Ah, Bialowieza! A magical place in Podlasie that immediately stole our hearts. Right after our native Lublin region, this is the place closest to me (although Podlasie has its own completely different eastern charm, doesn’t it?). It is here, in the heart of the Białowieża Forest, that you can feel the true breath of nature and travel back in time to a world where bison and ancient forests reign supreme. Coming here, whether for a weekend or longer, you will certainly not be bored, as the Bialowieza National Park, the oldest in Poland and one of the first in Europe, offers countless attractions and curiosities. It is a true national park of exceptional importance. It is this Bialowieza park, with its wealth of life, that has much to offer. What is worth seeing in Bialowieza and its immediate surroundings? Let’s find out! There are plenty of opportunities for you to spend time here and a solid dose of information and inspiration. Whether you are interested in wild animals, history or just want to actively relax in nature, Bia這wie瘸 has something special to offer.

Bialowieza – the pearl of Podlasie, what’s worth seeing?

Bialowieza, although today a vast village, hides a wealth of places that tell the fascinating story of this remarkable region. Surrounded on all sides by the pristine forests of the Bialowieza Forest, it makes an ideal base for exploring it. It is a town that lies right on the border with Belarus and within the Hajn闚 district, which gives it a special character. Arriving in Bialowieza, you enter a world where time passes more slowly and history intertwines with the power of natural forces. Even at first glance, you can see that this place has a soul.

Palace Park: history, charming corners and a trace of the tsars

One of our favourite places in Bialowieza is the vast Palace Park. This is an extremely interesting place historically, as the mighty Tsar Palace – a huge hunting lodge built between 1889 and 1894 by order of Tsar Alexander III – used to rise here. The park was built concurrently with the palace, taking the place of the former garden and hunting manor that belonged to Polish kings. Interestingly, the name Bialowieza probably originated from the white tower that was supposed to have been part of King Stefan Batory’s hunting manor. Isn’t it fascinating how names evolve? Although the Tsarist palace did not survive to our times due to historical turmoil (it burned down in 1944 and its ruins were demolished in 1960), the Palace Park in Bialowieza is still vibrant. Today, a modern Bialowieza National Park centre with a museum has been erected on the foundations of the palace. There you can find a wealth of information, including a detailed description of the Bialowieza National Park. Walking through the park, you can admire the old trees, including more than 250-year-old oaks, as well as Wejutka pines, paper birches and Canadian Christmas trees – many of which were once brought here from distant Asia. It is the perfect place for a respite.

The Governor’s Mansion: from a Russian mansion to an education centre

Right next to the Palace Park is a real architectural gem and the oldest surviving building in Bialowieza – an extremely charming wooden manor house from 1845. This is the Governor’s Mansion, built on the site of the former manor house of August III Sas. It was built for the government administration of the Grodno governor. The manor house, in the Russian-Swiss style, was then regarded as the most beautiful in the entire Grodno Governorate. As it was the most magnificent residence in Bialowieza until the construction of the Tsar’s palace, it was where Tsar Alexander II stayed during his first hunt in the Forest, which took place in October 1860.
After the palace was built, the Governor’s Mansion served various functions – it housed a museum with exhibits relating to tsarist hunting, and after World War II, a restaurant operated there. Nowadays, the beautifully restored manor houses the Bia這wie瘸 National Park’s Nature Education Centre. The place reminds us a bit of the Lublin Village Museum and is a testimony to the rich history of the region. It is worth knowing that it is the oldest building in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest, and the Palace Gate, standing nearby, is the only thing that has survived from the hunting palace erected on the initiative of Tsar Alexander III.

Bialowieza Forest: the heart of Bialowieza

Bialowieza Forest is the queen of Polish forests and the last original lowland forest in Europe. It was created after the last glacier receded and covers a total of 150 000 hectares, divided between Poland and Belarus. It is here, among the centuries-old oaks and wet alder forests, that nature lives its life, in a configuration where rare species such as the Kolwein’s rosemary beetle and Schneider’s gloom beetle have a chance to live. A walk in the Forest is a unique experience – it is stepping through one of Europe’s oldest forests, where trees, undisturbed by man, live to a ripe old age and fall to the ground on their own, the wood gradually decaying and merging with the soil, creating a unique ecosystem.

A walk through the kingdom of the bison: the reserve and educational trails

The symbol of Bialowieza, the Bialowieza Forest and at the same time the symbol of the Bialowieza National Park is, of course, the bison – Europe’s largest land mammal. For most Poles, Bialowieza is associated with the bison. The population of these majestic animals on both sides of the border numbers around 1,000 individuals. Although bison sometimes appear on the streets of Białowieża or in the Palace Park (I have heard tales of encounters at breakfast!), the best guarantee of meeting them is a visit to the Bison Show Reserve. It is located a few kilometres from the centre of Białowieża, on the road to Hajnówka.
In the reserve, apart from the bison, you can also see a wisent (an interesting hybrid of a bison and a cow, larger than the bison itself), elk, wolves, lynx, wild boar, deer or Polish horses – charming grey horses, ancestors of the extinct tarpan. A bison skeleton can also be seen in the reserve. Admission to the bison show reserve is ticketed – tickets can be purchased on site or online. The ticket cost is 25 zlotys (reduced 15 zlotys). It is best to combine a visit to the reserve with a walk along the educational trail called Żubr’s Rib. Żubr’s Ribs is one of the easiest and most comfortable paths in the BNP area. We managed to meet several squirrels and bird species on the European Bison’s Rib trail. The trail starts from the car park by the road connecting Białowieża with the village of Pogorzelce.

Discover the secrets of the primeval forest: the oldest forest in Europe

Bia這wie瘸 Forest is not only about bison, but also about countless mysteries and fascinating history. It is the last great primeval forest in Europe, similar in structure to primeval forests. For hundreds of years, this unique ecosystem has been valued and protected by Polish kings and even the Tsar of Russia. As early as in the chronicles of Jan Długosz we find references to King Władysław Jagiełło hunting in the Białowieża Forest. Polish kings included the Pushcha in the category of stool goods, which meant strict protection for timber and game.
Later, the Pushcha found itself within the borders of the Russian Empire. Tsar Alexander II came to Bialowieza to hunt in October 1860, and a statue of a bison was erected to commemorate the event (now located in Spala). Alexander II’s successor, Tsar Alexander III, chose the Forest as the site of his annual autumn hunt and incorporated it into the Tsar’s private estate in 1888, which had a huge impact on the development of the then small village of Bialowieza. Today, this primeval forest, protected in the Bialowieza National Park and by three forest districts in the area, invites you to explore its corners. A walk through the strict reserve with a licensed guide is a unique experience, although it must be remembered that entry to the reserve is ticketed and visiting is only possible in the company of a licensed guide. The tour route often leads to the Jagiello Oak and starts near the Palace Park in Białowieża. Also worth mentioning is the historic Royal Oaks trail, which, although not always easily accessible, is of great importance.

Bialowieza attractions for the whole family

Bialowieza is a place where there is something for everyone, regardless of age. In addition to walks through the Forest and a visit to the Bison Show Reserve, there are many other attractions that will appeal to both adults and children.

Bia這wie瘸 Palace Station: a journey in time and space

Once an important logistical hub, today transformed into a tourist attraction – this is the Bialowieza Palace Station, located in the centre of Bialowieza. The original railway stop was built in 1897 for the residence of the Russian tsars. The Bialowieza Palace, built by order of Tsar Alexander III, required efficient communication. In the interwar period, the station was also used by President Ignacy Moscicki, who visited Bialowieza. Nowadays, the Bialowieza Palace Station complex is home to a multifunctional entertainment venue for the whole family.
The focal point is a replica of the historic station, which houses a gallery and a tea room. The complex includes a children’s playground, a didactic pathway Alley of the Stars of the Białowieża Forest and an English-style garden. Children can explore the secret garden, while you can feel like a tsar and step onto the former platform (isn’t that intriguing?). Not far from the station replica, next to the palace gate, stands the former Cossack Stables building from 1894. I remember when I first saw this place, I immediately thought how much easier it was for the Tsars to travel than it is for us today, without the S8 motorway straight to Białowieża!

Bia這wie瘸 Museum of Nature and Forestry: an interactive adventure for everyone

Bialowieza surprises visitors with its unique attractions, yet here you will also find the modern and multimedia Museum of Nature and Forestry of the Bialowieza National Park. Created in a modern building of the management of the BNP, it offers an interactive exposition that presents issues related to the Forest in an accessible way. This natural history museum, often referred to as the Nature Museum, is the oldest in the Polish national parks and in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Our narrator is none other than… Krystyna Czubówna, whose voice guides us through the exhibition.
On the first level, we learn more about the European bison – Europe’s largest land mammal – and all the most important forest communities (including oak-hornbeam, riparian and alder forests). The museum presents dioramas with animals living in the park, such as bison, lynx, wolves, deer or elk, as well as the world of plants and fungi (foresters collect and describe species of Białowieża mushrooms, which is also shown). We will see how the primeval forest has served man over the years, providing fuel, coal, food for animals and honey. After the tour, we head to the observation deck, which offers views of the surrounding area. Its engaging nature, in my opinion, is its greatest asset.

Bialowieza – for history and culture lovers

The Bialowieza Forest and Bialowieza are places with a rich history and unique culture, which can be seen in the preserved monuments and traditions.

St. Nicholas Church: iconostasis and rich history

St. Nicholas Church is a remarkable monument of Bialowieza. It is a brick church, which contrasts sharply with the characteristic style of the wooden churches of Podlasie (which are worth seeing in themselves, for example those in Hajnówka or Puchły). It is built of red brick and its roof is crowned by two sizable domes. It is adjacent to the Palace Park. Its founder was Tsar Alexander III of Russia, who founded it in 1894. The church was opened to the public at the end of the 19th century and was then considered the most beautiful in the whole Grodno Governorate. The church was visited by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. Its interior deserves the greatest attention, especially the iconostasis, created from Chinese porcelain in St Petersburg. It is the only monument of its kind in Poland, which makes it truly unique. Unfortunately, during the deportation of the population deep into Russia, all the furnishings were taken out of it, which now adorns the palace in Moscow – a sad trace of its turbulent history.

Open-air museum of wooden architecture: a journey back in time to traditional Podlasie

On the outskirts of Bialowieza, on the site of the former village of Zastawa (which was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II), a private open-air museum of wooden architecture of the Russian people of Podlasie has been established. It was started by Prof. Anatoly Odzijewicz in 1978, who purchased and brought to Białowieża a windmill of the koźlak type found in the village of Kotły. Today, you can take a trip back in time and see what everyday life in Podlasie used to be like. Here you can see cottages that came here from many Podlasie villages, such as a thatched cottage from 1885 from the village of Czyżyki near Hajnówka. The roofs of the cottages are still covered with thatch or shingles, and they also have shutters characteristic of Podlasie, while their interiors are filled with antique furniture.
The open-air museum also houses two windmills, a barn and a workshop with impressive equipment for woodworking. There is also a tiny octagonal chapel dedicated to St Alexander Nevsky. Every year on 12 September, a mass is celebrated here on the day of its patron saint. This place presents the culture of Podlasie in a unique way, although it has to be admitted that it is a private initiative, which may affect the perception compared to state-run open-air museums. But is this a bad thing? In my opinion, it adds to the authenticity.

The mysteries and magic of Bialowieza

Bialowieza Forest is not only about nature and history, but also about places shrouded in mystery and legend that allow you to feel the extraordinary energy of the region.

A place of power: feel the power of nature (or maybe just a suggestion?)

A few kilometres outside Bialowieza, next to the disused railway line to Hajnówka, you will find a certain mysterious place – Uroczysko Miejsce Mocy. You can reach the Place of Power via the green route from Białowieża, or via a shorter version of the route from the forest car park on the Białowieża – Hajnówka route. The place is steeped in legend. It is believed to have been a place of worship for ancient Slavs, a gathering place for initiates, to stop enemies and evil powers. The old railway crossing next to the Wilderness is worth noting. Radiesthesists visiting the site confirm increased electromagnetic radiation. Such points are said to have a very high accumulation of positive charges, which can positively affect our body. Regardless of whether you believe in its magical properties (I approach it with a little scepticism, but who knows?), it is worth visiting this stone circle and feeling the extraordinary atmosphere of this corner of the Forest. Does it really feel something special there? You might be able to feel something special, and that in itself is great luck. You’ll have to find out for yourself.

Walking the green trails: discover the charms of the area on foot

The surroundings of Bialowieza are a real paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Hiking trails through the northern part of the Bialowieza Forest lead to the bison sanctuaries “Kosy Most” and “Czo³o”. The Carska Tropina trail leads along the valley of the Narewka River, and near the viewing tower along this path, visitors can enjoy views of the river and the forest boundary. An observation tower stands by the Carska Tropina path near Kosy Most, which overlooks the Narewka river valley, and tourists often look out for bison there. The Wolf Trail runs through the swamp forests, hooking up to the Masiewska Glade. The Grouse Wilderness Trail starts from near the village of Masiewo. To help you plan your hike, we highly recommend our separate text with three suggestions for hiking around Białowieża. Really, any time of year is good for communing with the Bialowieza forests, although summer can sometimes be hot and mosquitoes are a nuisance – if you’re up for the challenge, it’s worth it!

Bialowieza for foodies

Podlasie is a region famous for its distinctive and varied regional cuisine. When visiting Bialowieza, you cannot miss the opportunity to try local specialities that will warm you up and give you energy after a day out in nature.

Regional flavours of Podlasie: kartacze, pierogi and other delicacies

If you get hungry, check out the best restaurant in Bialowieza in my opinion. It is located in the centre of Bialowieza and serves regional and seasonal cuisine. They serve delicious wild game carters, which are perfect for a meal after an activity in the Forest. Podlasie is also famous for its potato babka and kibinis. Another interesting place is a restaurant, opened on the site of the former Bialowieza Towarowa station. It’s a place that could be called the Tsar’s restaurant because of its décor and history. It was built specifically for the arrivals of Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. The stylish interiors capture the atmosphere of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. We wholeheartedly support the concept of this place and the desire to create an establishment of supraculinary value. The dishes served here should satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. We can recommend the delicious meat solianka, deer tartare or a specific dish of venison tongue. For dessert, be sure to order the famous meringue – it is huge, and you can easily order one portion for two people. Our national park guide also recommended it, while munching on Bialowieza cinnamon!

Local products: honey, cheese and other wilderness specialities

Looking for traditional products from the region is one of the important attractions of Hajnówka and the surrounding area of the Bialowieza Forest. There is a dairy plant in Hajnówka that matches what tourists are looking for in the Bialowieza Forest – quality products, often made by hand. The District Dairy Cooperative in Hajnówka once invited us for a tour of their plant, and they showed us that some products are still made by hand, such as butter, the packaging of which refers to the traditions of Podlasie.
Fudge made with Hajnówka butter is also a hit, and can be bought in local shops. Krajanka cottage cheese is still produced here by hand and is on the List of Traditional Products, as is Lipiec Białowieski honey. It is also worth stocking up on yellow cheeses, such as Tsar cheese, matured for a minimum of six months. In addition to dairy products, the area around Bialowieza Forest produces delicious honey. I bought raspberry honey, which is excellent thirst quencher. This honey is on the List of Traditional Products. Good cheeses with local touches are also made by local producers, using organic milk.
If you are looking for something to drink, we chose local cafes for refreshing lemonade and energetic cake. Thirst is perfectly quenched by Lithuanian lemonades, such as pear lemonade, which can be found in shops and restaurants. In Bialowieza you will also find atmospheric cafes with a fireplace and music, where you can read books, which we joined on our winter visit. For beer lovers, Pils beer from the local brewery in Bialowieza can be recommended. At the brewery you can taste the true Spirit of the Forest, or Bison Bonansus. It is here that you can see with your own eyes how the beer fermentation process takes place.

Bialowieza – active recreation

Bialowieza and the Bialowieza Forest is an ideal place for those who like to spend time actively. Regardless of the season, plenty of opportunities await you here.

Cycling trails: explore the forest on two wheels

Cyclists have plenty to do in the area around Bialowieza Forest and the Bialowieza National Park. There are long-distance routes as well as shorter versions for cycling trips with plenty of attractions. In total, there are almost 500 kilometres of cycle routes leading through forests, Podlasie villages, fields and meadows, and to the attractions of the area. The most interesting cycle trail is the Białowieża – Leśne Budy route. The route from Białowieża to the Leśne Budy settlement is about 42 kilometres, a marathon distance. Along the way, you pass four nature reserves. The Red Stork Trail and the Green Velo trail, already well-known from our other entries, also run through Białowieża. The long-distance Green Velo trail also runs through the Hajnówka poviat. The Podlaski Stork Trail runs through the Białowieża, Narew, Biebrza and Wigry National Parks, so you can plan a longer trip.

Nordic walking: outdoor activities with poles

If you prefer walking with sticks, there are marked routes for Nordic walking in the Bialowieza area, e.g. as part of the Land of the Forest and Bison or Land of Good Winds project. Every year, competitors competing for the Polish Nordic Walking Cup come to Białowieża, which proves the popularity of this form of activity in the region. Even in winter, Białowieża Forest can be explored with Nordic walking poles or on cross-country skis. Bialowieza has its own 10-kilometre trail for cross-country skiers, which runs through the Palace Park. While this is not the Jakuszycka Glade in the Jizera Mountains in Lower Silesia, it is a great option for lovers of winter activity in a more intimate climate.

Bialowieza – accommodation and relaxation

After an eventful day out in nature, it is worth finding a comfortable place to stay and relax. Bialowieza and the surrounding area offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different tourists’ needs and preferences. Especially during the tourist season, it is worth booking in advance.

Hotels and agrotourism: a comfortable stay in the heart of the primeval forest

You will find a wide range of hotels and agritourism facilities in Bialowieza and the surrounding villages (such as Sakharchevo, Krynochka or Cherlonka). Facilities such as hotels with SPA boast attractions such as swimming pools, saunas or salt caves. If you’re looking for something with soul, Korolowa Chata is a traditional, historic cottage in the Podlasie village of Novoberezov, which I’ve blogged about as part of the Places with Soul series and would be an excellent choice (although booking can be difficult, this place is really special!). An alternative to agritourism close to the centre of Bialowieza with hammocks and barbecue facilities is a wooden building in a quiet area. We stayed in a hotel in Bialowieza, which offers a comfortable stay, and the accommodation on offer in Bialowieza also includes agritourism under the forest, which can be ideal for those who want to wake up with a view of the trees.

Stylish flats: accommodation with history in the background

For those looking for a stylish place with a historical flair, flats, such as those outside the centre of Bialowieza, would be a great option. They offer the unusual opportunity to stay overnight in a railway carriage or water tower. Their décor is reminiscent of the Tsarist era, which adds to the flavour, although this can be a more expensive option and requires advance booking.

Visiting Bialowieza: practical information

When planning a visit to Bialowieza, there is some practical information to help you travel and enjoy the local attractions.

How to get to Bialowieza: transport and getting there

The vast majority of tourists arrive in the Białowieża Forest area by car. You can take the S8 expressway to Bialystok and then drive the last 60 kilometres to Hajnówka. The most popular and practically the only way to get to Bialowieza is from Hajnówka. This road takes an additional 20-30 minutes. You don’t come to Bialowieza to rush, so this slower journey is perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere of the place. Remember, it’s not a motorway, so take it easy.
You can also get to Hajnówka by train. There are passenger trains from Bialystok, Siedlce and Czeremcha. There are also long-distance trains from Warsaw. You can get to Bialowieza by bus from Hajnówka. In fact, this is probably the best option if you don’t have your own car, although the availability of connections varies.

Where to eat and what to try: restaurants and cafes

We have already covered the topic of culinary in the section “Bialowieza for foodies”, but a few places are worth mentioning. In Bialowieza you will find various restaurants and cafes offering regional flavours of Podlasie. For a refreshing lemonade and an energetic cake, we chose local cafes (such as the one we joined in winter, with a fireplace and music). Remember local products too, such as dairy from Hajnówka or honey from the Forest – perfect for a souvenir or afternoon tea.

Bialowieza: remember this!

Bialowieza and the Bialowieza Forest are unique places in Europe and Poland. It is Poland’s only natural attraction on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For centuries, the forest was valued and protected by Polish kings and even the Tsar of Russia. Arriving here, you will see the oldest fragment of forest in Europe and the Bialowieza Forest with the largest population of free roaming European bison in the world. You will learn about the wooden architecture of Podlasie and the history of tsarist hunting. You can canoe the Narewka River, which I think is a great way to spend an active afternoon.
A walk in the strict reserve with a licensed guide is a unique experience. Remember that entry to the reserve is ticketed and tours are only possible when accompanied by a licensed guide (this is a very important rule to follow). The tour often leads to the Jagiello Oaks and starts near the Palace Park in Bialowieza. The tour begins with general information about Bialowieza and the Forest.
The Bison Show Reserve is a tourist facility where visitors can see bison, elk, wolves, wild boars and other animals in conditions close to natural. It is best to combine a visit to the reserve with a walk along the educational trail called Żubr’s Rib. Żubr’s Ribs is one of the easiest and most comfortable paths in the BNP area. We managed to meet several squirrels and bird species on the European Bison’s Rib trail. The trail starts from the car park by the road connecting Białowieża with the village of Pogorzelce.

An obelisk erected to commemorate the hunting of August III Sas commemorates the extremely successful hunt of 1752. The monument lists in detail all the animals that perished at the hands of the ruler and his companions. The obelisk was taken to Russia during the First World War, but returned.
The oldest surviving building in Bialowieza is an extremely charming wooden manor house from 1845 – the Governor’s Mansion. Tsar Alexander II stayed there in 1860, as the Tsar’s palace wasn’t built in Bialowieza until 44 years later (which shows how important the place was already). For a while it housed a museum, and after World War II there was a restaurant. Nowadays, the beautifully restored manor house is home to the Bialowieza National Park’s Nature Education Centre. Standing near the Governor’s Mansion, the Palace Gate is the only thing that has survived from the hunting palace built on the initiative of Tsar Alexander III. Right next to the gate stands the building of the former Cossack Stables from 1894. In the modern building of the BPN management, the interactive Nature and Forest Museum of the Bialowieza National Park has been created. The voice of Krystyna Czubówna guides you through the exhibition (a classic!). After the tour, we head to the viewing terrace. Foresters collect and describe species of Bialowieza mushrooms – their work is also on display there.

On the outskirts of Bialowieza, on the site of a former village, a private open-air museum of wooden architecture of the Russian population of Podlasie has been established. It was started by a professor in 1978, out of a passion for preserving heritage, you might say.
The Białowieża Palace Station is an educational and recreational complex. A café operates there, which is a nice touch after a visit.
Bialowieza Towarowa station operated regular services to Bialowieza until 1992. Bialowieza Towarowa station was built under Tsar Nicholas II to relieve the burden on Bialowieza Palace station.
For a few years now, it has been possible to take a dreisine ride around the Białowieża area, which is a really cool attraction in the Białowieża Forest. The vehicles travel along a historic route, hooking up with interesting forest sites such as the Place of Power. The carriages start from Białowieża Towarowa station. You can park your car at the station. From the centre of Bialowieza you will reach Bialowieza Towarowa on foot. One of the draisine routes leads through the virgin nature reserve Podolany – well, that’s an adventure! On this occasion, the railway line from Hajnówka to Białowieża was established in 1897, which was later ridden by other important officials, including President Ignacy Mościcki. A local company now manages the railway line, giving it new life.

Hajnówka combines a spiritual and sacred face with being a base for exploring the attractions of the Bialowieza Forest. Hajnówka adjoins the borders of the original forest on the eastern side. The Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts the Hajnówka Days of Orthodox Music (something for culture lovers). Jerzy Nowosielski had a hand in the construction of the church, his influence can be seen in its interior. There is also a restaurant in Hajnówka that serves local cuisine – in my opinion, it is always worth trying local flavours, especially in Podlasie. A private museum of blacksmithing and locksmithing operates in the family forge. The gentleman who runs it carries on the family traditions, and Mr Stanislaw is a talkative and humorous person, able to talk for hours (the last time I came across one, we spent half a day talking about old tools!). The Museum and Centre of Belarusian Culture in Hajnówka presents the history and traditions of the Belarusian minority. Poles share the Belovezhskaya Pushcha with Belarusians, which is evident in the region’s biculturalism. A square in Hajnówka is named after Dmitry Vasilevsky. The nature and nature trail in Hajnówka starts at the corner of Myśliwska and Zwierzyniecka Streets.
The Narewka River has its beginning in the swamps of the Wild Nikor and flows into the Narew. It is possible to kayak from Narewka to Lewkow Stare or Kordon. The art gallery is located in Narewka, patronised by Tamara Solonevich, who worked with Polish Television. A local artist lives on the edge of the Bialowieza Forest, and the restaurant across the street serves Podlasie cuisine.

The Orthodox churches of Podlasie are distinguished by their bright colours, a characteristic feature. The now-dead Old Church Slavonic language is still used in Podlasie churches – an interesting linguistic monument. Orthodox churches can be found in Hajnówka, as well as in Dubicze Cerkiewne. The Church of the Protection of the Mother of God was granted a privilege by King Sigismund II Augustus. The church is located in Verstok. Puchły is a pilgrimage destination to the Protection of the Mother of God shrine. The church was founded in 1913, but existed as early as the 16th century (which shows the long history of the cult). The icon of the Mother of God probably dates from the 18th century. The Orthodox Church of St Michael the Angel is located in Trześcianka and dates from the second half of the 19th century. The Orthodox churches of St Michael the Archangel and St Anne are located in Stary Kornin. Stary Kornin experienced a movement of pilgrims due to the revelation of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in 1704. – History and religion are strongly intertwined in this region.

A ceramics workshop operates at the ‘Hładyszka’ Tourism and Culture Centre in Kleszczele. Ms Agnieszka taught me how to make clay cups (it was a cool experience, very relaxing).

The Palace Park is one of Białowieża’s most important attractions. The park was built in the years 1889-1894, with a massive Tsar’s Palace built to celebrate the planned visit of Tsar Alexander III in 1894. Alexander III appeared in Bialowieza only once. Nicholas II visited the forest six times, and his visit also necessitated the construction of… a railway line from Hajnówka to Białowieża, which led to the construction of two railway stations: Białowieża Towarowa and Białowieża Palace. In the interwar period, the President of Poland had his flats here. During the Second World War, Hermann Goering visited here for hunting, which is a dark episode in the history of the place. At the Bialowieza Palace station in 1897, the first train appeared, which had Tsar Nicholas II with his family on board. After the reconstruction, you can feel like a tsar and step onto the former platform. A café operates here, which is a nice touch for travellers. The Palace Gate, standing near the headquarters of the Bialowieza National Park, remembers the time of the Tsar. The 1903 Marshal’s House on the western edge of the park is another trace of history. From the Palace Park you can take a walk along one of the once important roads through the Bialowieza Forest, which will lead you to the former Dziedzinka forester’s lodge. Professor Simona Kossak, a biologist who devoted her life to the protection of primeval nature, lived there. Next to her lived the photographer Lech Wilczek – a figure of Bialowieza legend. St. Nicholas the Miracle-worker Church from 1894. Its construction was funded by Tsar Alexander III himself, who visited this place during his only visit to Bialowieza. At the time of the deportation of the population deep into Russia, all the furnishings were taken out of it, as we have already mentioned. If you get hungry, check out the best restaurant in Bialowieza in my opinion. Natalia tried the roast duck with raspberry sauce and apple baked with lingonberry – sounds delicious, doesn’t it? The interior of the restaurant is filled with animal sculptures (bison, bears, lynx) and paintings, which adds to the atmosphere. Beer lovers can recommend the Pils beer from the Hajnówka brewery.
The Bialowieza Forest region is an attraction associated with lookout towers, and around Bialowieza you can count on views, really. Some towers stand on the border of forest and meadows, others in river valleys. The viewing tower is located by the Carska Tropina path near Kosy Most. From the tower you can see the Narewka river valley. Tourists look out for bison in the Narewka River valley (often successfully!). I recommend walking along the former narrow-gauge railway track. From the bridge you can see the Narewka valley, such an idyllic landscape. Just outside Białowieża is a wooden tower in Pogorzelce. The view from the tower is of the floodplains of the Narewka river, which is particularly impressive in spring. There is a car park right next to the tower. You can find small viewing towers in Bialowieza itself, on the Narewka river. One tower stands a few steps from the Białowieża Towarowa railway station. The second tower stands a little closer to the centre of Białowieża, at the intersection of the Narewka River and Mostowa Street. It offers beautiful, idyllic views of meadows, the river and the forest.
There has been a dairy factory in Hajnówka since the 1960s, and the District Dairy Cooperative in Hajnówka is the place to find everything you need from the local produce genre. You can buy dairy at their company shop at Milenium Estate 1.
Garnering almost 180,00 votes, the Dunin Oak will become the European Tree of the Year 2022, directing Europe’s eyes to the small village of Przybudki, which is remembered by Sigismund III Vasa – impressive, right? Not far from the oak, you will find an apiary that continues the traditions of bee-keeping culture that are already dying out in Bialowieza. Both sides of the village are divided by a branch of the Krivchanka river.
In Bialowieza we stayed at the Stoczek Hotel, but Korolowa Chata is a traditional cottage in the Podlasie village of Novoberezov, which I have written about. Bialystok can be reached via the S8 expressway. You can also get to Hajnówka by train. There are passenger trains from Bialystok, Siedlce and Czeremcha. There are long-distance trains from Warsaw. You can get to Bialowieza by bus from Hajnówka.
We have just learnt about a long list of attractions and places of interest, which, in my opinion, are worth visiting during a visit to the Bialowieza Forest and Bialowieza. Hopefully this article will inspire you to travel to this extraordinary corner of Poland and see for yourself its uniqueness. Thank you to Marta from the Local Tourist Organisation for her valuable tips.