Białowieża National Park
Białowieża, Poland
One of the last stretches of primeval lowland forest in Europe, home to free-roaming European bison. The strictly protected core is visited with a licensed guide, while the palace park and a bison reserve are open without one; reserve ahead.
The Białowieża Forest in eastern Poland was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979; the Polish part is protected as a national park. European bison, Europe's heaviest land mammals, live here in the wild. You may enter the strictly protected forest reserve only with a licensed guide (groups of up to 10), and places are limited, so book in advance.
Accessible without a guide are the Palace Park, marked walking trails in the Hwoźna area, and the Bison Show Reserve (Zagroda Żubrów), where you can watch the animals at close range. Dogs are banned in the protected areas and otherwise allowed only on a lead and muzzled. A restricted buffer zone runs along the border with Belarus, covers parts of the area around Białowieża, and was last extended to 31 August 2026; check the current rules before you travel (as of October 2026). The drive from Warsaw takes about three hours; plan a full day.
- Nearest town
- Białowieża, Poland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 52.7019, 23.8670
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Poland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Some motorway sections are tolled; pay with the e-TOLL app. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Sources
Campsites nearby
- U MichałaCampsite3 km from Białowieża National ParkTentsCaravans
- Motorhome stopoverMotorhome stopover6 km from Białowieża National ParkMotorhomes
- Szlak Debow KrolewskichCampsite6 km from Białowieża National Park
All campsites in Poland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Białowieża National Park?
Białowieża National Park is in Białowieża, Poland, at GPS 52.7019, 23.8670. It is about 187 km from Ruciane-Nida.
Can you camp near Białowieża National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is U Michała, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
When is the best time to visit Białowieża National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)