Białowieża National Park
800 bison and 500-year oaks in Europe's last wild woodsAncient oak trees up to 500 years old grow in this primeval forest, home to Europe's largest wild bison population and 52 mammal species including wolves and lynx.
Walk among 500-year-old oak trees in Europe's last primeval forest at Białowieża National Park in eastern Poland. Watch European bison graze in ancient woodlands, follow expert guides through the strict reserve's untouched wilderness, and visit the 19th-century Palace Park with its 1845 manor house. At the park's museum, learn about the 52 mammal species living here, from wolves and lynx to the rare black storks nesting in treetops.
Walking Through Europe's Last Primeval Forest
The strict protection area spans 6,059 hectares where oak trees reach heights of 40 meters and some trunks measure 2 meters in diameter. When trees fall here, they stay on the ground, creating homes for over 1,500 species of mushrooms and countless insects. You'll need a licensed guide to enter this area - they lead small groups of maximum 10 people along marked trails, helping you spot rare orchids and identify animal tracks in the undergrowth.
European Bison Population and Wildlife
Around 800 European bison roam freely in the Polish section of Białowieża Forest, making it the largest wild population worldwide. These animals almost disappeared in 1919, with only 54 individuals remaining in zoos. Today, you might see them grazing in forest clearings alongside elk and red deer. The forest is home to 52 mammal species - wolves hunt here, lynx prowl through the undergrowth, and overhead, black storks nest in ancient trees among 120 other bird species.
Trails and Access Options
You can explore 25 kilometers of hiking paths and 14 kilometers of bicycle routes throughout the park. Take the 11.5-kilometer Wolf Trail through different forest types, or walk the shorter 4-kilometer Carska Tropina path to see some of the oldest trees. In winter, these same trails become cross-country skiing routes. While cycling is permitted in the Hwoźna Protective District, you'll need special authorization to bike in the Orłówka Protective District.
Historical Buildings and Palace Park
The 50-hectare Palace Park contains several historical structures, including an 1845 wooden manor house that now functions as the Centre for Nature Education. Walerian Kronenberg designed the park's layout in the English style, incorporating winding paths and natural landscaping. Look for the sandstone obelisk marking where King August III hunted in 1752. The Natural History Museum includes an observation tower where you can view the forest canopy and interactive displays explaining forest ecology.
Practical Information and Guided Tours
Book a licensed guide in advance to visit the strict protection area. The European Bison Show Reserve lets you see these massive animals up close, along with elk, deer, and wild boar in natural enclosures. Pick up an audio guide at the Natural-Forest Museum in Polish, English, German, or Russian. Keep dogs on leashes and muzzled throughout the park - they're not allowed in the strict protection zone or bison reserve.
