Polska / Cuda Natury
Travelling through Poland – from the North toward the South, region by region one can discover the variety of landscapes and nature: The Baltic Sea with the beautiful never-ending white sandy beaches, the Masurian Lake district with countless lakes or the Northern East regions with curving tiny rivers, and immense forrests. Approaching southern Poland one can see the picturesque Jurassic uplands or the hilly areas of Silesia, travelling further - the spectacular Tatra Mountains (part of the Carpathians) or Bieszczady, surprising with their wilderness and unique meadows. Number of these places are really unique in Europe, or even in the world, for their environmental values (the unique broads of the Biebrza River, the primal forest in Bialowieza, or the species of birds that extinct in other part of Europe). There are 23 national parks in Poland, 8 of them are protected by UNESCO. It is the country where one can still see places that have been left intact by civilisation, with its all wild life. Here you can find lots of real wonders!
The oldest forest in Europe (UNESCO): Białowieża Forest
The National Park of Bialowieza (UNESCO) protects the oldest remain of the primal vast forest that used to cover the lowlands of Europe more than 1000 years ago. Bialowieza Forest is located on the borderland between Poland and Belorus. The Polish part covers the area of 580 km2. 500 years ago it used to be the favourite hunting are of the Polish kings, which is why settling down and tree felling was forbidden in this region. Consequently the forest survived intact until today. In 1924 the oldest national park was set up here. In 1977 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, as one of the 2 national parks on this List in Europe (another one- Durmitor is in Montenegro). In the Bialowieza forest one will find about 20 different types of the forests! The symbol of Bialowieza Forest are the bisons - the largest mammals in Poland. In 1927 the animals extincted – among the 50 mammals that were found in the world some of them were chosen to be brought to Białowieża, where the program of reintroduction of the bison in Europe started.
Main tourist attractions: routes through the Park: for the tourists, cyclists, horse riders, ski runners (in winter) with amazing views – the bison's reserve, where you can see other animals as well – The Museum of the Park
Moving dunes (Słowiński National Park)
Being in Gdansk visiting the Słowinski National Park is a must! A one day trip there gives you possibility to experience the real beauty of the Baltic Sea with its surrounding area, that is often called the Land of Water, Wind and Sand. A walk through the countless dunes brings unforgettable memories! The Park is one of the 2 sea-side national parks in Poland and was created to protects the unchangeable beauty of the seashore with its seaside lakes, bogs, and seaside woods. The famous and unique are the sandy moving dunes. They 'walk' around the seashore about 5-10 m each year! In the park there are lots of the tourist tracks, also for the cyclists. While visiting the park you can also enjoy a boat ride through Lebsko lake or you can visit the small village Kluki with its famous open air museum of the local wooden architecture.
Main tourist attractions: tourist routes through the dunes – routes for the cyclists – ride by electric car – boat trip on Lebsko Lake – visit to the open air museum of the traditional architecture in Kluki – Leba holiday resort
Top of Poland (National Park of the Tatras)
Even one day trip to the region of the Tatras gives you possibility to get the spirit of this part of Poland: spectacular landscapes in the highest mountain range in Poland and the picturesque villages with the genuine folk culture of the highlanders, traditional wooden architecture, and the local inns with really tasty cuisine. The best starting point for the trips to the Tatras is either Zakopane, a town located at their foot, or some small villages in the neighbourhood: Koscielisko or Poronin. The Tatra Mountain range is a natural border with Slovakia, with only 25% of the range belonging to Poland. The Tatras consists of 2 main parts: the High Tatras and the Western Tatras. The High Tatras characteristics are: high peaks (the highest peak in Poland is Rysy 2499 m above the sea level, in Slovakia Gerlach 2655 m above the sea level), wild, rocky mountains and long postglacial valleys. The peaks in Western Tatras are smooth, and there are lots of large meadows and caves. The National Park of the Tatras protects one of the most unique natural environments in Poland – the only one of the alpine type in Poland. The mountains are inhabited by plenty of animals: bears, lynxes, badgers, or deers. The most characteristic for the Tatras are the marmots and the chamois. The last one has become the official symbol of the park. You can see them on the trip to the highest parts of the Tatras.
Main tourist attractions: a trip to Morskie Oko Lake (on foot or taking horse drawn carriage) – a cable car to Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above the sea level) – a walk through Chocholowska Valley (available also for the cyclists or by horse drawn carriage) – Zakopane ski resort – Chocholow (traditional architecture) – wooden church in Jaszczurowka
Where the birds are born (National Park of Biebrza)
In Poland one can still find places that haven't been destroyed by the civilisation, which is why this country has become one of the largest breeding grounds in Europe! There are about 406 species of birds in Poland, 232 of which nest in this country. Most of them settle down in the wild and picturesque valley of the Biebrza River (North-East part of Poland), famous for its unique marshlands and bog moors. Lot of the natural bogs have been reclaimed in Europe. The broads of Biebrza have been left intact making it the most valuable bog moor in Europe. It is also the most important breeding ground in Europe, with more than 300 species of birds. After nesting most of them go to warmer countries to spend winter time there – some of the birds, like the storks, go as far as Northern Africa! The most popular species are: coots, great crested grebe, geese, ducks, mallard, cranes, ruffs, and capercaillies, that are under strict protection. The National Park of Biebrza is also famous for the largest number of the species of the raptorial birds in Europe. Many visitors come to this region of Poland for bird watching. Particularly popular is the period of tooting: birds tooting give really spectacular performance. Some of them, like ruffs or capercailles, sing so loudly that you can hear them being hundreds of meters away! Visiting this region in summer do not miss canoeing on the beautiful curving Biebrza River. It is a great opportunity to observe nature and feel like moving back to the times of unspoilt nature.
Main tourist attractions: tourists routes (also for cyclists) – canoeing routes (232 km) – birds or elks watching - organized rafting – interactive tours for families – Osowiec Fortress
The Kingdom of the Bats (Ojcow National Park)
Poland is the last northern country in Europe with large population of bats, thanks to the climate characteristics. In the countries with winter longer than in Poland (November-February) bats wouldn't survive such a long period of hibernation. A bat has become the symbol of the National Park of Ojcow nearby Krakow, the smallest among the Polish national parks. It protects the picturesque valley of the tiny Pradnik River, that for thousand years has managed to form the beautiful gorge in the rocky walls. The characteristic feature of the park are the outstanding lime rocks and numerous caves, that are shelters for the bats. In the park you can partly follow the Route of the Eagle's Nests (the medival castles built on the rocks like the eagles' nests) admiring the ruins of the castle in Ojcow, or the beautiful Pieskowa Skala Castle.
Nevertheless the most amazing place in Poland where you can find bats is Nietoperek, one of the largest winter shelters of the bats in Eastern Europe – each year about 30 thousands bats hibernate here for winter! The location of this reserve is rather unique. The bats' winter shelter is located in the largest fortress built by the Germans between 1933-45. It is the system of underground concrete tunnels and chambers, about 30-50m deep and 30 km long (Wielkopolska region).
Main tourist attractions of the Ojców national Park: walking routes – ride by horse drawn carriage – cave of Lokietek – Pieskowa Skala Castle – Ruins of Ojcow castle – a church in Grodek – wooden chapel in the Pradnik valley – wooden architecture of Ojcow
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