The Cipher Bureau: A Poland Travel and History Blog

Discover Poland's past and present through the Poland at War Tours blog. From travel tips and recommendations to deep dives into lesser-known aspects of Poland's wartime story — the best of Polish history and travel, all in one place.

Explore Our WW2 Blog and Polish Travel Articles

Jagiellonian University: Poland’s Oldest University

Explore the history, notable alumni, and cultural legacy of Jagiellonian University, Poland’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning.

The Revolutionary Life of Tadeusz Kościuszko

Learn about the life and legacy of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a warrior leader who fought for liberty and equality across two continents. Read more…

5 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Poznań, Poland

Join Poland at War Tours as we explore five of our favourite historical sites in Poznan, the birthplace of the Polish nation…

Why Were Most Concentration Camps Located in Poland?

Understand the historical, geographical, and logistical reasons behind the location of most Nazi concentration and extermination camps in Poland.

What Are Poland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Join Poland at War Tours as we run through Poland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites – learn all about Poland's fascinating history.

What Sights Should A First-Time Visitor To Warsaw See?

Learn about Warsaw’s top historical attractions, including the National Museum, Warsaw Rising Museum, and the Poster Museum. Read more…

How Did WW2 Begin?

Join Poland at War Tours as we discuss the political landscape and events that led up to the bloodiest, most destructive war in the history of mankind.

A Guide to Historic Kraków: Part 1 (Updated 2024)

As home to Europe’s largest medieval square and with an Old Town included on UNESCO’s first-ever list of World Heritage Sites, Kraków is one of Poland’s greatest cities for history...

A Guide to Wrocław’s Historical Attractions

The largest city in western Poland, Wrocław, is a bustling hub of creative and cultural life. Throughout its long and tumultuous history, Wrocław has fallen under the control of Poland,...
Old crane Gdansk

A Guide to Historical Gdansk (Updated 2024)

If you’re passionate about history, then Gdańsk is a must-visit European destination. Though inhabited by Baltic tribes since the Bronze Age, the city’s recorded history began in 997 AD when...
Warsaw Old Town from Above

Was Warsaw Totally Levelled?

Join Poland at War as we look at Warsaw's attempted destruction during WW2 and its eventual rebirth into the vibrant, capital city it is today.
Railway to Auschwitz

Why Should Auschwitz Concentration Camp Be Preserved?

A memorial to humankind's most tragic chapter, and the world's most important surviving WWII site. But should Auschwitz be preserved? Read more.
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Damien Stewart, Historian and Guide on Our WW2 Trips in Poland

Hosted by psychologist and historian Damien Stewart, these WWII tours in Poland guide you through Poland's storied past

Damien’s passion for the story of Poland during the Second World War has developed beyond the creation of Poland at War Tours and become a professional pursuit. He puts all of this passion into planning every WW2 trip in Poland, both for people travelling solo and for those looking for a Poland group tour.

Damien has had an interest in military history since he was a little boy and in 2018