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PRACTICALITIES
What awaits you in Biebrza? |
What do you need to know? |
SPRING
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remember that this is the peak of the tourist season at Biebrza
make
your reservations reasonably early
don't
expect an especially private atmosphere
you
won't find the price of tourist services negotiable
mosquito
repellent is quite useful
bring
waterproof boots or regular sandals for marshy wandering |
millions of birds on migration - a paradise for lovers of bird life
flood waters stretching from horizon to horizon, broken only by
haystacks and
willows
fields of Marsh Marigold and wandering moose
mysterious evening frog concerts
endurance hikes across the marshes and canoeing down the wild river
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SUMMER
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bring some extra, lightweight, sturdy clothing, since there is no suitable repellent against horse flies
regular
walking shoes are fine for most trails
plan
your activities for early morning or late evening, to coincide with
the peak of animal activity |
the rhythm of life slows - no better time for nature contemplation,
the breeding season - an excellent time for wildlife sightings,
the peak of wildflower blooming
cycling and water expeditions
"green workshops" for children
a chance for seclusion and privacy
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AUTUMN
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all of the trails are accessible and fine for regular walking shoes
a
few trails are closed for the period of the rut to protect wildlife
from disturbance
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fascinating, colourful paradise for landscape connoisseurs
the time of the annual rut, the breeding season for moose and red
deer, and an opportunity to hear their voices and witness their
powerful displays
autumn migration of birds
cycling and water expeditions
"green workshops" for children
an especially private atmosphere |
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WINTER
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you will find all tourist services at very reasonable prices
be
prepared for cold weather and the usual periodic winter storms |
limitless winter landscape
the best chance of getting close to moose
easy snow tracking of large mammals (wolf, otter, moose, red deer)
it is possible to include Białowieża National Park in your plans,
and give yourself a chance to see bison
skiing and sleighing parties
absolute privacy in the peace and stillness of the season
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Attention!
At some
places in the Biebrza region you will find only Polish spoken.
Bring along a Polish phrase book and try speaking a little of this beautiful
language.
ATM's
are available only in bigger towns such as: Łomża, Grajewo, Augustów,
Mońki and Goniądz.
Payments
in euro are generally acceptable at many tourist places (i.e. guest houses,
souvenirs shops) but not at supermarkets, post offices, museums
etc.
Card
payments are common only at hotels.
The distance
between Warsaw and the park headquarters at Twierdza Osowiec is 250km.
It is usually about a 2.5 hours drive in summer, and ca. 3.5 hours in winter.
The Biebrza
National Park comprises over 100 km long stretch of land along the Biebrza
River, between Lipsk and Wizna.
Villages
and park attractions are connected by a network of highways and many smaller,
secondary roads, but bridges crossing Biebrza river are only a few. Allow
an extra travelling time between destinations, and enjoy the rural landscape.
In the
Biebrza region you will find canoeing routes and a variety of cycling,
hiking, and relaxed wandering tracks.
Bike
or ski rentals might be sometimes difficult to find. And of course be
sure to bring along your camera, binoculars, and spotting scope. Should
you forget to take your binoculars, scope or wellington boots with you, you can
rent them at our office.
Entrance
tickets are available at a tourist information centres at Osowiec Twierdza,
Forest Lodges of the Biebrza National Park (i.e. Grzędy, Werykle, Laskowiec,
Trzyrzeczki) or other selected tourist locations.
If you
decide to set out on a journey without a guide, please remember that you
are only allowed to walk along marked routes. Do not forget to take a
good map and equipment with you, and check the weather conditions on tourist
routes first either at the tourist information stand or at your guest
house. In case of increased land humidity, Wellington boots are a must.
Moreover, at certain hours some trails may be closed down in order to
prevent excessive disturbance of wildlife. The public
transport network in the Biebrza National Park region is rather poorly
developed. You can reach Osowiec by train but then without a bike or a car
you will have to hike many kilometres with your backpack.
Poorly
equipped camp sites are often the only places where you can put up a tent
or stop with a camper van.
Anyone visiting the Biebrza National Park
must obey the following rules:
hiking
without a guide is permitted only on marked routes
groups
of more than 7 persons must stay with a guide
hiking
and other recreation requires an entrance ticket
driving
is allowed only on public roads
hiking
is forbidden at night to help protect wildlife
camping
and having campfires is allowed only in specially designated places
canoeing
trips require a special ticket
all animals
and plants in the park are protected. |