Poland sits at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, where shifting frontiers have influenced culture, commerce, and travel for centuries. Its location means neighboring countries are woven into everyday life, from cross-border trade to regional history.
There are 7 countries that border Poland, ranging from Belarus to Ukraine. For each neighbor you’ll find below a concise table organized by Flag, Border direction, Border length (km) so you can quickly see who lies where and how long each frontier is—you’ll find the full list below.
Which seven countries border Poland?
Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) are Poland’s seven neighbors; together they form land and exclave connections that shape regional transport and diplomacy.
How should I read the Flag, Border direction, and Border length (km) columns?
Use the Flag column to quickly identify each country visually, the Border direction column to understand where the border lies relative to Poland (north, south, east, west, or intermediary), and the Border length (km) column to compare the physical extent of each frontier for planning or research.
Countries that Border Poland
Country | Flag | Border direction | Border length (km) |
---|---|---|---|
Germany | 🇩🇪 | West | 467 |
Czech Republic | 🇨🇿 | South | 796 |
Slovakia | 🇸🇰 | South | 541 |
Ukraine | 🇺🇦 | South-east | 535 |
Belarus | 🇧🇾 | East | 418 |
Lithuania | 🇱🇹 | North-east | 104 |
Russia | 🇷🇺 | North | 210 |
Descriptions
Germany
Poland’s western border with Germany primarily follows the Oder and Lusatian Neisse rivers. The Szczecin Lagoon is a notable feature, and cities like Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice are effectively twin towns connected by a bridge, fostering close cross-border relations.
Czech Republic
This is Poland’s longest southern border, winding through the scenic Sudetes mountains. The area is a popular destination for hiking and winter sports, with numerous small road crossings connecting historic towns and villages in the Silesian and Moravian regions.
Slovakia
The border with Slovakia follows the main ridge of the Carpathian Mountains, including the majestic High Tatras. This mountainous frontier is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the famous resort town of Zakopane serving as a key gateway.
Ukraine
Forming a significant part of the European Union’s eastern frontier, Poland’s border with Ukraine is a major corridor for trade and travel. The Medyka-Shehyni crossing is one of the busiest, connecting major cities like Przemyśl in Poland and Lviv in Ukraine.
Belarus
The eastern border with Belarus runs through the ancient Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the European bison. The Terespol-Brest crossing is a primary road and rail link connecting the EU with countries further east.
Lithuania
Poland’s shortest land border is with Lithuania, forming the strategically vital Suwałki Gap. This narrow corridor is the only land link connecting the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with Poland and the rest of the European Union.
Russia
Poland shares this border with Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast, an exclave separated from the Russian mainland. This heavily monitored border serves as an external boundary of the European Union and NATO, with key crossings like Grzechotki-Mamonovo II handling traffic.