Narew National Park

Introducing Narew National Park

Another marshland nature reserve, the Narew (nah-ref) National Park (Narwiański Park Narodowy) is just as interesting as Biebrza but not as geared towards visitors. The park protects an unusual stretch of the Narew River that’s nicknamed the ‘Polish Amazon’, where the river splits into dozens of channels that spread out across a 2km-wide valley, forming a constellation of swampy islets in-between.

The park encompasses an area of about 73 sq km, 25% of which is bog and a further 3% water. Predictably, the most abundant flora and fauna species are those accustomed to aquatic conditions, including the omnipresent white-and-yellow water lilies. Among the 40 mammal species, the beaver is the most characteristic inhabitant, numbering at least 260 individuals living in about 70 lodges. The area is a favourite ground for birds, with as many as 180 species identified in the park, including about 150 species that breed here.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008