Hello travellers! If you’re dreaming of a truly wild adventure in Poland, far from the hustle and bustle of cities and everyday civilisation, then Biebrza National Park seems like a place simply made for you. The park is located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. This giant among Polish national parks – after all, it’s the largest park in our country – stretches across the Biebrza Basin and the picturesque Biebrza Valley. This river is its heart, you could say, the mother of the entire ecosystem. The Biebrza River, with its numerous tributaries, creates this unique landscape of swamps, wetlands, and vast mires. On the park map, you can clearly see the Biebrza River, winding its way through the bogs. The park’s landscape, although ancient, is sometimes altered by the forces of nature, such as the recent large fire that affected part of the bogs. It is here, on the vast, often inaccessible areas of the reserve, that the Biebrza flows freely, creating this unique landscape of bogs and wetlands. The park was established with a clear purpose: to protect this extensive complex of natural peatlands, including valuable raised bogs, which are rightly considered a true treasure of Europe. Within its area, you will encounter an extraordinary richness of both fauna and flora, making Biebrza a paradise for naturalists, photographers (who can take amazing photos here), and simply all lovers of wild nature.

Discover the Wild, Sometimes Virgin Nature of Biebrza National Park

What truly distinguishes Biebrza National Park and makes it so unique is its incredible, in places still virgin, nature. This is one of those few places where time seems to flow slower, and we, humans, feel like mere guests in the kingdom of animals. The park is home to countless species of creatures, and its bogs, peatlands, and wetlands provide safe refuge, serving as a habitat for many of them.

Prepare for encounters with wild residents you might not experience anywhere else in Poland. Because Biebrza can surprise you at every turn, sometimes quite literally. Let’s discover the most interesting places and animals.

The Fascinating World of Birds: Reportedly Over 270 Species!

Biebrza National Park is, without a doubt, a genuine paradise for ornithologists and anyone who simply loves watching birds. Estimates say the park is home to over 270 species of water and wetland birds. In spring, during the great migrations, you’ll see thousands of wild geese over the Biebrza wetlands – numbers can reach up to 40,000 in April-May! Alongside them, the sky is crossed by majestic cranes, stately storks, as well as rare species such as the mysterious Short-eared Owl or the inconspicuous Aquatic Warbler – this little bird is extremely important, as as much as a quarter of the entire world population is found right here in Poland!

The Czerwone Bagno (Red Bog) Reserve is home to nesting powerful White-tailed Eagles, Golden Eagles, and Lesser Spotted Eagles. You can also encounter Hawfinches, Short-eared Owls, Eagle Owls, and Capercaillie. In short – if you love birds, Biebrza stands a great chance of stealing your hearts, I assure you! Characteristic plants and animals, as well as protected animal and plant species of Biebrza National Park, are waiting for you to discover.

Rich Mammal Life: 50 Species in the Heart of These Areas

But it’s not just the birds that feel at home here. Biebrza National Park is also an important refuge for about 50 mammal species. Undoubtedly, the king of Biebrza is the elk. The Biebrza Valley is the largest elk refuge in Poland; it’s estimated that roughly 650 of these impressive animals live here. Elk are particularly fond of the Długa Luka area and the vast, boggy meadows of Bagno Ławki. This is one of their favourite spots. But that’s not all! The park also provides shelter for red deer, roe deer, wolves, lynxes, otters, and beavers. An encounter with any of these animals in the Biebrza bogs is an unforgettable experience that stays in your memory for a long time. What other animals can you see? Few national parks in Poland can boast such rich fauna.

Hiking Trails and Educational Paths: Your Adventure Map

Biebrza National Park offers many opportunities to explore its wild and sometimes treacherous terrain. Although the vast bogs might seem completely inaccessible at first glance, the park has catered for visitors and prepared a network of hiking trails and educational paths that allow you to discover its secrets relatively safely. (Just remember that all trails, boardwalks, and viewing towers within the park require entrance tickets).

The Green Trail: A Short, But Very Scenic Route

For those of you who prefer shorter, less strenuous walks, the green trail is the ideal choice. This route is 5 km long return and is a great introduction to experiencing the Biebrza landscapes, a sort of ‘taster’. It starts from the forester’s lodge in the charming village of Dobarz. It’s truly a perfect option to get a feel for the park’s atmosphere without venturing into the more challenging, waterlogged areas. You can drive here and leave your car in the car park.

The Red Trail: A Challenging Trek for True Nature Lovers

The red trail, marked GUGNY – BARWIK, is a proposal for more experienced hikers and those who enjoy long, tiring, but rewarding treks. It has a total length of 9.5 km and, like the green trail, starts near the village of Dobarz, at the same forester’s lodge. This route leads through very varied terrain, reaching, among other places, the viewing tower on Grądzik Występ (located by the Kosódka river) and further to the village of Gugny, ending its course on the famous Imperial Road (Carska Droga). It definitely requires appropriate preparation, you know, good boots, plenty of water, but the views and close contact with nature truly make the effort worthwhile, honestly. It’s worth taking a look at the area from the viewing tower.

Grobla Honczarowska: Discover the Fascinating Secrets of the Peatlands

The “Grobla Honczarowska” educational path is another fascinating route that branches off the Imperial Road (starting at roughly the 13th kilometre, coming from Mężenin) and leads deep into the peatlands, towards the lazily flowing Biebrza River. This 3.3-kilometre path allows you to take a closer look at the unique vegetation and this extraordinary bog ecosystem. At its end, there is an observation tower by a meadow called “Batalionowa”, from where truly lovely views of Bagno Ławki stretch out. This is an excellent vantage point. Be sure to remember insect repellent, because on this path, when I was there, there were probably the most of them compared to all the places I visited!

Długa Luka: A Boardwalk Through the Very Heart of the Bogs – A Highlight!

One of the most interesting scenic paths and effectively a symbol of Biebrza National Park is the famous Długa Luka. It’s a charming wooden boardwalk running through Bagno Ławki, only 400 metres long. Despite its apparent shortness, Długa Luka is an absolute highlight and a must-do! It leads right through the heart of the vast bogs, offering incredible, almost hypnotic views and a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. At the end of the boardwalk, there is an observation platform equipped with wooden benches – the perfect spot for a moment’s rest and admiring the panorama. As I mentioned earlier, elk are particularly fond of the Długa Luka area, so you can often encounter them here, especially at dawn or dusk. The start of the Długa Luka path is located by the Imperial Road (Carska Droga). Interesting fact: about 1.5 kilometres before “Długa Luka”, coming from the direction of Osowiec Fortress, there is a viewing tower by the Imperial Road, from which you can see Bagno Ławki perfectly.

Długa Luka is located roughly halfway between Dobarz and Laskowiec and is easily accessible by bike via the Green Velo trail. It’s simply a must-see for any trip to the Biebrza, you really can’t miss it!

Activities for the Active: Hit the Road, But Differently This Time!

Biebrza National Park isn’t just about leisurely walks and observing nature from safe towers. It’s also an ideal place for those who enjoy spending time actively in nature, feeling the exertion, the wind in your hair… The park offers many possibilities for cyclists and kayakers, allowing you to discover its beauty from completely different perspectives – from the saddle or from water level. It’s a place full of attractions.

Kayaking on the Biebrza: Discover the Park from a Completely Different Perspective

The Biebrza River – 165 km long, very meandering, and incredibly, almost hypnotically calm – is simply made for kayaking, seriously. Discovering the park from the perspective of the water is an unforgettable, relaxing experience. (It’s worth having a map of the Biebrza river route to make planning easier). You can set off on a kayak trip from many different places, which offers a lot of flexibility. For example, a popular trip can start in the village of Wroceń (located near, among others, Grauże Nowe, Wigry, Puńsk, Augustów) and reach as far as Goniądz. You can also set off from Wroceń and end your water adventure a bit further, in Osowiec-Twierdza, by the Bóbr campsite.

Another frequently chosen route is the trip from Goniądz to Osowiec. Importantly, kayaks can be easily rented in many places; when we were there, we rented them from the agritourism stay where we were staying at the time, which was very convenient.

Cycling Trip: The Podlaskie Stork Trail and Green Velo Await!

For lovers of two wheels, Biebrza National Park offers wonderful, even excellent cycling conditions. Two very well-known and popular cycle routes run through the park area: Green Velo and the Podlaskie Stork Trail. Between the southern end of the park and Osowiec-Twierdza, they run along the famous Imperial Road (Carska Droga), which is historical in itself and, incidentally, a great route for cycling trips. The Imperial Road stretches from Mężenin to Dąbrowa Białostocka and partially overlaps with today’s Provincial Road 670.

Cycling even a fragment of this road, especially its 33-kilometre section crossing Bagno Ławki, known as the Elk Route (Łosiostrada – and for good reason!), is a real pleasure. The route is genuinely well-suited for cyclists, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air peacefully and admire the unique Biebrza landscapes without major obstacles. You can make use of the cycle trails here.

Biebrza National Park: Traces of History and Intertwining Cultures

Biebrza National Park is not just breathtaking nature; it’s also a place deeply steeped in history, sometimes difficult history. These areas, strategically located on former borderlands, witnessed many important, and even dramatic, events, and remnants of the past add another fascinating dimension to the park.

Osowiec Fortress: Following the Traces of Former Power and Turbulent History

One of the most fascinating places in the vicinity of Biebrza National Park is undoubtedly Osowiec Fortress. Built by the Russians near the village of Osowiec at the end of the 19th century, it constituted an impressive complex consisting of four forts: Fort I Central, Fort II Zarzeczny, Fort III Szwedzki, and Fort IV Nowy. Osowiec Fortress was erected to protect the western borders of the vast Russian Empire and was intended to defend its western frontiers, which it did effectively for a time. During the First World War, all attempts by the attacking Germans to capture the Fortress ended in failure; the gas attack, after which the defenders were said to emerge from the trenches like ‘living dead’, became legendary. Only the Russian command, for other strategic reasons, ordered its troops to withdraw to a new defensive line.

In 1919, the fortress was taken over by the Polish Army, only to be garrisoned again in 1953. Currently, Fort I Central is open to visitors (Fort II Zarzeczny can only be viewed from behind the fence, although it’s worth walking around the fort to feel its scale. Forts III and IV are inaccessible to tourists, which is perhaps a bit of a shame, but understandable). Visiting is organised by the local Osowiec Fortifications Society, and there is also an interesting Museum within the Fortress grounds. The educational path leading to Fort II Zarzeczny, as its name suggests, leads precisely to this fort, while the Góra Skobla nature and history trail starts right by the BPN headquarters in Osowiec, by the fortress itself. It’s definitely worth stopping here for a longer time, feeling the spirit of history that literally hangs in the air, and admiring these powerful fortifications, albeit weathered by time.

Góra Strękowa: Polish Thermopylae and a Tale of the Fight for Freedom

Another place of immense, almost symbolic historical significance is Góra Strękowa, often called the Polish Thermopylae – or simply Strękowa Góra. It is located in the south of the reserve and is connected to the aforementioned Osowiec Fortress by the Imperial Road (this is roughly a 35-kilometre route, so it’s a long walk, but just right by bike or car). And it’s from here, from the summit of Góra Strękowa, that a beautiful view of the vast Narew river valley stretches out, a river which here, nearby, also creates incredible landscapes. On the map of the region, you can see how the Biebrza connects with the Narew. Góra Strękowa commemorates the heroic battle from the September 1939 campaign and is, in my opinion, an excellent vantage point and strategic position, which, incidentally, was also used strategically during World War II.

Following National Road 64, you can quite easily reach the Polish Thermopylae. During the invasion by German troops in 1939, the defence of this strategic point was commanded by Captain Władysław Raginis, who, along with a handful of local soldiers and volunteers, repelled the attacks of the numerically superior enemy for two long, heroic days. Captain Władysław Raginis commanded the defence of a specific bunker at this point near Wizna. Góra Strękowa is undeniably a place of remembrance that prompts deep reflection on courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, even in the face of a hopeless situation.

Practical Information: Plan Your Visit for a Successful Trip!

When planning a trip to Biebrza National Park, it’s worth gathering some practical information, including general information and essential tips that will facilitate logistics and your stay itself. Remember that this is a wild area, not Disneyland, so appropriate preparation is absolutely key to a successful and safe adventure. Lack of appropriate gear can spoil even the best-laid plans, and that’s not what you want, is it? It’s worth checking online reviews from other travellers to find out about current conditions on the trails.

Entrance Tickets: Price and Where to Buy Them

As I already mentioned, entrance tickets are required for all hiking trails, boardwalks, and viewing towers within Biebrza National Park – this is important, as the park needs funds for maintenance and protection. The cost of a standard ticket is PLN 8, and a reduced ticket is PLN 4, which is probably not an exorbitant amount for such a unique place. Children up to 5 years old can visit the park for free. Tickets can be conveniently bought online, but also at various physical locations listed by Biebrza National Park (often these are tourist information points or the park headquarters). The surest place to buy them is probably the park headquarters in Osowiec-Twierdza itself. The park’s logo is often visible on entrance gates and information materials.

Interestingly, the fee entitles you not only to enter the trail and use the educational paths, but also to kayak the Biebrza, fish (of course, according to the park’s regulations), or even walk around the park, straying from the main path, as long as you don’t enter strictly protected areas. It’s definitely worth buying this ticket – it’s real support for the protection of this place, which is unique on a European scale. Although sometimes the boardwalks require minor repairs, the money from tickets is needed.

Equipment: What to Absolutely Pack for a Trip to the Biebrza

When heading to the Biebrza, especially if you plan to venture off the hardened trails and boardwalks, or even just walk on wet grass, it’s worth thinking very seriously about appropriate equipment. Without certain things, exploring these waterlogged areas can be extremely difficult, or even impossible – for example, in spring or autumn. So what absolutely must be in your backpack? Let’s think…

• Wellies or waders – seriously, you can’t manage without these. Without them, venturing into deeper, waterlogged areas will simply be impossible and will result in wet feet, or even something worse.
• Binoculars – as you know, Biebrza is a genuine paradise for birds and mammals, and binoculars will allow you to admire them from a safe distance, without scaring them away. Particularly useful on viewing towers.
• A park map – the area is vast and it’s easy to get lost, especially off the main routes. A good paper map (or at least one saved offline on your phone) is essential; it will help you orientate yourself in the terrain and return safely. You can often buy one at the park headquarters in Osowiec-Twierdza.
• Effective mosquito and tick repellent – oh yes, especially in the warmer months, these can be, to put it mildly, troublesome. Don’t underestimate this point, because bites can really spoil your mood.
• Comfortable shoes – even on boardwalks or easy trails, sturdy footwear will come in handy, let alone in the countryside. Trainers are the minimum, and trekking boots are best.
• Waterproof bag – if you’re planning a kayaking trip, this is absolutely essential for protecting your phone, camera, or other valuable items from water.
• Sunscreen and a bottle of water – the sun in open, boggy areas can be seriously intense, and exertion and heat can quickly take their toll.

Remember to ultimately adjust your equipment to the season, the prevailing weather, and, of course, your planned activities. Pack wisely! For a deeper understanding of the park, you can use the services of an experienced guide.

Where to Eat: Restaurants and Eateries in the Area

After a whole day of experiences, walks, observations, or kayaking in nature, you’re bound to get properly hungry. When looking for good food in the vicinity of Biebrza National Park, you’ll find several places where you can try delicious, often regional, Podlaskie cuisine – and it’s worth it, because these are flavours you won’t find everywhere. When we were looking for authentic Podlaskie flavours, we came across the Dwór Dobarz restaurant (at Dobarz 8/9, Dobarz, Trzcianne municipality), very conveniently located right by the Imperial Road.

For a proper meal, we ordered the classics – sour rye soup (żurek) and sorrel soup, and from the typical Podlaskie flavours – traditional pork knuckle with sauerkraut and, of course, potato bake with mushroom sauce. I can confidently say that everything was genuinely delicious and highly recommended! But it’s not just there you can eat well; in towns such as Goniądz (located by the Biebrza River), Mońki (lying roughly between Białystok and Goniądz), and Tykocin (a charming historical town), you’ll also find restaurants offering local cuisine.

In Goniądz, at Kościuszki 43, there is the Oberża nad Biebrzą (Inn by the Biebrza), where you can try homemade dishes like broth, fried salmon, or the aforementioned potato bake with goulash. They even have a children’s burger and chocolate slab for dessert. In Mońki, at Ełcka 57, it’s worth visiting Gościniec Dworak (Dworak Inn) – they serve, among other things, fried trout with baked potatoes and fermented cucumbers (a classic!), pork fillets with seasonal vegetables, and chicken fillet with chips for children. And for dessert – meringue with fresh fruit. As you can see, there’s plenty to choose from to satisfy your hunger after a whole day in the field!

Accommodation: Agritourism Stays and Guesthouses – Close to Nature

Thankfully, there are plenty of accommodation options in the vicinity of Biebrza National Park. The most popular, and perhaps best capturing the atmosphere of the place, are undoubtedly agritourism stays and guesthouses, often offering unforgettable, typically Biebrza vibes. During our trip to Podlaskie, we stayed at one of the agritourism places in the small village of Moniuszeczki (right next to the town of Mońki), which turned out to be spot on. We were only thirteen kilometres by car from Osowiec-Twierdza – an ideal distance for daily trips to the park. What’s more, it’s also close to Narew National Park (about 50 km, worth considering a day trip) and to Białystok itself (about 43 km). Some agritourism places offer accommodation in comfortable cottages. Other places where you can easily find comfortable agritourism include Kopytkowo (an interesting place beyond Dolistowo, where the asphalt road ends and vast wetlands begin – very atmospheric!) or Dolistowo Stare (a village located directly on the Biebrza River).

Sleeping close to nature, surrounded by silence (sometimes only disturbed by a loud chorus of frogs!), is a fantastic, even therapeutic experience that I recommend to everyone. If you’re more in a ‘backpacker’ spirit or simply like that style, it’s also possible to pitch a tent at a designated campsite, for example, the “Bóbr” campsite near Osowiec-Twierdza. There are many options, just choose something for yourself.

Biebrza National Park: Closer, Even Closer to Nature

Full immersion in the Biebrza nature, understanding its rhythm, and noticing the most interesting details, does require a bit of patience and sometimes a little knowledge (it’s worth reading up before you go!), but the satisfaction of encountering this wild world is immense, truly beyond description. The park is the ideal place to consciously slow down, quieten down, and start observing your surroundings carefully, because wonders are often hidden in the details.

Birdwatching: Not Just the Aquatic Warbler, But Many Other Rare Species!

As you already know, Biebrza National Park is a genuine paradise for bird lovers, so-called ‘birdwatchers’. Many ornithologists from all over Europe come to Biebrza specifically looking for the Aquatic Warbler, this small, inconspicuous bird, but that is just one of many rare and valuable species that can be found here. The list is genuinely long: Common Snipe, Meadow Pipit, as well as the aforementioned majestic White-tailed Eagles, other eagles, or mysterious Capercaillie – everyone will find something that will enchant them! The best time for birdwatching is traditionally early morning, when animals feel safest and come out for their ‘breakfast’, and evening, just before sunset.

Viewing towers and specially prepared observation platforms, such as the one at the end of Długa Luka or by Grobla Honczarowska, are ideal spots for admiring birdlife without scaring the animals away. Sit quietly, arm yourselves with patience, and just watch – nature will surely reward you with extraordinary sights.

Visiting with a Dog: What Rules and Restrictions Apply?

Many people travel with their four-legged friends, and it’s very important to know how to move around the national park area with them. Biebrza National Park generally allows dogs on most trails, which is great news, but on one key condition – the dog must be kept on a lead no longer than 1.5 metres. Remember, however, that you won’t be able to enter everywhere with a dog – strictly protected areas, such as the Czerwone Bagno (Red Bog) Reserve (considered the wildest and oldest area of the park), are usually, if not always, inaccessible to dogs, mainly due to the protection of breeding grounds and wild animals. It is absolutely essential to always check the park’s current regulations before visiting with a dog to avoid any unpleasantness or disappointment on site. Because regulations in national parks vary, and you need to be aware of that.

Where to Park: Car Parks by the Trails and Main Paths

When planning a trip by car (and this is one of the most convenient ways to get around the vast park, allowing you to move quickly between the main attractions), you’re surely wondering where to safely leave your vehicle. On the Imperial Road (Carska Droga), which cuts through the heart of the park and along which many interesting points are located, it’s often enough to simply stop in the designated parking areas on the side of the road. Don’t park just anywhere, as it’s a sensitive area.

By popular trails and educational paths, such as Długa Luka, Grobla Honczarowska, or the trails starting near the Dobarz Forester’s Lodge, you’ll find convenient, designated car parks. The car park at the start of the path leading to Fort IV of Osowiec Fortress is located right by the Imperial Road. If you’re heading to the “Kładka” educational path, you’ll find a car park by the main road connecting Białystok and Ełk.

Leśniczówka Grzędy (Grzędy Forester’s Lodge – located near Czerwone Bagno) is also a place where there is a car park, from where the forest section of the red trail running from Rajgród begins. Always, and I mean *always*, use the designated parking areas – it’s not just a matter of convenience, but above all, of protecting the sensitive nature of the Biebrza bogs, which is very easy to damage.

Get to Know This Extraordinary Podlaskie Region Better!

A visit to Biebrza National Park is an excellent opportunity to not only immerse yourself in nature, but also to get to know the picturesque Podlaskie region better, because the park is only part of what the region has to offer. This region is famous not only for its beautiful, unique nature, but also for its fascinating multiculturalism, rich history, and exceptional flavours that stay in the memory for a long time. Once you’ve had your fill of the views of bogs and wetlands, it’s really worth taking a short trip around the area, because many surprises await you there.

Towns and Cities in the Area: Goniądz, Mońki, Tykocin and Many Other Gems

In the immediate vicinity of Biebrza National Park, there are several incredibly charming towns that are definitely worth visiting to get to know the lives of the local residents, as each has something unique to offer. Goniądz, picturesquely situated by the Biebrza River, is a great base for exploring the park, especially its central part. You’ll find the previously mentioned good restaurants and comfortable guesthouses here, as well as a beach with a Leisure and Recreation Centre, where you can pitch a tent or use the sauna after a whole day of activities.

Mońki, one of the larger towns in the vicinity of the reserve, located on the route between Białystok and Goniądz, is mainly a place where you can do essential shopping and grab a bite to eat, but it also has its charm. Tykocin, on the other hand, is a real gem, a picturesque town with a very rich Jewish history, famous for its impressive synagogue and beautiful market square, often called the European Stork Village due to the exceptionally large number of stork nests on the roofs – a breathtaking sight!

The eastern part of Biebrza National Park lies near Lipsk, a town with an interesting history. It’s worth looking at a map to see the location of Lipsk by the Biebrza in relation to the park. Lipsk was intended to be an important river port in the past, commensurate with the power of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at the time, connected by a canal to the Neman river (the town charter granted by King Stephen Báthory still serves as a reminder of this). The Augustów Canal, which was supposed to help with this, eventually bypassed Lipsk, but instead, the town became a centre for… Easter egg decoration! A powerful neo-Gothic church dominates the skyline above Lipsk, but it was the *pisanki* (decorated Easter eggs) that attracted me most there, specifically the Museum of Lipsk Pisanki and Tradition, located in the Market Square at number 2 (address is 16-315 Lipsk). The museum aims to preserve this unique tradition related to *pisanka*. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition of *pisanki*, interesting folk crafts, historical collections, and an ethnographic exhibition. Visiting the Museum of Lipsk Pisanki is possible by prior phone arrangement, so remember to call ahead. It’s also definitely worth visiting Dolistowo Stare (this is also a village on the Biebrza River), where there’s a church with a very interesting stone bell tower funded by Izabela Branicka, a historic windmill (which reportedly, or perhaps certainly, still grinds mechanically!) and a small, charming brick cellar – a ‘świronek’, looking a bit like a house for Podlaskie Hobbits, seriously! The old wooden bridge in Dolistowo, which is amazing in this day and age, is still used by vehicles – a testament to old building techniques. Gabowe Grądy (a small settlement in Podlaskie that’s worth visiting on your way, for example, to Augustów) is a very interesting centre for Old Believers, who fled from Rus’, refusing to submit to the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, and preserved their traditions. There are two temples there: a wooden one belonging to the Eastern Old Orthodox Church and a brick one of the Old Orthodox Church of the Old Believers (the Old Orthodox are Bezpopovtsy, a branch of Old Believers without the institution of priesthood). Gabowe Grądy even has a local Old Believer folk group called Riabina, which cultivates the musical traditions. Other interesting places in the area that are worth considering visiting include the Chamber of Remembrance of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in Suchowola (located in the presbytery of the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Suchowola, where you’ll find moving mementoes such as portraits, photos, a school ID, and even the table from the mortuary where the martyr’s autopsy was performed), the Centre of Three Cultures in Suchowola (a museum combined with a Tourist Information point, which tells the story of the history and coexistence of Poles, Jews, and Tatars in the region), Korycin-Milewszczyzna Cultural Park (based on the remains of an early medieval fortified settlement, a historic manor farm and a windmill moved from the village of Jatwieź Duża, showing what life in the countryside was like in the past), the Ruins of the State Agricultural Farm Complex (PGR) in Wizna (these are the remains of one of the largest and most impressive State Agricultural Farms (PGRs) in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, located near Góra Strękowa; Grądy Woniecko served as the economic base and cultural centre for those employed at PGR Wizna during the Polish People’s Republic (PRL), which is an interesting trace of a different era), the Centre for Dairy Tradition – Milk Museum in Grajewo (the first facility of its kind in Poland, a treat for dairy lovers and those interested in the local economy) and, of course, the famous Augustów Canal, which connected the Vistula river basin with the Neman river basin, and was historically intended to make the Kingdom of Poland independent from customs duties dictated by Prussia (the designer and first builder of the canal was the talented Colonel Ignacy Prądzyński; in 1968, the Augustów Canal was entered into the register of historical monuments, testifying to its historical and technical value), connecting, interestingly, with the Biebrza via the Dębowo lock. As you can see, the Podlaskie region truly holds a great many surprises – you just have to want to discover them!

Local Cuisine: The True, Unforgettable Taste of Podlaskie

The taste of Podlaskie is something you simply must try when you’re in the region. Local restaurants, but above all agritourism stays, serve dishes based on fresh, regional products and traditional, generation-to-generation recipes. Besides the many times mentioned potato bake, other popular dishes worth trying include potato kiszka (similar to babka, but in a casing), filling potato dumplings (kartacze), and a regional delicacy – sękacz, a cake that looks like a felled tree. Fresh fish from the Biebrza rivers and surrounding lakes are another must-do for foodies, because they taste completely different from the ‘shop-bought’ ones. The aforementioned Gospoda Dworak in Mońki or Oberża nad Biebrzą in Goniądz are just examples of places where you can sample these delicious treats.

But you know what, it’s really worth asking the hosts of the agritourism stays where you’re staying about recommended local specialities – the greatest culinary treasures of the region are often hidden in humble, home kitchens, ones you won’t find in any restaurant. Yes, from my own experience, I know this is the best strategy, because the food there is made with heart, isn’t it?

So… Plan Your Unforgettable Adventure in the Heart of Poland!

Biebrza National Park is a place that has something magical about it – it draws you in, surprises you, and stays with you long after you return. Its wildness, the incredible richness of nature, and the traces of turbulent history woven into the landscape create a unique mosaic that you won’t find anywhere else in Poland, or perhaps even in Europe? Regardless of whether you are keen ornithologists ready to spend hours birdwatching, lovers of long, challenging hikes through the bogs, or simply looking for a moment’s respite from the city bustle, closeness to nature, and quiet, Biebrza will certainly enchant you, move you, and leave an indelible impression. Just remember the appropriate preparation, buying entrance tickets, which support the park, and most importantly, respect for this wild, fragile nature. Because this is an unforgettable adventure in the very heart of Poland, just waiting for you to discover it, feel it, and experience it first-hand. Go for it!