This is the oldest section of the Białowieża National Park and covers an area of around 47.5 sq km, bordered to the north and west by the marshy Hwożna…
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Białowieża National Park
Green, lush and mysterious, Białowieża National Park covers an area of about 105 sq km and is part of a bigger forest known as the Białowieża Forest (Puszcza Białowieska), which straddles the border between Poland and Belarus. Białowieża (byah-wo-vyeh-zhah) park is famous for two reasons. First, it's home to the European bison, the continent's largest land mammal.
Second, the park shelters what's considered to be Europe's largest swath of original lowland forest, known in Polish as puszcza (primeval forest). Much of the park has been undisturbed for centuries, leaving a fascinating mix of old- and new-growth forest. It's been designated both a Unesco World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
These days, the village of Białowieża is a popular summer weekend destination. People come mainly for the chance to hike, bike and, possibly, spot a bison (aside from the one on the label of a bottle of Żubr beer).
Explore Białowieża National Park
- SStrict Nature Preserve
This is the oldest section of the Białowieża National Park and covers an area of around 47.5 sq km, bordered to the north and west by the marshy Hwożna…
- PPalace Park
Palace Park was laid out in the 19th century around a splendid residence built for the Russian tsar, on the site of an ancient royal hunting lodge once…
- EEuropean Bison Show Reserve
This modern and large enclosed animal park around 4km west of Palace Park is your best chance to see an actual bison. Though the bison died out in the…
- NNature and Forest Museum
Located in the modern visitors centre and hotel, this museum features exhibitions relating to the park's flora and fauna (mostly forest scenes with…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Białowieża National Park.
See
Strict Nature Preserve
This is the oldest section of the Białowieża National Park and covers an area of around 47.5 sq km, bordered to the north and west by the marshy Hwożna…
See
Palace Park
Palace Park was laid out in the 19th century around a splendid residence built for the Russian tsar, on the site of an ancient royal hunting lodge once…
See
European Bison Show Reserve
This modern and large enclosed animal park around 4km west of Palace Park is your best chance to see an actual bison. Though the bison died out in the…
See
Nature and Forest Museum
Located in the modern visitors centre and hotel, this museum features exhibitions relating to the park's flora and fauna (mostly forest scenes with…
Guidebooks
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