Poland has a real treasure for nature enthusiasts, an incredible range of beautiful national parks to explore with stunning mountain ranges, wildlife-rich rivers and a unique forests.
Day 1
The Slowinski National Park
On the Pomeranian coast the 186-sq-km Słowiński National Park extends for 33km. The park is mostly made up of lakes, the two largest being Łebsko and Gardno, both encircled by peat bog, meadows and woods. In 1977 the park was placed on Unesco’s list of World Biosphere Reserves to preserve the unchanged beauty of the system of seaside lakes, swamps, peat bogs, meadows, coastal forests, and forests, and first of all the dune belt spit with unique in Europe movable dunes. Large parts of the lakeshores have been made into strict no-access reserves, safe from human interference as they provide a habitat for about 250 species of birds, which live here either permanently or seasonally.
Day 2
Kampinowski National Park
Located in the central part of Poland, not far from Warsaw . Was established to protect the unique complex of inland dunes and wetlands, natural plant communities, rich fauna and numerous monuments of Polish history and culture. It covers areas of the Kampinos Forest situated in the glacial valley of the Vistula River. Although the majority of the forest is made up of pine, the flora is actually really diverse with more than thousand species growing there, many of which are under protection. In the Kampinos possible to see a beaver, a deer, a boar or a lynx (although that’s highly unlikely) and many others of the 16 thousand of animal kingdom representatives. A few dozens of those are under strict protection as endangered. The ancient Puszcza Kampinoska (Kampinos Forest) is on the UNESCO’s list of biosphere reserves.
Day 3
The Biebrzanski National Park
Park protects Europe’s largest national expanse of lowmoor peat bogs in the Biebrza Valley. The greatest attraction of the park are the splendid,open highmoor landscapes and uncommonly rich wildlife with elks, beavers, wolvesand rare bird species. Possible boats ride on the Biebrza River.
Day 4
Podlasie region
The multicultural region of Podlasie. The vicinity bears hardly any traces of the 21st century. Nature is the most important ruler here and people don’t try to force any significant changes. Kruszyniany and Bohoniki – where can be seen examples of Tartars’ cultural heritage – wooden mosques and cemeteries. Tykocin – the 17th century baroque synagogue and the Museum of Jewish Culture. Choroszcz – in the Branickis Palace on an isle surrounded by park can be seen the Museum of Court Interiors.
Day 5
The Bialowieski National Park
The Bialowieski National Park – the oldest in Poland, established in 1947. It is relatively flat, partly swampy, covered with oaks, hornbeams, sprouce and pines. The park is a home for the uncontested king of the forest – European Bison – the largest mammal on the continent. A visit to the Nature Museum and Botanical Park in Białowieża.
Day 5
Kazimierz Dolny
A short tour of the town situated picturesquely on the Vistula river. Romantic cobbled market square with a wooden well, two richly decorated houses with beautiful attics and the Upper Castle with the watch-tower.
Day 6
The Ojcowski National Park
The smallest of all Polish national parks. Within its area it preserves numerous limestone caves, scenic ravines, rocky passes and spectacular rock formations with the famous „Hercules’s Club”. Its carstic landscape features many streams and gullies. The limestone cave, the „Pieskowa Skała” Castle – the best preserved example of medieval bordering fortresses known as „The Trail of the Eagles’ Nests”.
Day 7
Zakopane
The town with its unique style of wooden architecture, known as the „Style of Zakopane”. Huts, cottages, chapels built of rounded timber, churches with campaniles and tiny ridge turrets – all covered with shingle. A visit to the Museum of Zakopane Style to get acquainted with traditional folklore. Chochołów – a highlanders’ village where can be viewed the uniquely preserved original system of architectural construction with a certain repeated pattern.
Day 8
The Tatra Mountains National Park and „Morskie Oko” Lake Breathtaking panoramas.
It is created by jagged granite ridges, post-glacial hollows nestling mountain lakes, scenic valleys, forested slopes and rushing mountain streams.
Day 9
The Pieniny National Park
Located in the southern part of Malopolska region, on the border with Slovakia. Pieniny is a small mountain range comprised of limestone rocks, offering truly Alpine landscapes. The Park’s main attractions are jagged rock massifs, steep cliffs, rich flora and abundance of wildlife. The Dunajec River Gorge, one of the most picturesque in Europe provides extraordinary and unforgettable experience. The Dunajec is one of those rivers which can offer raft trip through the gorge accompanied by local highlanders dressed in colourful costumes.
