The tree communities of Białowieża Forest
As you pass through the ancient woods, take care to note how the scene changes: even a short walk can take you through several different forest types. Europe has transformed most forests so as to maximise their profitability – draining their soils, logging their trees, and planting monocultures of fast-growing conifers. By contrast, Białowieża has […]
Białowieża tourist anemities
Anemities in Białowieża ATM/Cash machine – The village has two ATMs. One is on the outside the municipality offices at Sportowa 1. Another can be found in the Petrol Station at Pałacowa 73. Bike rental – The best place is Bike Café at the entrance to the Palace Park at Kolejowa 13. This bike rental […]
Topiło and southwest Białowieża Forest guide
The hamlet of Topiło forms the focal point of the southwest of Białowieża Forest. Its reservoir, the only water-body in the Polish side, makes for a refreshing change, and the boughs of the old-growth reflect in its waters. Nearby are many nature reserves, replete with ancient bog, deciduous and coniferous forests. In summer there’s also […]
Northern Białowieża Forest tourist guide
When I first wrote about the north of Białowieża Forest, I described it as wild, remote and seldom visited. This is now only partly true. Since the Narewkowska Road was renovated in 2019, the North of the National Park has become fairly busy, at least on weekends and holidays. By contrast, the forest outside the […]
The story and science behind the recent appearance of a bear in Białowieża Forest
This article first appeared on the Notes from Poland newsblog. Białowieża Forest is Europe’s last primeval forest. The vast expanse of dense woodland on the border between Poland and Belarus is replete with moss-covered trees harbouring species extinct elsewhere. Yet, for all its well-preserved nature, and successful efforts to reintroduce its iconic bison, since the […]
Białowieża Village Area Tourist Guide
Białowieża Village is the tourism hub in the forest. It’s where most of the hotels and restaurants are, and so most visitors will pass through here. Aside from the national park’s wonderful strict reserve, which I discuss in a separate article, the forest around these parts generally isn’t spectacular. But there are still a couple […]
Białowieża Forest Tourist Guide
Białowieża Forest can be a bewildering place to first time visitors. To smooth your visit I’ve written a guide. Navigate it using the index below. If you find this guide useful, please consider making a small donation using Buy Me a Coffee. Getting started 1.1 A brief tourist guide 1.2 How to get there 1.3 […]
Central Białowieża Forest Tourist Guide
If you’re a first time visitor, central Białowieża Forest is the best place to begin your adventure. It’s the most visited area, with plenty of well-preserved old-growth forest to be admired. Bison are also relatively easy to spot, often simply hanging out in the meadows around the villages. As elsewhere, to see the best preserved […]
A guide to the Strict Reserve of Białowieża National Park
Białowieża National park’s strict reserve is the most special forest in Europe. Since the end of the last ice age, some 11,000 years ago, natural processes alone have been shaping this part of the forest. Beginning in the 14th century, the whole of Białowieża Forest was as the private hunting ground of Lithuanian and Polish […]
Wolves in Białowieża Forest
How are the wolves in Białowieża Forest and where can they be found? These are the most common questions I get asked by visitors to the forest. The wolves here are some of the best studied in the world, making the answers to these questions lengthy but fascinating. In this article I’ll run you through […]