Bieszczady National Park

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

Bieszczady National Park
Bieszczadzki Park Narodowy
IUCN category II (national park)
Northern summit of Tarnica
Park logo with a Eurasian lynx
Location in Poland
LocationSubcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland
Coordinates49°17′17″N 22°29′49″E
Area292.02 km2 (112.75 sq mi)
Established1973
Governing bodyMinistry of the Environment

History

The park was created in 1973. At the time it covered only 59.55 square kilometres (22.99 sq mi), but over the years it was enlarged four times. The last enlargements took place in 1996 (when the park incorporated the former villages of Bukowiec, Beniowa and Carynskie) and in 1999 (when the former villages of Dzwiniacz, Tarnawa and Sokoliki were added).

It occupies 292.02 square kilometres (112.75 sq mi), 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 2,132.11 square kilometres (823.21 sq mi) and includes parts in Slovakia and (since 1998) Ukraine.

Geography

Forests cover about 80% of Bieszczady National Park. The woods are mainly natural; in some cases it can be said that they have preserved their pristine character. The highest peak in the park, Tarnica, is 1,346 metres (4,416 ft) 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 (over 500 live in the area). 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 (less than 1 person per km²), 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
European walking route E8
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