Bieszczady National Park

The Bieszczady National Park, established in 1973 in the Western Bieszczady Mountains, is one of Poland's 23 national parks, covering an area of 292.02 km². It is the third-largest national park in Poland, renowned for its unique natural and cultural values. Within its boundaries lies Opołonek, the southernmost point of Poland. With its headquarters in Ustrzyki Górne, the park became part of the "East Carpathian" International Biosphere Reserve, and since 2021, 11% of its area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the park dates back to the 1950s, when efforts to establish it began, and its protected area has been expanded four times since then. The Bieszczady region features remnants of former settlements, and its landscape is the result of both natural processes and human activity. The park's flora includes two vegetation-climate zones, dominated by natural deciduous and mixed forests. Many rare plant species are protected here, including endemic species of the Eastern Carpathians. The park's fauna is notable for its 230 vertebrate species, including many large mammals such as bears, wolves, and bison. The Bieszczady National Park is also a sanctuary for 140 breeding bird species. The park conducts educational activities through the Scientific and Educational Center in Ustrzyki Dolne and numerous nature and historical trails, allowing visitors to explore the local flora and fauna. The charm of the Bieszczady Mountains attracts tourists from all over Poland and abroad, and their unique heritage makes the park a natural treasure of great cultural and ecological significance.