Bieszczady National Park


Bieszczady National Park is the third largest national park in Poland, located in Subcarpathian Voivodeship in the extreme southeast corner of the country, bordering Slovakia and Ukraine.

History

The park was created in 1973. At the time it covered only, but over the years it was enlarged four times. The last enlargements took place in 1996 and in 1999.
It occupies, covering 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, which has a total area of and includes parts in Slovakia and Ukraine.

Geography

s cover about 80% of Bieszczady National Park. The woods are mainly natural; in some cases it can be said that they have preserved their character. The highest peak in the park, Tarnica, is above sea level.

Fauna

Animal life is abundant with several species of endangered animals thriving in the area, among them bears, grey wolf, European wildcat, wild boar, beavers, European otter, and European lynx as well as deer, moose and European bison. The park contains interesting bird species, including eagles and owls, and is home to the largest Polish population of Aesculapian snakes.
The park is sparsely populated, which means that animals can roam freely. The region is very popular among tourists, but there are not many facilities. Around 70% of the park is regarded as strict preserve, which means that the use of trails is restricted. The park's authorities promote walking trips.

Hiking trails