Is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. This is a UNESCO site and the National Park straddles the Polish/Belarus border. What is so special? This part of this forest has NEVER been logged or cleared or planted with foreign trees etc. The area near the town was a hunting lodge for the Russian Tsar and friends and this would be the main reason why it was never utilised for other activities. Subsequently even the Nazis protected it. By the late 1800s they had hunted the bison to extinction but at least finally took some steps to remedy the situation.
In the early 1900s the bison were reintroduced - 7 females and 5 males, from Zoos in Europe including some from Queen Victoria. Some of the males were infertile, so there is a bit of inbreeding but the numbers have increased enough that they are no longer critical. The forest is now home to 800 European bison - Europe's heaviest land animal.
Took a guided tour with Met Arek Szymura, an ornithologist running Pygmy Tours. He started life as a musician, then coal miner and then he discovered birds. He moved to Bielowieza more than 29 yrs ago and has helped set up the National Park and improve its status. He was very enthusiastic and obviously knowledgable.
On day 2 took a cart ride (behind old horse) through the lanes to the Belarus border which is less than 10km away. Then we came home cross country through the forest tracks - 4X4 horsepower as the tracks were muddy and waterlogged from the rain the previous days. The driver spoke no English but kept pointing at things on the way and telling us long stories.
Misplaced the photos so may update when I find them.
In the early 1900s the bison were reintroduced - 7 females and 5 males, from Zoos in Europe including some from Queen Victoria. Some of the males were infertile, so there is a bit of inbreeding but the numbers have increased enough that they are no longer critical. The forest is now home to 800 European bison - Europe's heaviest land animal.
Took a guided tour with Met Arek Szymura, an ornithologist running Pygmy Tours. He started life as a musician, then coal miner and then he discovered birds. He moved to Bielowieza more than 29 yrs ago and has helped set up the National Park and improve its status. He was very enthusiastic and obviously knowledgable.
On day 2 took a cart ride (behind old horse) through the lanes to the Belarus border which is less than 10km away. Then we came home cross country through the forest tracks - 4X4 horsepower as the tracks were muddy and waterlogged from the rain the previous days. The driver spoke no English but kept pointing at things on the way and telling us long stories.
Misplaced the photos so may update when I find them.
