Bialowieska Forest, Poland and Belarus is this last vestige of the once-vast woodland. Here, in the North Sea to the Russian steppes, you will have an exciting experience. For those nature lovers, this is the perfect place to be. Over here, you’ll find the lowland Europe’s last remaining primavera forest with trees in all shapes and sizes.
Things to do
Hiking in the Forest
Start your trip by exploring all the plenty of hiking trails. In Bialowieska Forest you’ll find an incredible pristine area that has been living without human intervention for more than 800 years. Also, with your licensed guide, you’ll get to know a deeper insight into the cultural, natural and historic value of the forest.
Bison Tracking
In this forest, you’ll find many species of animals that you can only find in the zoo’s somewhere else. However, the most important animal here is the bison, the European one. In this part of your trip, you’ll learn everything you need about the largest mammal living in Europe in his natural habitat.
Birding
In Bialowieska, you’ll be able to see many bird species that came rarely in Europe. Over there, you’ll be able to start in birdwatching. Also, you can find the bird you want if you already have experience doing this. Besides, you’ll be part of a birding excursion in the forest.
Cycling
One of the best ways to explore this forest is by cycling. In Eastern Poland, you’ll find the paradise for bickers and the perfect roads to do it. Also, you’ll be able to bike for hours without getting tired and experience the wide dimensions of Bialowieza. At the end of your biking trip, you’ll find a picturesque village.
How to get there
There are different ways to get to the Bialowieska Forest from the Warsaw Airport ( WAW).
- By Train: it’s a 6-hour and 4-minute trip from Warszawa Lotnisko Chopina to Hajnowka. Over there, you’ll take a taxi to the Bialowieza Forest. It has a price of $32 to 52 USD.
- By Bus: it’s a 7-hour 54-minute journey. You’ll take the first bus from Warsaw Airport to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Over there, you can rent a car to the Bialowieza Forest. The estimated price is $16 to 27 USD.
- By Drive: this is the fastest way to get to the forest. You can rent a car at the airport and ride your way there for $30 to 45 USD.
When to go
The best time to visit Bialowieska Forest is from late March through early October. Otherwise, you’ll find a very cold and snowy winter.
How long
If you truly want to explore this forest you’ll need to stay at least two or three days so you can make the tour many times and get to know different things and species around the forest.
Opening and Closing Hours
You can explore this forest at any time you want. However, keep in mind that the inside tour takes around 3 hours. Also, if you want to see the Bisom, you’ll need to camp and wake up at 3 am.
Planning
Bialowieska Forest has a protected area divided into an inner zone and an outer zone. If you want to visit them you must be accompanied by a registered guide to really know how to read the forest. Therefore, remember to book in advance. I recommend you the Tour Baialowieza at night.
Inside Information
In this place, they’re very strict with the rules. You will have to be very careful not to go with big groups or leave garbage somewhere. Besides, the road has a specific path that you must follow.
In the same way, remember to take your warmest clothes. So that mosquitoes or other animals are not a problem and you can really enjoy your trip, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are the best options. Above all, remember to take your repellent with you and your best hiking boots.
History
Until the 14th century, the northeastern area of Europe was covered by ancient woodland. At first, travel through the woodland was only river routes, later it appeared roads and bridges. This forest belonged to different reigns that strove to protect its fauna and flora.
Later, after the Wars, part of the forest was divided between Poland and the Belarusian SSR of the Soviet Union. Finally, when the Soviet Union was dissolved, the reserved stayed between Poland and Belarus.
Websites
www.bpn.com.pl
Other Nearby Attractions
Narewka river
In the Bialowieza Village, you’ll find this beautiful river that you can explore by canoeing. Over there, you’ll make a trip through a major part of Bialowieza and 21km more of Belarus. Also, you’ll have all the time you want to use amazing kayaks and enjoy all the lovely surroundings.
Barbara Banka’s Art Gallery
In Bialowieza, besides the beautiful forest and places to explore you will find one of the oldest houses in the village. This art gallery was the place of Barbara Banka with all her paintings about forest, animals, and plants. If you are a lover of art, here you’ll find some magnific illustrations. Finally, you can also get to know her and talk about her work as a painter and a forest guide.
Hand ride train
If you want the perfect activity for your family or big groups, this will be the perfect one. To enjoy the beauty of a railway and without destroying nature with scenic train lines, I highly recommend this attraction. Also, this is the perfect one for making an incredible physical activity. Make the most of your fun with people ready and motivated to pump around the forest.
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