Białowieża Forest, straddling the Polish-Belarusian border, holds the last surviving remnant of the primeval forest that once covered Europe’s lowlands, along with the world’s largest free-roaming population of European bison.
Forest tracks through a preserved ecosystem
From the village of Białowieża, forest tracks head into the outer zones of the forest toward Hajnówka and then Narewka, with the national park’s strict reserve reserved for guided walking tours only. Expect around 30 km and barely 100 m of elevation gain for a loop representative of the region, on terrain that’s almost entirely flat and generally rolling.
Getting the ride right
Versatile gravel tyres around 38-42mm suit most of the area’s forest tracks. The flat terrain, with no real elevation gain, makes for a ride accessible to cyclists of all levels, aside from the distance itself.
When to go
April to October, as damp undergrowth can leave some tracks muddier outside this window. Summer and early autumn offer the best chances of spotting bison in the areas set aside for observing them.
Good to know
Białowieża, a small village at the heart of the forest, offers limited but sufficient accommodation, with convenient access to Hajnówka for extending the stay in this rural Podlasie region.
