Roztocze National Park

The Roztocze National Park, established on May 10, 1974, with its headquarters located in the Plenipotentiary Palace in Zwierzyniec, covers an area of 8,483 hectares, 95.5% of which is forest. The park boasts a rich history of nature conservation dating back to the 16th century and encompasses valuable natural areas of the Roztocze region. In the past, these lands were part of the Zamość game preserve, where various animal species were bred. In the mid-20th century, efforts to create nature reserves began, with the first being the Bukowa Góra Reserve, established in 1936. The park features numerous forest communities, including upland mixed fir forest and fertile Carpathian beech forest. The flora of the Roztocze National Park is highly diverse, comprising approximately 750 species of vascular plants, many of which are protected. The fauna is equally rich, with over 190 bird species, 130 of which regularly nest in the park. Rare insects, reptiles, and amphibians also thrive here. A unique feature of the park is the breeding of Polish Konik horses, initiated in 1982 by Professor Mirosław Kownacki, where the animals roam freely in specially designated areas. The park also hosts educational centers, such as the Educational and Museum Center in Zwierzyniec and the Forest Chamber in Florianka, which engage in promotional activities, attracting tourists and nature enthusiasts. The park holds both natural and cultural significance, drawing diverse groups of visitors.