ZWROTNIK Travelers Festival – a great journey around the world in the heart of Warsaw

ZWROTNIK Travelers Festival is a full-day, free event dedicated to everyone who dreams of travel — both near and far — of extraordinary adventures and the emotions that come with discovering the world firsthand. Invited guests – both renowned stars of the travel scene and exciting new voices – will share their stories about treasure hunting, touching the impossible, exploring the world, crossing borders, and above all, about their passion for travel and fulfilling dreams.

The festival will also feature inspiring debates and discussions with well-known journalists and photographers, including conversations on the ethics of travel and how to take beautiful photos while on the road. Complementing this mix of inspiration and artistry will be photography exhibitions from around the world, created by acclaimed Polish masters of capturing the essence of people, places, and moments through the camera lens.

 Among the speakers will be Łukasz Nowicki, Marcin Jamkowski, Michał Cessanis, Sławomir “Makaron” Makaruk, and Marek Suslik.

Magdalena Koniecka and Grzegorz Kłak will share their story of how they “see no obstacles,” which led them to complete the Crown of Polish Mountains despite losing their sight – an achievement recognized at Poland’s largest travel festival. Anna Olej-Kobus, Africa expert known as AfrykAnka, will take audiences to the land of deserts and bush, introducing the hot landscapes of Namibia, while Małgorzata Girek “Voyagerka” will challenge myths surrounding Pakistan – the legendary high-mountain land of fairies.

Łukasz Nowicki, a star of television and theater, will guide the audience through Algeria, Nepal, and Albania in conversation with Paweł Kunz, using his distinctive voice and evocative photographs to transport everyone into those worlds. Michał Cessanis, known from TVN and National Geographic Traveler, will enchant listeners with his story of Japan and his journey to the sacred Mount Fuji, while Krzysztof Kobus will show that Croatia still holds many hidden discoveries.

The exploration segment will feature distinguished and award-winning adventurers. Marcin Jamkowski, former editor-in-chief of National Geographic Polska and vice president of the Polish branch of the legendary The Explorers Club, will tell the story of Sierra Leone and his expeditions in search of the “porcelain wreck” near Banana Island. Sławomir “Makaron” Makaruk will immerse participants in tales of underwater adventures, Camel Trophy rallies, treasure hunts, and glider flights over K2, the world’s second-highest peak. Marek Suslik will present the icy world of extreme motorcycle exploration and his winter journey around the globe – with the very motorcycle that survived those expeditions on display at the festival.

There will also be powerful and moving stories proving that the impossible does not exist — and that overcoming limitations can bring people closer together. Joanna and Artur Kania will recount their family journey along the Camino de Santiago with their daughter Wiktoria, who uses a wheelchair. The duo Jack & Dog – Jacek Borowski and his four-legged companion Diego – will share clever travel hacks that helped them explore Poland (and Europe) as an extraordinary tandem.

Mountain inspirations, leading to summits such as Kilimanjaro, Kazbek, Toubkal, and the trekking routes of Nepal, will come from Olga Potempa (Solisci.pl). Edyta Chrząszcz will take participants on a journey through the landscapes of 80 countries, while Dariusz “Running Wolf” Morsztyn will tell stories of the northern lights, sled dogs, and the world’s toughest sled races.

A highlight of the festival will be a debate on ethics in travel and travel journalism, featuring Karolina Walczowska (Onet.pl), Marcin Wieczorkowski (Newsweek Polska), and Michał Cessanis (National Geographic Traveler). Photography lovers can also look forward to a discussion on how best to capture emotion and landscapes, with members of the Adventure Pictures collective (Marcin Jamkowski and Marzena Hmielewicz) and Edyta Chrząszcz.

 In the exhibition area, festival guests will be able to explore two photography showcases: “Territories” and “Through the Landscapes of 80 Countries.”

Admission to the ZWROTNIK Travelers Festival, held as part of the International Travel & Tourism Fair ITTF Warsaw, is free of charge. Free tickets can be obtained online at https://tobilet.pl/ittf-warsaw-2025.html or at the fair’s reception desk on the day of the event.