Scattered all over the region, from the Suwałki District in the north to the border with Belarus in the south-east, the national parks in Podlaskie spread over 900 km2. It is roughly twice the size of the Warsaw metropolitan area. These protected areas cover primaeval forests, vast woodlands, river valleys, wetlands and animal habitats.
Discover them on foot, on a bike or in a kayak. Embark on an unforgettable journey, to remind yourself that nature is your true home.
PRIMAEVAL FOREST
BIAŁOWIEŻA NATIONAL PARK
The unquestionable symbol of the region. The Białowieża National Park is home to the European bison, Europe’s largest land mammal, which has been reintroduced here after over 30 years since extinction. Today, with several hundred of European bisons freely roaming these lands, the chances of coming across the majestic King of the Forest are quite high.
The Park protects Europe’s only surviving deciduous primaeval forest – an ecosystem untouched by human hand. When planning your visit to the Białowieża Forest, be sure to include a guided tour into the strict protection area. You will be left in awe over the sheer number of the shades of green, the vibrant micro cosmos of a moss-covered tree and the monumental majesty of ancient oaks.
REALM OF WETLANDS
BIEBRZA NATIONAL PARK
Poland’s largest national park, which covers a vast wetland full of marshes and peat bogs. The Biebrza Valley has retained its natural character and provides habitat for a wealth of bird species, including the remarkable ruff, which proudly flutters its wings in the Biebrza National Park’s logo. When crossing the Park along the Tsar’s Route, be prepared to meet the mighty elk, majestically strutting around the wetlands.
Featuring an extensive network of hiking, cycling and kayaking trails, the Park lets you immerse (at times even literally!) in the pristine nature untouched by human hand.
POLISH AMAZONIA
NAREW NATIONAL PARK
Located in the very heart of the region, this national park is often nicknamed “the Polish Amazonia”. One of Europe’s few braided rivers, the Narew features a number of channels and old riverbeds, which create scenic backwater pools.
You can cross the river with a “pychówka” – traditional boat once used for farm work and take a walk on an extremely photogenic footbridge leading over the wetlands on the Waniewo-Śliwno route. Walk along its section from the side of Waniewo and climb the observation tower with a panorama of the Narew wetlands.
TREASURES OF THE SUWAŁKI DISTRICT
WIGRY NATIONAL PARK
The Wigry National Park is dotted with tens of dazzling post-glacial lakes. The largest and most impressive of them is Wigry – one of Poland’s purest and most beautiful lakes. With its varied shoreline, numerous islands and bays, Lake Wigry provides habitat for many protected animal species, including a wide range of birds and the Park’s symbol – the beaver. Overlooking the lake is the post-Camaldolese Monastery, a place of extraordinarily mystical ambience.
The Wigry National Park is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. It offers an array of fun-packed opportunities for sailing on Lake Wigry or kayaking on the Czarna Hańcza, an enticingly wild and diverse river, the longest in the Suwałki District.
