Białowieża Forest
Date of Inscription: 1979
Selection criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: Białowieża Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the border of Poland and Belarus. It is one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe and is known for its unique biodiversity and ancient trees. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the European bison, which was once extinct in the wild.
Prominent Features:
Family-friendly activities:
Entry Fees: On the Belarusian side of the Białowieża Forest, there is an entrance fee for visitors. The fee varies depending on the time of the year and the type of visitor, with lower fees for Belarusian citizens and higher fees for foreign visitors. As of April 2023, the entrance fee for foreign tourists was 30 BYN (Belarusian rubles), which is equivalent to around 12 USD. Visitors can pay the fee in cash or by card at the entrance gate or at the visitor center.It's important to note that visitors to the Belarusian side of the forest are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide. The cost of the guide varies depending on the duration of the tour and the size of the group, but it is generally around 20-30 BYN per hour for a group of up to 5 people. Visitors can arrange for a guide at the entrance gate or through the visitor center.
Fun Fact: Białowieża Forest is that it is home to the largest land animal in Europe, the European bison. The bison were almost extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to conservation efforts in the forest, their population has slowly grown over the years. Visitors to the forest have the opportunity to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat and even participate in bison tracking tours led by local guides.
How to reach: From Brest, you can take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest. The journey by bus takes around 2-3 hours, and there are several departures daily from the Brest Bus Station. The bus station is located near the Brest Fortress and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.If you prefer to take the train, there are several daily departures from Brest to Hajnówka, the closest town to Białowieża Forest on the Polish side. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, and you can purchase tickets at the Brest Central Train Station or online in advance.
From Minsk, you can also take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest. The journey by bus takes around 5-6 hours, and there are several departures daily from the Minsk Central Bus Station. The bus station is located near the Minsk Central Train Station and can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation.
If you prefer to take the train, there are several daily departures from Minsk to Brest, and from there, you can take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest, as mentioned above.
It's important to note that crossing the border between Poland and Belarus can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to have all necessary documents and permits ready in advance.
Where to stay:
Selection criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
Overview: Białowieża Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the border of Poland and Belarus. It is one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe and is known for its unique biodiversity and ancient trees. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the European bison, which was once extinct in the wild.
Prominent Features:
- Strictly protected areas: There are several strictly protected areas within the forest, which are closed to the public to preserve the natural ecosystem. Visitors can still explore the forest on designated trails and see some of the wildlife from a distance.
- Bison reserve: The Białowieża Forest is home to a large population of European bison, which can be seen at the Białowieża National Park in Poland. Visitors can take guided tours or walk along the observation deck to see the bison up close.
- Ancient trees: The forest is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe, some of which are more than 500 years old. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the most impressive trees and learn about their history and significance.
- Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: On the Belarusian side of the forest, visitors can explore the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park features hiking trails, bike paths, and a museum that showcases the history and culture of the forest and its inhabitants.
Family-friendly activities:
- Białowieża Forest Museum: The museum is located in the village of Białowieża and offers interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the biodiversity of the forest. There are also workshops and educational programs for children and families.
- Wildlife watching: The forest is home to a variety of animals that children will love to see, such as deer, wild boar, and foxes. Visitors can take guided tours or rent bicycles to explore the forest and see the wildlife up close.
- Canoeing: Families can rent canoes and explore the Narewka River, which runs through the Białowieża Forest. The river is calm and easy to navigate, making it a great activity for families with young children.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides: Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the forest, which is a fun and unique way to explore the area. The rides are led by experienced guides who can point out the different plant and animal species in the forest.
Entry Fees: On the Belarusian side of the Białowieża Forest, there is an entrance fee for visitors. The fee varies depending on the time of the year and the type of visitor, with lower fees for Belarusian citizens and higher fees for foreign visitors. As of April 2023, the entrance fee for foreign tourists was 30 BYN (Belarusian rubles), which is equivalent to around 12 USD. Visitors can pay the fee in cash or by card at the entrance gate or at the visitor center.It's important to note that visitors to the Belarusian side of the forest are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide. The cost of the guide varies depending on the duration of the tour and the size of the group, but it is generally around 20-30 BYN per hour for a group of up to 5 people. Visitors can arrange for a guide at the entrance gate or through the visitor center.
Fun Fact: Białowieża Forest is that it is home to the largest land animal in Europe, the European bison. The bison were almost extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to conservation efforts in the forest, their population has slowly grown over the years. Visitors to the forest have the opportunity to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat and even participate in bison tracking tours led by local guides.
How to reach: From Brest, you can take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest. The journey by bus takes around 2-3 hours, and there are several departures daily from the Brest Bus Station. The bus station is located near the Brest Fortress and is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.If you prefer to take the train, there are several daily departures from Brest to Hajnówka, the closest town to Białowieża Forest on the Polish side. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, and you can purchase tickets at the Brest Central Train Station or online in advance.
From Minsk, you can also take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest. The journey by bus takes around 5-6 hours, and there are several departures daily from the Minsk Central Bus Station. The bus station is located near the Minsk Central Train Station and can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation.
If you prefer to take the train, there are several daily departures from Minsk to Brest, and from there, you can take a bus or a train to reach Białowieża Forest, as mentioned above.
It's important to note that crossing the border between Poland and Belarus can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to have all necessary documents and permits ready in advance.
Where to stay:
- Białowieża: The village of Białowieża has several guesthouses and small hotels, as well as restaurants and cafes. It is a convenient base for exploring the forest and the nearby attractions.
- Teremiski: The village of Teremiski is located on the Belarusian side of the forest and offers a variety of accommodation options, including guesthouses and homestays. It is also close to the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park.
- Hajnówka: The town of Hajnówka is located about 20 km from the forest and has several hotels and guesthouses. It is a good option for visitors who prefer a larger town with more amenities.