Bieszczady National Park ([bʲɛˈʂt͡ʂadɨ]; Polish: Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy) is the third-largest national park in Poland. It is located in the Subcarpathian region, in the far southeast corner of the country. In 2021, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

History

The park was established in 1973. At that time, it covered an area of 59.55 square kilometres (22.99 sq mi). Over the years, the park was expanded four times. The last expansions occurred in 1996, when the former villages of Bukowiec, Beniowa, and Carynskie were added, and in 1999, when the former villages of Dzwiniacz, Tarnawa, and Sokoliki were included.

Today, the park covers 292.02 square kilometres (112.75 sq mi) and includes the highest areas of the Polish part of the Bieszczady Mountains. In 1992, the park and its surrounding areas became part of the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. This reserve has a total area of 2,132.11 square kilometres (823.21 sq mi) and includes regions in Slovakia and, since 1998, Ukraine.

Geography

Forests make up about 80% of Bieszczady National Park. Most of the woods are natural, and in some areas, they remain in their original state. The highest point in the park, called Tarnica, is 1,346 metres (4,416 feet) above sea level.

Fauna

The park has many animal species, including several that are endangered. These include brown bears, grey wolves, European wildcats, wild boars, European beavers, European otters, European lynxes, deer (such as moose), and European bison (more than 500 live in the area). The park is also home to interesting bird species like eagles and owls, as well as the largest group of Aesculapian snakes in Poland.

Few people live in the park (less than one person per square kilometer), allowing animals to move freely. The area is a popular place for tourists, but there are limited facilities. About 70% of the park is a strict preserve, meaning trails are limited to protect the environment. Park officials encourage visitors to take walking trips.

Hiking trails

European walking route E8: Prešov, Miháľov, Kurimka, Dukla, Iwonicz-Zdrój, Rymanów-Zdrój, Puławy, Tokarnia (778 m), Kamień (717 m), Komańcza, Cisna, Ustrzyki Górne, Tarnica, Wołosate.