Podlaskie between Forest, Marsh and Culture

Białowieża National Park is located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship and covers the central part of the Białowieża Forest. The Museum of Nature and Forest is one of the park’s biggest attractions. The forest landscape and the museum give a trip here two distinct points of interest: the central part of the forest takes center stage, as does an important attraction within the national park.

Forest, Marsh and Landscape Park

Biebrza National Park offers a different kind of landscape. It encompasses an extensive wetland area with swamps and peat bogs. If you would like to compare natural areas, you can contrast the marshes and swamps of the Biebrza with the forest area of Białowieża National Park. This gives you two clearly distinct types of landscape to consider when planning your trip: wetlands and forest. Another special feature is Suwałki Landscape Park, considered Poland’s oldest landscape park. It complements the national parks with a distinct type of park that is unique in the country.

On Foot, by Bike and on the Water

Wigry National Park has a total of 190 kilometers of designated, developed trails for walking and cycling. This figure makes the trails an important point of reference when hiking or cycling is a focus of your trip. Kayaks, rowing boats, sailboats and other non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the park’s waterways that are open to them. This lets you choose between trails on land and activities on the water; access is permitted on designated waterways, and craft must be non-motorized.

In Narew National Park, the Waniewo–Śliwno footbridge is accessible to hikers from both villages. However, it may close temporarily in unfavorable weather conditions. If you are planning to visit the bridge as a fixed destination, check its current accessibility before your visit. Another way to cross the Narew is by traditional pychówka boat. This boat was formerly used for agricultural work; its former function is part of the boat type’s history.

Culture and Festival in Kruszyniany

Behind the mosque in Kruszyniany is the mizar, a Muslim cemetery with graves dating back several hundred years. Visitors can walk among the graves. Kruszyniany also celebrates Sabantuy, a Tatar ploughing festival, every August. The cemetery is a specific cultural site, while Sabantuy is an annual event. If you are traveling specifically for the festival, check the exact festival dates before your trip.

When choosing where to stay, you can first decide what matters most to you: forest and museum, walking or cycling trails, water activities, or the cultural sites in Kruszyniany.

Polish Cuisine as a Broader Context

Pierogi, small dumplings found throughout the country, are part of the culinary context of Poland as a broader travel destination. Savory fillings include potatoes and cheese, cabbage and mushrooms, meat or vegetables; sweet versions contain quark or fruit. Bigos, sometimes translated as hunter’s stew, combines sauerkraut, various types of meat and many spices. Kopytka are oblong dumplings served with meat sauces or stews, or eaten with sugar and melted butter. Polish potato pancakes are usually served as a savory dish; in some regions, they are also served with sweet cream and sugar.

Discover more destinations: Grajewo County, Bielsk County, Łomża County, Mońki County, Augustów County, Hajnówka County, Białystok County, Suwałki County, Kolno County, Sejny, Siemiatycze, Sokółka, Wysokie Mazowieckie, Zambrów.

For the broader travel overview: Poland.