About Białowieża Forest

The Białowieża Forest offers visitors almost 548 square miles of a primeval forest. It is a biosphere reserve that crosses across the Polish and into the Belarusian borders.

On the Polish side, you will find the village from which the forest takes its name. You will also find a hotel and restaurant in buildings previously owned by Russian Tsars. If you’re even a rookie birdwatcher, now’s your chance to observe the rare birds in the forest with a local ornithologist. Take a guided tour into the protected areas to see some of the 800 bison that make the Białowieża Forest their home. Foot tours, bike tours, sled tours, or even tours in a horse-drawn carriage are a fantastic way to get back to nature.

The oak trees are so big here they even have names. One of the thickest trees in the forest is the Great Mamarazzi. What is a country, or forest, without a king? The King of Nieznanowo is 125 feet tall and its first branches are 50 feet up its trunk. One of the thickest living trees is the Guardian of Zwierzyniec with a circumference of 259 inches. It lives even though it is bent over from its sheer size. If your travels through Białowieża Forest take you to Belarus, that’s okay. There’s a border crossing available to you.

Must See

  • European Bison
  • Wolves, Lynx
  • Red Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Elk
  • Roe Deer

How to reach

By taxi:

Take a taxi from Hajnówka to Białowieża Forest. It is a journey of 30.2 km that is covered in 50 minutes and costs 100 to 130 PLN.

Tips

  • Due to the proximity to the border with Belarus, you will always have to have some ID like a passport with you.
  • Drive carefully and watch out for animals on the road.
  • Altough the Białowieża Forest is not being associated with water sports or having a rest by the waterside, you will regret not taking your swimming costume with you. In the region, there are several artificial water reservoirs that offer beach-like ambiance in the summertime.
  • The asphalt road network within the forest area is poor. This is to protect the forest's need and natural biodiversity.
  • If you don't want to hike, you can opt to take the carriage ride into the park.
  • If hiking, make sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
  • There is a limited English-speaking crowd in this area, so book an English guide well in advance, especially during peak season in the summer months.
  • Keep in mind that most facilities will accept only local currency.

Visit Time

Sunday:           Open 24 hours

Monday:          Open 24 hours

Tuesday:         Open 24 hours

Wednesday:    Open 24 hours

Thursday:        Open 24 hours

Friday:             Open 24 hours

Saturday:         Open 24 hours

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No waiting.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 days

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 3.2°C

 

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