip!

"...how great they are." @ Penny...absolutely agree about Wroclaw (Breslau) and Krakow. Between the two I have only visited, as yet, Krakow, a lovely place not to missed but as regards to distance and to give ample time the tip to Warsaw will take extra days getting there. Krakow survived the war intact, pretty much undamaged, and wasn't turned into a devastating battle ground as was in the case of Breslau. The simple problem is a matter of choice once you enter Poland from Bratislava en route to Warsaw numerous places are worthy of your time, certainly all of those mentioned here. Then you have factor in time and distance.