Bieszczady National Park Travel Guide
Travel to Bieszczady National Park - Europe's Least Populated Region
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Located in the very south-east corner of the country, along the borders with Slovakia and the Ukraine, Bieszczady is the third largest National Park in Poland. At its time of creation in 1973 it covered only 60 km sq. and protected only a small part of a precious wildlife area. Throughout the next 30 years it was enlarged four times. Today it occupies an area of 292 km sq. and extends over a large part of the Polish Bieszczady Mountains. In 1992 the Park became part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Preserve.
The Preserve consists of three parts:
1. Polish (Bieszczady National Park and the two Landscape Parks that surround it - Wetlinski and the San Valley).
2. Slovak (National Park Poloniny with adjacent areas).
3. Ukrainian (Uzansky National Park and the San-area Landscape Park).
Forests cover about 80% of the area. The woods are mainly natural and in some cases it can be said that they have preserved their pristine character. The highest peak in the park - Tarnica - is 1346 metres above sea level.
Attractions in Bieszczady National Park
The park is sparsely populated (less than 1 person per km sq.) which means that the animals can roam freely. Animal life is abundant with several species of endangered animals thriving in the area. Among them - bear, wolf, wild boar, beaver and lynx as well as deer and Polish bison (around 100 specimen live in the Bieszczady Mountains).
The park is also home to the biggest Polish population of Eskulap’s snake and is regarded as a paradise for bird lovers. Obviously Bieszczady is very popular among travellers, although there are not many tourist facilities in the area.
Activities in Bieszczady National Park
Around 70% of the park’s area is regarded as strict preserve which means that the use of trails is restricted. The park’s authorities do however promote walking trips. There are several trails (up to 6-7 hours and longer) which criss-cross the park. Local guides can be hired in the village for walks in the National Park.
Getting Around
Private transport is recommended for reaching the remote villages and accommodation, and ideally for transfers to and from the start of walks. The main objective here though is to hike and enjoy the wilderness and scenery.
Bieszczady National Park Reviews
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