National Parks Archives Page 2 of 2 - Poland Tourist Information

Hiking in Poland

Hiking trails Poland

Hiking in Poland – updated 12 January 2023.

If you enjoy getting your boots on, strapping on a backpack and setting off to the great outdoors, then hiking in Poland is definitely something you should consider.

Variety of landscapes and challenges

Poland has 15,000 miles of beautiful hiking trails that offer a variety of landscapes and challenges. The Tatra Mountains, located in the south of the country, are a popular destination for hikers and offer a wide range of trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. The Bieszczady Mountains and the Sudetes Mountains are also popular for hiking, with a good network of well-marked trails.

National Parks

Poland is also home to many national parks, such as the Bieszczady National Park and the Tatra National Park, which offer a variety of hiking trails and opportunities to see wildlife. The Bieszczady National Park, in particular, is known for its untouched wilderness and scenic mountain views.

The Kampinos National Park, located near Warsaw, is another great spot for hiking. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, from dense forests to sandy beaches, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, wild boar and beavers.

Additionally, Poland’s coastal areas, such as the Slowinski National Park, offer a different kind of hiking experience, with long stretches of sandy beaches and dunes, as well as wetlands.

The Świętokrzyski National Park near Kielce is the lowest mountain range in the country and has a well-known 18 km walk that includes an ancient holy site that is now a monastery.

For those that enjoy easy walks and gentle terrain, Roztocze National Park is ideal.

Tatra mountains

For exciting high-altitude hikes head for the southern mountain ranges. The Tatra Mountains are the most popular destination in Poland for hiking. The High Tatras are the most challenging and many hikers head for the cross on the summit of Mount Giewont at 1895m. If you don’t like steep slopes, then there are plenty of alternative walks available, particularly in the valleys around Zakopane.

Slovakian Tatras

With the collapse of the Iron Curtain, border relations are now freer than ever. Thus, for dedicated hikers, the opportunity to explore the region in depth is very much an option. Poles are the first to say how wonderful the Slovakian Tatras are, and it’s well worth bearing this in mind if you want to get a full flavour of this wild region.

The Sudetes

The Sudetes, are a mountain range in Central Europe, shared by Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. A favourite way to explore the Sudetes is to take a trip to the Karkonosze National Park, a 55.75 sq. km belt that runs along the Polish – Czech border for some 25km. The park is the most popular hiking territory in the Sudetes and has 33 different trails covering a total of 100km. The two main gateways are Szklarska Poręba and Karpacz, from where most tourists ascend Mt Szrenica and Mt Śnieżka respectively. The ancient and peculiar ‘table top’ rock formations of the Góry Stołowe (Table Mountains) are among the highlights of the Sudetes.

Hiking trails

Poland also has many well-marked and maintained hiking trails, such as the R-1 trail and the R-10 trail, which are great for long-distance hiking. The R-1 trail runs across the country from the Czech border to the Lithuanian border, while the R-10 trail runs along the Baltic coast.

Overall, Poland offers a wide range of hiking options, from easy nature trails to challenging mountain climbs, and is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts of all levels.

Beskid Sądecki Beskids Carpathian Mountains Hiking hiking paths Karkonosze Karpacz Mount Giewont mountain passes Mountains National parks Slovakian Tatras Sudetes Szklarska Poręba Tatra Zakopane

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February 3, 2021

Bieszczady National Park

Bieszczady

Bieszczady National Park – updated 10 January 2023.

The Park is located in south eastern Poland within the Subcarpathian Voivodeship and it is the third largest national park in the country. The park became part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in 1992, an area which includes land in both Slovakia and Ukraine.

Diverse landscapes

The park is known for its diverse landscapes, which include forests, meadows, rivers, and streams. The park also contains a number of peaks, the highest being Tarnica (1346m) which offers the hiking opportunities and a panoramic view of the surroundings. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including European bison, bears, wolves, wildcats, deer, and many species of birds.

Wooden churches

The park also contains several historic wooden churches, which were built by the Lemko people, an ethnic group indigenous to the region.

Haven for birdwatchers

It was established in 1973 to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region, including its forests, meadows, rivers, and wildlife. The park covers an area of approximately 107 square kilometers (41 square miles) and is home to a variety of wildlife, including lynx, wolves, bears, and bison. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park. The park attracts bird watchers from all over Europe and is home to many rare and endangered species of birds of prey including Golden Eagles, Lesser Spotted Eagles, Honey Buzzards and owls.

Activities

The park has a network of hiking trails and some trails are also suitable for cycling, horseback riding and skiing. There are also several shelters and mountain huts available for visitors to stay overnight. The park also offers many opportunities for eco-tourism, including bird watching and nature photography.

Natural Forest

By far, the largest element of Bieszczady National Park is natural forest (mostly beech) and animal life is abundant there; including many endangered species such as brown bears and grey wolves. You may also see European bison, moose, deer, wildcat, beavers, European otter and lynx.

Aesculapian snakes

Don’t be surprised if you see snakes in the park because the largest population of Aesculapian snakes in Poland have made Bieszczady National Park their home. The Aesculapian is nonvenomous but can grow up to 2 metres in length. You may also see adders and grass snakes.

In addition to the wildlife already mentioned, there is also a large population of amphibians living in the park such as frogs, toads, fire salamander and newt.

Strict preserve

One of the main reasons why there is such an abundance of wildlife in the park is the way that visitors are managed with an emphasis on all activities not adversely affecting the natural inhabitants that live there. Around 70% of the park is regarded as strict preserve, which means that the use of trails is restricted.

129 km of hiking trails

The park is visited by around 400,000 people each year. Despite restrictions, there are still 129 km of hiking trails & 124 km of nature paths to explore. There are also areas put aside for horse riding, cross-country skiing and cycling.

Połoniny

Woodless, grass-covered ridges, called połoniny, are a distinctive feature of the mountains in Bieszczady National Park.

Bieszczady National Park also conducts environmental education in the form of talks, lectures, training courses, seminars and workshops.

Bieszczady National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in wildlife, history, and traditional culture. It is open all year round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months.

FAQ

What is the Bieszczady National Park in Poland?
The Park is a protected area located in the Bieszczady Mountains in south-eastern Poland. It was established in 1973 to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region, including its forests, meadows, rivers, and wildlife.

What can visitors do in the National Park?
There are many activities available for visitors to the National Park, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The park also has several educational trails and nature reserves that visitors can explore.

What wildlife can be found in the Bieszczady National Park?
The Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lynx, wolves, bears, and bison. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park.

Are there any accommodation options within the Park?
Yes, there are several accommodation options within the National Park, including campsites, hostels, and holiday homes. There are also several hotels and guesthouses located in the surrounding area.

Bieszczady National Park Brown bear Golden Eagle Grey Wolf

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February 3, 2021

Bory Tucholskie National Park

Bory Tucholskie

Bory Tucholskie National Park – updated 10 January 2023.

The Park is located in the northern part of the country in the Pomeranian Voivodeship within the Tuchola Forest; which is the largest woodland area in Poland.

Forests, lakes, rivers & wildlife

Bory Tucholskie National Park was established in 1996 to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region, including its forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

The park is known for its forests, which are dominated by pine and spruce, as well as its numerous lakes, rivers and peat bogs. These habitats are home to diverse wildlife, including beavers, deer, boar, and a variety of birds, particularly water birds. The park is also known for its ancient oaks and its rich plant life, including many rare and protected species.

The park covers an area of approximately 121 square kilometers (47 square miles). The park is also rich in history, and there are many important historical and cultural sites located within its boundaries, including a castle, a palace and many of the ancient pagan shrines.

Activities

The park offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing, bird watching and nature photography. There is also a network of well-marked trails and educational paths.

Accommodation

There are also several accommodation options within the park, including campsites, hostels, and holiday homes. The park forms the core of the Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2010.

The forested areas are predominantly pine trees and yews and the local wildlife includes deer, wild boar and wolves.

Glacial Lakes

Within the park, there are 21 glacial lakes with crystal-clear waters; which are home to around 25 species of fish and European beavers.

Bats & birds

Bory Tucholskie National Park is a haven for birds, at the last count 144 species were found including crane and eagle owl. The park is also home to several species of bats.

Bartuś

In the Park you can find rare species of plants, such as sundew or clubmoss in addition to over 300 species of fungi. There’s also a few gems to discover such as the 600-year old oak tree named Bartuś; which is located by Lake Płęsno and has a circumference of 608 cm.

Stone Circles

Among the area’s attractions are the Stone Circles in Odry, along the Wda, constructed ca. 1^st to 3rd century AD. The circles have diameters of 15 to 33 metres, and their interior is covered with stone pebbles, under which graves can be found.

The national park is very popular with tourists, particularly those who enjoy agrotourism, kayaking, inland yachting, cycling and hiking.

On the water

Lake Charzykowy is popular with sailors and provides good yachting conditions in summer and winter. The lake is the second biggest body of water in Bory Tucholskie covering an area of 1363,8 ha and is around 30 meters deep. The lake’s shoreline is inhabited by cranes, herons, cormorants and grebes.

Hiking trails

Within the park, there are three educational paths with a total length of 16.4 km in addition to five hiking trails with a total length of 45.6 km. There are also trails for horse riders and mountain bikers.

Around 7% of the park is under strict protection and 91% is under partial protection leaving just 2% where any kind of business activities are permitted.

Bory Tucholskie National Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and those interested in the history and culture of the region.

FAQ

What is the Bory Tucholskie National Park in Poland?
The Park is a protected area located in the Tuchola Forest in northern Poland. It was established in 1996 to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region, including its forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.

What can visitors do in the National Park?
There are many activities available for visitors to the Park, including hiking, biking, birdwatching, and boating. The park also has several educational trails and nature reserves that visitors can explore.

What wildlife can be found in the Bory Tucholskie National Park?
The Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lynx, beavers, otters, and over 200 species of birds.

Bory Tucholskie National Park Lake Charzykowy Tuchola Forest

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February 3, 2021

Słowiński National Park

Słowiński

Słowiński National Park – updated 11 January 2023.

The Park is a very popular attraction for nature lovers and hikers and is located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship between Łeba and Rowy on the Baltic coast. The park is 186 sq km in size and extends for 33 km. In 1977 the park was placed on Unesco’s list of World Biosphere Reserves. The park is known for its unique and dynamic coastal landscapes, including sand dunes, beaches, and sea cliffs, as well as for its diverse plant and animal life.

Lakes & rivers

Słowiński National Park consists mainly of lakes and rivers surrounded by peat bog, meadows and woods. The two largest lakes being Łebsko and Gardno. Historically, the lakes in Słowiński were bays; however over time, they were slowly cut off from the Baltic sea by the sandbar and today, they are shallow lagoons.

Moving Sand Dunes

One of the main attractions of the park is the moving dunes, which are one of the most unique and unique landscapes in Europe, the dunes are constantly shifting due to the action of winds, creating a constantly changing landscape. Waves and wind carry the sand inland at a speed of 3 to 10 metres each year. Some dunes can reach heights of up to 30 metres.

Recreation

The park offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and water sports, as well as fishing, bird watching, and nature photography. There are many educational trails and paths, and also a few shelters and cabins available for overnight stays.

Walking trails

In total, the park provides hikers with 140 kilometres of tourist walking trails; which are well-maintained and include benches and places to rest. There are also a number of observation towers beside the lakes. Around the park there are plenty of parking areas as well as hotels and camp sites, particularly in Łeba.

Migrating birds

Słowiński National Park is located on the path of migrating birds and at times can be home to over 250 species including swans, ducks, crows and eagle owls. Large parts of the lakeshores have been made into strict no-access reserves, free from human interference and birds feel safe there. Mammals that you may spot include hares, deer and wild boar.

The park is named after the Slav tribe, the Slovincians and the best time to visit is in late spring and summer.

The original idea of creating a preserve here came out in 1946, at a conference in Łeba with scientists from Poznań and Gdańsk.

Słowiński National Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and beach-goers, as well as for anyone interested in the unique coastal landscapes and ecosystems.

Slowinski National Park private guided tour

Slowinski National Park was formed to preserve the beauty of the Polish seaside eco-system; the unchanged sea lakes, swamps, forests, and especially the unique moving dunes. See the only ‘desert’ in Poland – the landscape so similar to Sahara that it was used by the German army during WWII as an experimental polygon for the Africa Corps.

The park’s entrance gate is located 8km from the shifting dunes. After arrival, you will be transported by an electric car to the Dunes. Admire the landscape and find out about all the flora and fauna preserved by the Park. Climb the Lacka Dune which is 42 m high and enjoy the view of the infinite sandy landscape.

In the end, take a cruise boat on the Leba lake to return to the minibus. If you want to visit also the town of Leba on the coast of the Baltic Sea, ask your guide for a quick tour – Book tickets

Slowinski National Park

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February 3, 2021

Tatra National Park

The Tatras

Tatra National Park – updated 11 January 2023.

The Park is located in the Tatra Mountains in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Małopolska region, in central southern Poland. Extending into Slovakia, the Tatras are the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains, with the highest peak being Rysy, which stands at 2,499 meters, and they form a natural border between the two countries.

Alpine landscape

The park is known for its dramatic alpine landscapes, which include rugged peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, as well as its diverse plant and animal life. The park is also home to many threatened and protected species of animals and plants.

Cultural heritage

The park is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including many traditional mountain villages and historic buildings, as well as many ancient pagan shrines.

UNESCO

Poland and Slovakia have cooperated on efforts to protect the mountain range since the early 20^th century and in 1992, the Polish and Slovakian national parks in the Tatras were jointly designated a transboundary biosphere reserve by UNESCO, under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Zakopane

The Tatra National Park is 211 square metres in size and is headquartered in Zakopane. The Polish Tatras boast two dozen peaks exceeding 2000m. The park offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding, as well as fishing, bird watching and nature photography. There are many well-marked hiking trails, mountain huts and shelters.

Landscape

The landscape of the Tatras consists of sharp-edged towering peaks and numerous rock formations including narrow gorges, which drop hundreds of metres to icy lakes. There are no glaciers in the Tatras however patches of snow can be found at any time of the year.

Caves, streams, waterfalls & lakes

Within the Tatra National Park, you will find caves, streams, waterfalls and lakes. There are around 650 caves in the park and some are open to the public. The Wielka Sniezna cave system is the longest at 18 kilometres and also the deepest at 814 metres. The largest lake is Morskie Oko at 349.000 m² reaching depths of just over 50 m.

Hiking trails

The park is the most visited of the National parks in Poland and is very popular with hikers who can enjoy 270 kilometres of hiking trails. Within the park, you may see Tatra chamois, marmot, brown bears, lynx, otters, eagles, falcons and wolves.

Skiing & snowboarding

Kasprowy Wierch (1985m) in the Tatras is very popular with Polish skiers and is suitable for all skill levels and has a 4300m run. Gubałówka with its 1500m run is also a decent place to ski and has fantastic views. The good thing about Zakopane is that the ski season can often last into April some years. Snowboarders in Zakopane have a couple of good spots to choose such as the Szymoszkowa Clearing, Witow and Bialka Tatrzanska.

Podhale

At the northern foot of the Tatras lies the Podhale region, which is home to the Górales or the Goral (highland) people. Here, old folk traditions still form a part of everyday life and distinctive elements of their culture include the Podhale language, music, cheesemaking, and craft works. The popular salty smoked cheese oscypek is made from sheep milk and is a classic traditional Górale staple and can be purchased from most shops in Zakopane and Krakow.

Tatra National Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months, depending on the weather. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and mountaineers, as well as for anyone interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the Tatras. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful mountain range in Poland, with a breath-taking landscape and rich biodiversity.

Zakopane and Tatra Mountains tour from Krakow

Visit Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. With breathtaking views and picturesque natural landscapes, it is enchanting not only in winter but at every time of the year! Captivating scenery, characteristic folk culture, highlander-style cuisine, numerous tourist trails and ski routes – all of this contributes to the richness of Zakopane, which is the most popular mountain tourist resort in Poland. The trip will start with a visit to a shepherd’s hut, where you will taste the traditional smoked cheese called ‘oscypek’. Then you will visit the Regional Museum to look at Zakopane art. After the visit, you will get into a funicular that will take you straight to the top of Mount Gubałówka to experience an imposing view of the granite and limestone peaks of the Tatras. During your free time, you can stay on Mount Gubałówka or ride down to the huge regional market square and eat dinner in one of the restaurants offering local delicacies – Book tickets

Carpathian Mountains Tatra National Park Zakopane

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February 3, 2021

Kampinos National Park

Kampinos

Kampinos National Park – updated 09 January 2023.

The Park begins just outside Warsaw’s north-western administrative boundary and is known locally as Puszcza Kampinoska. It stretches west for around 40km and is one of the largest National parks in Poland. It is the only national park in Poland that is entirely located within just one province (the Masovian Voivodeship).

UNESCO

Created in 1959, Kampinos National Park covers just over 385 km² of which 46.38 km² is strictly protected and it was added to UNESCO’s list of biosphere reserves in January 2000.

The park is also known for its historical and cultural heritage, which includes many ancient pagan shrines, as well as a number of historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Palace in Ciechanów.

Diverse landscapes

The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include forests, meadows, marshes and several small rivers. The Park is also known for its many small lakes and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, beaver and many species of birds.

Forests account for around 70% of the park’s area, and the most common tree is the pine followed by oak.

The park offers visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding and water sports, as well as fishing, bird watching and nature photography. The Park offers many educational trails and paths, and it also contains a number of shelters and cabins that are available for visitors to stay overnight.

Hiking & cycling

Kampinos is very popular with Warsaw’s hikers and cyclists, who take advantage of its 300km of marked walking and cycling trails. The eastern part of the park is favoured by walkers as it’s accessible by public transport; the western part is less visited. The park is visited by 1 million tourists each year.

Flora & fauna

There’s around 1245 species of plants within the park, of which 69 are protected.

The park includes Europe’s largest area of inland sand dunes, mostly pine tree covered and up to 30m high. Other parts of the park are barely accessible peat bogs that shelter much of its animal life. According to biologists, there are 16,000 species of animals, of which the most numerous are insects and birds. Numerous animals have been reintroduced into the park including moose, beaver and lynx and today, 83 species of animal in the park are regarded as endangered.

Tourists

Tourists are welcome on the Park’s walking, cycling, horseback and skiing trails. In addition to half day and one day hikes, there are two long trails that traverse the entire length of the park, both starting from Dziekanów Leśny on the eastern edge of the park. The red trail (54km) ends in Brochów, and the green one (51km) in Żelazowa Wola.

Accommodation

Bivouac sites designated for camping are the only accommodation options within the park’s boundaries, but there are hotels close by in Czosnów, Laski, Leszno, Tułowice and Zaborów.

Events

Many important events have taken place in Kampinos National Park and reminders of Poland’s turbulent past are numerous including tombs of insurrectionists from the 1863 anti-Russian uprising, war cemeteries from Polish German war of 1939 and tombs of members of anti-German resistance (1944–45).

Kampinos National Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter months. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers and those interested in the history and culture of the region, it is also an important natural area for the city of Warsaw.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kampinos National Park in Poland:

Where is the Park located?
Kampinos is located in central Poland, about 45 kilometers west of Warsaw.

What is the history of Kampinos National Park?
The Park was established in 1959 and is one of the oldest national parks in Poland. It was created to protect the unique natural and cultural values of the Kampinos Forest, which is one of the largest remaining primeval forests in Europe.

What can I do in the National Park?
There are many activities available in Kampinos, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The park is also home to many rare and protected species, including European bison, lynx, and beavers. There are also several historical and cultural attractions within the park, including the ruins of a medieval castle and several churches.

Is Kampinos open year-round?
Kampinos National Park is open year-round, but some facilities and services may be closed or have reduced hours during the winter months.

How do I get to the National Park?
The easiest way to get to Kampinos is by car, as the park is not easily accessible by public transportation. From Warsaw, you can take the S8 expressway and then follow the signs for the park. There is also a regional bus that goes from Warsaw to the park, but it only operates on weekends and holidays.

Cycling Hiking Kampinos National Park Puszcza Kampinoska

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February 3, 2021

Bialowieza National Park

Bialowieza Forest

Bialowieza National Park – updated 10 January 2023.

Białowieża National Park is a national park located in north-eastern Poland in the Podlaskie voivodeship and the westernmost part of Belarus. It is named after the Białowieża Forest, which it protects. The forest is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain.

Wildlife

The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including European bison, elk, deer, wild boar, wolves, lynx, and beavers. The forest is also home to many species of birds, including the black stork and the white-backed woodpecker.

UNESCO Heritage Site

Bialowieza National Park is well-known for two reasons. Firstly, it is home to Europe’s largest land mammal, the European bison and secondly, the park shelters a sizeable chunk of original lowland primeval forest, which has remained undisturbed for hundreds of years.

The park was established in 1932 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is also a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site, recognized for the importance of its wetlands.

Last untouched wilderness of Europe

The park is called the “last untouched wilderness of Europe” and has an inner zone consisting of old-growth forest which has been living without much human intervention for over 800 years.

Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest is the last remnant of the primeval forest which once covered most of Europe and several species of fauna, which were once native in forests throughout Europe, but which have now been mostly eradicated can still be found there.

The inner zone of the Białowieża National Park is completely preserved and protected by a fence, with tourists only allowed inside with guides.

Corruption

Inside, the forest lives, breathes and decays as it has for thousands of years. Outside of the inner sanctuary several more km of forest is semi-preserved although sadly there are many reports of thinning and cutting of trees, supposedly due to disease, but more likely due to corruption and the market demand for large trees.

Nature and Forest Museum

The town of Białowieża is on the edge of the forest and is located in the Polish part of the reserve. Here you will find the Nature and Forest Museum.

This museum features exhibitions relating to the park's flora and fauna, the park’s history, and the archaeology and ethnography of the region. The viewing tower provides terrific views, and just north of the museum you will find a grove of 250-year-old oaks.

Bison

The number of bison in the world is estimated at 5,000, half of which live in Central Europe. In Poland, three quarters of the local population of these great mammals live in the wild. You can come across them not only in Bialowieza Forest, but also in the Bieszczady Mountains, in Masuria and in West Pomerania.

Białowieża National Park is open year-round, but some trails and facilities may be closed in the winter. Visitors can hike on the park's many trails, go on guided tours, and even stay overnight in the park's cabins.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Białowieża National Park:

Where is Białowieża National Park located?
Białowieża National Park is located in north-eastern Poland, near the border with Belarus. The nearest cities are Białystok and Hajnówka.

Is it possible to visit Białowieża National Park?
Yes, it is possible to visit the park, and visitors are welcome to explore its forests, meadows, and wetlands on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage. Some parts of the park are closed to visitors to protect the bison population and the natural environment, but these areas are clearly marked and can be easily avoided.

How much does it cost to visit Białowieża National Park?
Entrance to the park is free, but there is a fee for some activities such as guided tours, renting of bicycles and horses, etc.

Are there any restrictions on visiting the park?
Visitors should be aware that the park is home to many wild animals, so it is important to follow the rules and regulations regarding wildlife observation. Some areas of the park may be closed to visitors to protect the bison population and the natural environment, but these areas are clearly marked and can be easily avoided.

What should I expect when I visit the park?
Visitors to Białowieża National Park can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife and natural landscapes, including large populations of European bison, as well as wolves, lynx, deer, and other species. The park also has several educational and interpretive centers, which offer information about the park's history, culture, and wildlife.

Is it possible to see the bisons there?
Yes, the park is known for its large population of European bison, also known as wisent, which is the heaviest land animal in Europe and a symbol of the park. Visitors have a good chance of seeing bisons in the park, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Is there a dress code for visiting Białowieża National Park?
There is no formal dress code for visiting the park, but visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and the activities they plan to do. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking, as well as for protection against ticks, which can be a problem in the park.

What to expect from this tour

Bialowieza National Park is a real phenomenon at a European level. The oldest national park in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe has an extremely diverse variety of flora and fauna. You will find here a whole bunch of plants and animals that occur nowhere else. According to the specialists, Bialowieza Forest is home to 25,000 species of animals and more than 1,000 species of plants.

Highlights

Discover one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest which once stretched across the European Plain
Admire European bison and many other forest animals in their wild, natural environment
Take a long walk with your local guide through the reserve of unique, old trees
Relax in the greenery and enjoy the fresh air of wild forests

Description

The Białowieża Forest is a symbol of Poland’s natural wealth and diversity. International experts have recognized its unique value, and the Białowieża National Park has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as well as on UNESCO’s List of World Biosphere Reserves.

After morning pickup from your accommodation in Warsaw, you will be transferred by air-conditioned car/minivan with an English-speaking driver to Bialowieza Village, located in the middle of the primeval forest. There you will meet with your local English-speaking guide who will take you for a long walk by a magical reserve of unique trees which are much older than any human could ever hope to live. Whilst there you can relax in the greenery and enjoy the fresh air of the wild forest.

Your hike will take about 3 hours, after which you will move on to a reserve of the European bison, which is a symbol of the park and the Europe’s heaviest land animal. Only 3,000 exist today in the whole world, out of which 1,200 live in Poland. Nowadays Bialowieza National Park is known as a home to the world’s largest population of these animals. Following the national park, you will be returned back to your Warsaw accommodation.

Białowieża Forest Bialowieza National Park European bison Primeval forest UNESCO World Heritage site

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February 3, 2021