???Białowieża Forest is the last remaining fragments of Europe’s primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. You can visit this one of Europe’s natural treasures from the Polish side. The Białowieża National Park situated in the north-east part of Poland and covers a part of the Białowieża Forest extending over 100 square kilometres.
?? The Białowieża National Park was established in 1932, is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna – from 809 vascular plants species to over 3 thousand cryptogams and fungi species; from 59 mammal species to over 250 bird.
? The symbol of the park is the European Bison, the biggest European land mammal, which was almost completely eliminated In the 18th century until the first reserve was established in 1929 to save bisons from extinction. In the first half of the 20th century, the park turned out to be the most important sanctuary. Nowadays there are about 500 bisons living in the Polish part of Białowieża Forest, which is the biggest wild population of this species in the world. Besides the European bison, there are also many rare species that can be identified only in Białowieża Forest or few places worldwide. If you want to take a close look at bisons and other wildlife, the Białowieża National Park is an ideal place for you to travel.
?The Białowieża National Park is the only Polish natural property designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and it is also recognized as the most important central zone of Białowieża Forest Biosphere Reserve.
The top things to do in Białowieża National Park.
?Come face to face with bison ?
The first place on a list of “must-see” attractions is the European bison Show Reserve, a modern and large enclosed animal park that is surrounded by natural vegetation, where visitors can see the king of the forest – the bison! Is the best chance to observe these legendary creatures In semi-natural conditions. Besides, the reserve also holds several other species including elks, deer, roe deer, wild boars, wolves and lynx that you may observe them as well. With flat roads and good facilities, the reserve is easily here accessible for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs. It’s worth remembering that the best time to visit is in the morning, when the sun is not very hot and animals do not rest out of sight to avoid the sun.
?Bird watching in the Forest ?
The Białowieża Forest lies on the border of two different woodland zones – the mixed deciduous and the boreal ones which a variety of birds are attracted to. Visitors can find many bird species such as woodpeckers (10 species of woodpeckers), owls, eagles, flycatchers and the smallest European birds: goldcrest and firecrest. Since many species of birds are increasing their range, it’s easier to watch them in various parts of the forest. Little tip. If you want to watch some special birds, an experienced guide could help you design the appropriate travel route.
?Visit Nature and Forest Museum ⛪️
Nature and Forest Museum is the oldest museum in the Polish national parks, its traditions date back to the interwar period. The museum presents exhibitions relating to the park’s flora and fauna, the history of park, and the archaeology and ethnography of the region. Visitors can see nearly all species of animals and plants that exist in the forest, take a close look at those creatures and learned about their lifestyle in the forest.
?Cycling in the Forest ?
The Białowieża Forest is an ideal place for bikers with flat gravel roads and no cars at all. There are many routes to choose from, along with different length and complexity. But I highly recommend the perfectly marked and organized Green Velo trail that goes across the whole eastern part of Poland.
