Rolling hills covered in beech forests stretch across southeastern Poland. Wild European bison roam freely through meadows, while wolves and bears inhabit remote valleys.
Bieszczady National Park, in southeastern Poland, covers 292 square kilometers of ancient beech forests where brown bears roam freely and European bison graze in mountain meadows. You can climb the rocky path to Tarnica peak at 1,346 meters, walk through wild połonina meadows above the tree line, or spot golden eagles nesting in the higher regions. With less than 1 person per square kilometer, this remote corner of Poland lets wildlife follow their natural patterns.
The park sits in Poland's extreme southeast, bordering Slovakia and Ukraine. From Rzeszów, the nearest major city, you can drive 170 kilometers to Ustrzyki Górne, the main gateway to the park. Public buses run from Rzeszów to Ustrzyki Górne with a change in Sanok, taking about 4 hours.
More than 500 European bison move through the forests of Bieszczady. You might spot brown bears foraging for berries, wolves hunting in packs, or lynx and wildcats stalking through the underbrush. Golden eagles build their nests in the higher regions, while the rare Aesculapian snake lives primarily within these park boundaries - its largest population in Poland.
You'll find 140 kilometers of marked hiking paths equipped with wooden signposts, rain shelters, and anti-erosion infrastructure. The steep trail to Tarnica peak (1,346 meters) takes 3-4 hours to complete, while gentler routes follow the połonina meadows above the tree line. Remember to stay on marked trails - 70% of the park is a strict preserve.
Buy your park entry ticket at the entrance gates or visitor centers. Two campgrounds at Bereżki and Górna Wetlinka provide basic facilities. Local buses connect various trailheads during peak season (June-September). About 450,000 people visit annually, with the busiest days falling on summer weekends.
Spring through autumn brings temperatures suitable for long hikes, typically 15-25°C in summer. Winter temperatures drop below freezing, and snow covers most trails from December to March, limiting access to some areas. The park remains open year-round, but services reduce significantly in winter.
You can explore abandoned villages throughout the park, where empty clearings and old fruit trees mark former settlements. These villages emptied in 1947 during "Operation Vistula," when the government forcibly removed thousands of Boyko and Łemko residents. Several wooden Orthodox churches still stand among the ruins, with detailed information panels explaining their history.
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