National Parks in Poland. List, attractions, and goals. Top 10 most beautiful Polish national parks

List of 23 National Parks in Poland. Map with selected parks

Here is an alphabetical list of parks that can be found in Poland, along with the province in which they are located. Below is a map with all parks marked:

Babiogórski, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,
Białowieża Voivodeship, Podlaskie Voivodeship,
Biebrzański, Podlaskie Voivodeship,
Bieszczady, Podkarpackie Voivodeship,
Bory Tucholskie, Pomeranian Voivodeship,
Drawieński, Lubusz Voivodeship, Greater Poland Voivodeship, West Pomerania Voivodeship,
Gorce, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,
Stołowe Mountains, Lower Silesian Voivodeship,
Kampinos National Park, Masovian Voivodeship,
Karkonoski, Lower Silesian Voivodeship,
Magura National Park, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Podkarpackie Voivodeship,
Narwiański, Podlaskie Voivodeship,
Ojcowski, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,
Pieniński, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,
Poleski, Lublin Voivodeship,
Roztoczański, Lublin Voivodeship,
Słowiński, Pomeranian Voivodeship,
Świętokrzyski, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship,
Tatrzański, Lesser Poland Voivodeship,
Warta Mouth, Lubuskie Voivodeship,
Greater Poland, Greater Poland Voivodeship,
Wigierski, Podlaskie Voivodeship,
Woliński, West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Top 10 most beautiful national parks in Poland

We have been to all the national parks in Poland. We have visited 21 quite thoroughly, and we are going to get to know 2 more in the near future. Here is our subjective list of the 10 most beautiful of them. I have to admit that it was very difficult for me to choose the 10 best parks, because almost all of them made a very good impression on me. The ones presented below are my assurances, which I highly recommend to you. You can go blind, and by clicking on the linked name, you will find much more detailed information.

Biebrza National Park

The Biebrza National Park is a wonderful refuge of a dignified moose and a bird eldorado. There are few places in Europe where you can find such a high density of birds, in such different species. We highly recommend this land to every nature lover. The best time to visit this park is in early spring, when the birds have their mating and are very active here, in wet areas, without insects and canopies. We even managed to spot the moose in the summer! With our own eyes, we saw in the distance a klempa, i.e. a female moose and a male!

Did you know that it is the largest of the Polish national parks? It was established in 1993 and covers an area of 60,000 ha. It is located in the north-eastern part of the country, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. If you like nature, secluded asylum and slow travel, this will be a real paradise for you! We were very impressed by the Biebrza itself and organized footbridges on its backwaters, e.g. the TOE path in Goniądz or the Szuszalewo - Nowy Leipzig footbridge with an independent ferry crossing. Wonderful place! The symbol of the Park is a bird battalion
Osowiec-Twierdza 8 Biebrza National Park,
Goniądz
www.biebrza.org.pl

Słowiński National Park

The Słowiński National Park is a unique land of water, wind and sand. Be sure to see this natural wonder. The most beautiful part of it is, of course, the moving dunes. Walking on them is a truly extraordinary adventure, with a fairly strong wind blowing from the open sea and sand everywhere, it gets really interesting, like during a weak sandstorm in the desert. But the park also has other options for you, worth getting away from the beach. You will get to know the life of the Słowińci, you will enter Łebsk with Łeb and you will get to know a more secluded version of the Łącka Dune, i.e. the Czołpińska Dune.

This beautiful and valuable natural area is located in Pomerania, a little to the west of the popular city of Łeba. Its area is over 30,000 hectares. And do you know where the name "Słowiński" came from? It comes from the Slavs - a northern Kashubian people, whose heritage can be learnt more in the open-air museum in Kluki. In 1977, the Słowiński National Park was included by Unesco in the network of World Biosphere Reserves. It is worth it by all means! The symbol of the Park is a seagull.
Słowiński National Park
ul. Bohaterów Warszawy 1A, Smołdzino
https://slowinskipn.pl

Tatra National Park

The Tatra National Park is probably the most popular national park in Poland. The only alpine and at the same time the most dangerous in some fragments. On the other hand, it offers fantastic views like few others. Suffice it to say that in its area there is Orla Perć, the most difficult trail in the Tatras and throughout Poland leading through several 2-thousanders, including Kozi Wierch or Granaty! It can freeze blood in your veins!

The Tatra National Park has also been included in the UNESCO list of Biosphere Reserves. More interesting animals include chamois, marmots and bears. In the upper parts, with a bit of luck, you can find the first ones jumping on the rocks. The goat is the symbol of the Park.
Tatra National Park
ul. Kuźnice 1, Zakopane
https://tpn.pl

Ojców National Park

The smallest, but certainly not the least charming Ojców National Park is located on my beloved Jura. The biggest attractions are the historic castles. However, I am captivated by the white limestone rocks protruding above the luscious greenery of the grass, against the blue of the sky. It looks insanely picturesque. In addition, Prądnik writhes charmingly among wildflowers, caves and historic guest houses. It's all waiting for you in the Fathers.

Young parents will certainly be happy about the fact that this is one of the few national parks available for wheelchairs, because there is an asphalt road through the Prądnik Valley, excluded from car traffic. It is a perfect place for a walk, but you have to remember that on warm weekends there are really a lot of tourists here. It's worth coming here first thing in the morning. The Park symbol is a bat.
Ojcowski National Park Ojców
9, Sułoszowa
https://opn.gov.pl/

Table Mountain National Park

Another of the best listed here is the Table Mountain National Park. These mountains made a huge impression on me. They are definitely unique. Labyrinths of rock, wonderful stone stubs and those flat as a table tops. And the views of the surroundings are nothing to you either!

The Table Mountain National Park is primarily the highest here, Szczeliniec Wielki and Błędne Skały. I strongly encourage you to visit both of these places. Even with children you can go, because the places are very interesting for young conquerors. Here you can squeeze through tight rocks, hide in dark alleys and tread on footbridges. Our teenager was delighted. Unfortunately, there is no question of a wheelchair here. The downside is that it is also the most expensive national park among those listed here. Expensive parking lots are waiting by the Erratic Rocks. The symbol of the Park is Szczeliniec Wielki.
Table Mountain National Park
31 Słoneczna St., Kudowa Zdrój
www.pngs.com.pl

Karkonosze National Park

The Karkonosze National Park is a real treat for mountain lovers, as it encompasses the beautiful Karkonosze Mountains. The highest range of the Sudetes. It is located in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in its south-western part, on the border with the Czech Republic. This park was created in 1959 and has been attracting tourists for years.

The biggest attraction here is certainly the highest peak, the famous Snow White, with an altitude of 1603 m above sea level. But it is not its height that is significant, but the wonderful panoramas that can be seen from here. If you're lucky, it's the weather, because it's a very capricious and windy mountain. We got it perfect! The symbol of the Park is the Karkonosze bell, bitterness.
Karkonosze National Park
ul. Cieplicka 196, Jelenia Góra
https://kpn.gov.pl/

Pieniny National Park

The Pieniny National Park is the oldest national park in Poland. It was founded in 1932 and has long been one of the favorite tourist destinations in Poland! It enchants with its landscapes and wonderful views of the Tatras. The landscape values of this place are fantastic. The biggest attractions of the Pieniny Park are the famous rafting down the Dunajec River, the ruins of the Pieniny Castle, the Three Crowns peak and Sokolica with a symbolic dwarf pine. Metal viewing galleries were created on both of these peaks, available for a fee in the high season. I also recommend taking a walk or a bike ride along the Pieniny Road, along the Dunajec River, similarly to the rafting route. These are magical places, especially charming in autumn. The symbol of the Park is the Three Crowns.
Pieniny National Park,
ul. Jagiellońska 107B, Krościenko nad Dunajcem
https://piepn.gov.pl/

Roztocze National Park

The Roztocze National Park is located in the middle of Roztocze, in the heart of this picturesque land. It stretches in a narrow range from Kraśnik to Lviv. Today, the Park itself has an area of over 8,000 hectares. It is the mainstay of the Polish Horse - a descendant of the wild tarpan. And did you know that the area of the National Park is almost 95% forest? Incredibly beautiful forests, especially when autumn gilds the leaves. I don't think we've ever seen such a rich variety of mushrooms. You will also find the wonder of Poland, i.e. the Guciów Farm, beautiful springs, picturesque Echo Ponds and magnificent views from several observation towers, e.g. on Biała Góra. The symbol of the Park is a Polish horse.
Roztocze National Park - Tourist Information Point
plażowa 3a, Zwierzyniec
www.roztoczanskipn.pl

Drawa National Park

Drawieński National Park is located on the border of 3 voivodships: Zachodniopomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Lubuskie. It was created in the Drawska Forest complex, with great biodiversity. It is the third largest national park in Poland and the second least popular. And that means only one thing: that he is truly wild. During our visit in March, we had this bird paradise to ourselves. We did not meet other tourists and shared it only with nature, experiencing unusual encounters with animals. It is best to come here in early spring, at the turn of March and April, when the birds have their mating season. There are interesting trails, paths, unique lakes and other attractions, such as historic half-timbered houses, rafting on the wild Drawa, a former eel or almost forgotten cemeteries with unusual monuments. The symbol of the Park is an otter.
Drawa National Park - Centre for Education and Tourism with a paid exhibition
20 Kolejowa St., Drawno
www.dpn.pl

Wolin National Park

The Wolin National Park was created in 1960 and covers the nature protection of the largest Polish island – Wolin. It lies at the north-western ends of Poland. The special values of this place are the most beautiful stretch of the cliff coast, beech forests, the unique Świna delta and the coastal belt of the Baltic Sea. The most interesting attractions of the Wolin National Park are the beautiful Turquoise Lake captivating tourists, as well as the Bison Show Farm.

I heartily recommend the viewpoints of the Wolin Park, all well-marked, with characteristic wooden shelters on the tops. A particularly unique vantage point is the Grodzisko Lubin Observation Deck. A little outside the Park. As the only one, it is paid, but also the most spectacular. It allows you to see the Szczecin Lagoon and the Land of 44 islands. Next to the free car park you can also see a nice view free of charge, but on the terraces it is more interesting, wider and in addition there is a small café and sun loungers. The Park symbol is a white-tailed eagle.
Wolin National Park
Grodno 1, Międzyzdroje
https://wopn.gov.pl/

Other national parks in Poland

Here are short descriptions of other Parks in Poland, which are certainly worth visiting.

Babia Góra National Park

Babiogórski PN is located in the Małopolskie Voivodeship. at the border with Slovakia. It was established in 1954 and protects the Babia Góra massif, which is an extremely interesting and popular peak, the highest in the Żywiec Beskids, with an altitude of 1725 m above sea level. It is covered by the UNESCO-MaB program (Man and Biosphere). In Zawoja you will find the BPN Educational Center. The symbol of the Park is a deer chasuble plant.

Białowieża National Park

Białowieża National Park includes the Białowieża Forest in Podlasie. It is an extensive and extremely valuable forest complex growing on both sides of the Polish-Belarusian border. The most original fragment of the tree is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The undisputed king of the Forest and the symbol of the Park is the bison, which today lives wild here. You will meet him at the Demonstration Reserve, and it is also worth visiting the Palace Park and walking along the Royal Oak Trail in Stara Białowieża. The symbol of the Park is a bison.

Bieszczady National Park

The Bieszczady National Park in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship is also covered by the UNESCO-MaB programme (Man and Biosphere). O is home to the highest mountain ranges of the Polish Bieszczady Mountains and unique mountain meadowscalled połoniny. It is especially worth visiting the highest peak of Tarnica at 1346 m above sea level, as well as Połonina Caryńska and Połonina Wetlińska. The park also includes a beech forest at the sources of Solinka or the area of the former village of Moczarne. The most beautiful moment of the year for this Park is definitely autumn. The symbol of the Park is a lynx.

Bory Tucholskie National Park

The Bory Tucholskie National Park was created in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, near Chojnice, from where bicycle routes lead to it. You can also start your sightseeing in Małe Swornegacie and Swornegacie. The vast majority of the area, as much as 79% of the area, is occupied by forests. The rest is water, swamps and peat bogs. Charzykowskie Lake is particularly charming, with the Island of Love for the Advanced and the Island of Love for Beginners. A pleasant sandy beach is located in Małe Swornegacie, and I also recommend the Lipnicki Loop with footbridges. The symbol of the Park is the capercaillie.

Gorce National Park

The Gorce National Park was established in the central Gorce range. The most interesting part of it are the peaks of Gorce and, of course, the popular Turbacz. The highest peak. The oldest sacred monument of the Park is the Bulanda chapel on the Jaworzyna Kamienicka Glade. The symbol of the Park is the spotted salamander.

Kampinos National Park

Kampinos National Park in the Masovian Voivodeship is famous for its forests and moose. It is a real kingdom of nature, although its borders are adjacent to the buildings of Warsaw. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World List of Biosphere Reserves. It is the second largest Polish national park. I especially recommend the Open Air Museum of Forest Construction in Granica and the path around it and the path to Karczmisko in Truskavets. The Memorial Site in Palmiry is very impressive, while the atmospheric cemetery in Laski is very impressive. The symbol of the Park is a moose.

Magura National Park

Magura National Park is one of the last truly wild refuges in Poland. So if you are looking for solitude and breath, this will be your paradise. For 3 days of hiking on the local trails in October, we did not meet any tourists! It is mountainous and the most forested of all Polish national parks. The land of the lesser spotted eagle and wolves. Bears can also be found on the trails. It is definitely worth going to Magura and Wątkowa, visit Ferdel with an observation tower and a wonderful panorama, Devil's Stone and Magura Waterfall in Folusz, Museum Center in Krempna and, of course, Symbolic Door to Nieznajowa. You are also enchanted by the colorful churches in the area. The symbol of the Park is the lesser spotted eagle.

Narew National Park

The Narew National Park is one of the gems of Podlasie. An extraordinary kingdom of nature on the Narew River - the only one in Poland, called the "Polish Amazon". Along the river, swamps, forests and picturesque meadows open up, enveloped by the sounds of bird singing and intersected by footbridges, which will allow you to immerse yourself at least for a moment in this magical world. Observation towers and kayaks are the best ways to get to know the Narew Park. The most famous is the footbridge connecting the Śliwno and Waniewo barges with the tower and kayak harbour. In Uhów, the tallest tower in Podlasie, measuring 44 meters, was erected, and in Młynarzówka, there is an interesting nature exhibition. The symbol of the Park is the pond marsh.

Poleski National Park

The Poleski National Park was established on the eastern ends of Poland, between Lublin and Chełm. You will get to know the nature of this land by wandering on footbridges that allow you to cross wetlands. It is an extraordinary adventure. It is worth visiting the Museum of the Poleski National Park in Załucz Stary with an exhibition, a shed, an aviary for birds and a mammal runway. The "Turtle" path with a pond runs around it. The symbol of the Park is a crane.

Świętokrzyski National Park

Świętokrzyski National Park invites you to the only mountains in Poland located in the central part of the country. Honest and age-old. Accessible to everyone, because walking, green, sung with a bird trellis. They delight with gentle peaks and picturesque trails, ancient smokers and extremely interesting geology. Worth seeing is Łysica - the highest elevation of the range, with characteristic dovecotes and an additional peak of Agata. Tourists are also tempted by the Holy Cross with a monastery, an observation platform and a nature museum. At his feet, he invites the Museum of Ancient Metallurgy in Nowa Słupia. In the vicinity, it is worth climbing Bukowa Góra and Chełmowa Góra, as well as walking over the Wolf Lagoon. The symbol of the Park is a deer.

Warta Mouth National Park

The "Ujście Warty" National Park is the youngest national park in Poland, created in 2001. It is a valuable refuge for waterfowl and marsh birds and one of the most important wetlands in Europe, which has been protected by the International Ramsar Convention. The meandering Warta River flows through the middle of the Park, and nature trails lead around it, such as the "Bird Trail", "Wetlands", "Olszynki" or the "On Two Wheels Through the Northern Polder" bicycle path. In the vicinity, it is also worth visiting the Kostrzyn Fortress, also called Kostrzyn Pompeii. The symbol of the Park is a grain goose.

Wielkopolska National Park

The Wielkopolska National Park lies on the Warta River, south of Poznań, in the triangle of Luboń - Stęszew - Mosina. The Natural Museum of the Park is located in Lakes, on Lake Górecki, in the heart of the Park. There is a road called the Greiser road. These areas are another bird paradise, with rare species nesting here. Cormorants have settled on Castle Island. The symbol of the Park is a can.

Wigry National Park

The Wigry National Park stretches a few kilometers east of Suwałki, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Within its borders, you can find over 40 natural water reservoirs, but the heart of the Park is the vast Lake Wigry. I highly recommend the bike loop along the green trail around Lake Wigry. We beat her on electric bikes, rented in Burdeniszki, but on ordinary ones she can do it in 1 day. It is 46 km long and allows you to see beautiful landscapes and get to know the most interesting attractions of the Park, such as the observation tower in Krusznik or the installation with a cross in the Red Cross. It is also worth visiting the monastery in Wigry. The symbol of the Park is a beaver against the lake.

Interesting facts about national parks

According to a 2019 study, as many as 80% of Poles believe that new national parks should be created in Poland. So there is public interest in such activities
The last Park was created in 2001, so it's been several decades! It was PN Warta's Mouth.
It is planned to create further parks, including the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, which would certainly increase tourist traffic in this area
May 24 is European National Parks Day. He mentions the date of the creation of the first PN in Europe, and more specifically in Sweden. This took place in 1909
In Poland, the Pieniny Park was the first to be established, in 1932

The most in Polish national parks

Here are a few highlights about Polish parks:

The largest: Biebrza National Park in Podlasie, area 592.23 km²
Smallest: Ojcowski PN in Małopolska, area 21.46 km²
The oldest: Pieniński National Park in Małopolska, founded in 1932
The youngest: PN Ujście Warty in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, founded in 2001

What are the goals of creating national parks?

These parks are not only places of contact with the most valuable nature, which is subject to special protection here. They are also objects of environmental education and sensitization to the needs of the surrounding nature. Creating an ecological attitude from an early age. In addition, numerous research and scientific programs are carried out here, both for plants and animals. The structures of the parks also regulate sightseeing and tourism. It should be remembered that tourist traffic takes place in designated areas, only along designated trails and paths. Admission to the Parks may be free or paid, depending on the decision of the Management of individual Parks.

If you like nature and want peace, I encourage you to get to know all the parks. And if you don't have time for it, visit at least the best of them. You already know our Top 10 most beautiful national parks in Poland! In the comments, tell us about your impressions of these natural refuges.

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What's worth seeing in the area?

You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.

Biebrza National Park, distance: 2.2 km
Podlasie, distance: 5.3 km
Tykocin Castle, distance: 32.1 km
Narew National Park, distance: 47.5 km
Suwałki, distance: 70.5 km
Wigry National Park, distance: 70.8 km
Masuria, distance: 74.1 km
Mikołajki, distance: 78.2 km
Land of Open Shutters, distance: 81.9 km
Gołdap, distance: 95.1 km