Biebrza National Park

Biebrza National Park is a protected wetland reserve in Podlaskie Voivodeship in northeast Poland, established to conserve extensive river valley marshes and peatbogs. The park is one of Poland’s largest protected areas and is noted for its intact peatland ecosystems.

The park’s principal attractions are extensive reedbeds, open fen and floodplain habitats crossed by the slow meanders of the Biebrza River, plus a network of wooden boardwalks and observation towers used for wildlife viewing. The site is important for waterbirds, raptors and migratory species and offers long-distance walking routes and canoe access in selected sections.

The protected area was created to safeguard the unique wetland landscapes of the Biebrza valley and has been managed as a national park since the early 1990s. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, controlled visitor access, and monitoring of key bird populations.

The park lies in northeastern Poland; small towns such as Goniądz and Osowiec-Twierdza lie on its margins and act as the main gateways for visitors. The surrounding landscape is low-lying floodplain and forest mosaics characteristic of the region.

• Size and habitat: Covers roughly 592 square kilometres and contains some of the largest intact peatbog and fen complexes in Central Europe.
• Birdwatching season: Prime time for birdwatching is spring migration and the breeding season, when species like cranes, raptors and marsh birds are most visible.

What to See #

• Biebrza river valley: The park protects the Biebrza river valley marshes and fen systems that form the core wetland landscape across much of the reserve.
• Osowiec Fortress: Osowiec Fortress, at the park's northwestern edge, is a 19th century Russian-built fortress that is a common access point for visitors.
• Trails and observation towers: A network of wooden boardwalks and raised trails and several birdwatching towers provide access into otherwise marshy terrain for wildlife observation.