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Bieszczady National Park adventures

Bieszczady National Park Adventures

Bieszczady National Park is Poland’s largest national park, famed for its rolling mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, and extensive hiking trails that offer solitude and scenic beauty.

721,494
Acres Protected
Over 200 miles
Miles of Trails
Approx. 300,000
Annual Visitors
1973
Year Established

About Bieszczady National Park

 

Bieszczady National Park covers over 292 square kilometers in the southeastern region of Poland, within the scenic Bieszczady Mountains. The park's landscape is characterized by gentle, grassy ridges rising up to 1,346 meters at Tarnica, the highest peak. These mountains are part of the Eastern Carpathians and feature an undisturbed natural environment with beech and fir forests, meadows, peat bogs, and alpine pastures. The park plays a vital role in preserving the last large populations of European bison, brown bears, lynx, and wolves in Poland, as well as a diverse array of bird species, including eagles and owls. It was established in 1973 and is part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve shared with Slovakia and Ukraine. Outdoor activities in Bieszczady National Park center primarily around hiking, with well-marked trails traversing stunning ridge lines and remote valleys. Some popular hikes include trails to Mount Tarnica and the Połonina Caryńska and Wetlińska meadows, known for their panoramic views and vibrant seasonal colors. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, landscape photography, and snowshoeing in winter. Visitors are drawn by the park’s peaceful atmosphere and relative remoteness, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience pristine natural habitats and traditional rural culture. Accommodations around the park range from small mountain huts to guesthouses in nearby villages. The park is managed with an emphasis on ecological preservation, offering educational programs and guided tours. Bieszczady National Park remains one of Europe’s wildest landscapes, enticing outdoor enthusiasts with its tranquil charm and exceptional ecological value.

Highlights

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Tarnica – highest peak offering panoramic views of the Carpathians

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Połonina Wetlińska and Połonina Caryńska – open grassy meadows with sweeping vistas

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Large populations of European bison and other large mammals

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Remote and tranquil hiking trails with limited visitor traffic

Notable Natural Features

Tarnica Peak

The tallest summit in the park at 1,346 meters, Tarnica offers extensive views over the Carpathians and a rewarding climb for hikers.

Połoniny Wetlińska

A striking alpine meadow ridge featuring panoramic views and an iconic mountain shelter, the Chatka Puchatka.

European Bison Reserve

A protected area within the park dedicated to the conservation and observation of Europe's largest land mammal.