The Białowieża Primeval Forest as the defining natural landscape

The Białowieża Primeval Forest is the most important forest complex in Hajnowski County. It is considered Europe’s best-preserved lowland forest in the deciduous and mixed forest zone. The Białowieża National Park lies within the primeval forest: it covers 10.5 thousand hectares and was established in 1921. The forest landscape and protected area are therefore among the defining natural features of the region—and offer a special setting for combining your stay with walks and longer routes.

Those looking to spend time outdoors will find the “Kraina Puszczy i Żubra” Nordic Walking Park in Hajnówka. Its seven marked routes, equipped with maps, range from 3 to 21 kilometres. They start at the water park in Hajnówka or at the “Zwierzyniec” car park on regional road 689 between Hajnówka and Białowieża. Before setting out, check the latest trail details and conditions at the starting points.

Routes for different levels

One specific option in the Nordic Walking Park is the “Pętla Żubra”: the route is listed as 15 kilometres long, with an approximate duration of three hours. This distinguishes it from the park’s overall range of routes in terms of both distance and time required. The duration is an estimate; conditions and expected walking times can vary by season. If you are planning a trip, take the approximate duration into account and check the current trail conditions and estimated walking time in advance.

Rules also vary from trail to trail in Białowieża National Park. “Do Dębu Jagiełły” passes through the strictly protected area and may only be walked with a tourist guide licensed by the park director. Individual visitors, however, can walk the “Carska Tropina”, “Wilczy Szlak”, “Wokół Uroczyska Głuszec” and “Tropem Żubra” trails, as well as the “Przez trzy zbiorowiska” educational trail, without a guide. As access rules can change, check the park’s requirements before your visit. This makes it clear which route requires a guide and which of the listed trails you can explore independently.

Crafts and culture in Hajnówka

A different side of the destination can be found at the Museum of Blacksmithing and Locksmithing in Hajnówka. Its history goes back to a family forge established in 1927, and the collection comprises 586 exhibits. During blacksmithing demonstrations, visitors can try striking red-hot iron with a hammer themselves. These demonstrations must be arranged in advance. If you want to experience the work at the anvil rather than simply observe the craft, make arrangements for your visit ahead of time.

Music also features prominently in the city’s cultural programme: since 2002, the International Festival Hajnowskie Dni Muzyki Cerkiewnej has been held as a week-long competition in the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It is worth checking the dates of the current edition when planning your trip. The Museum and Cultural Centre of Belarusians in Hajnówka also organises craft and art workshops. Its recurring programme includes the ethnographic festivals “Kultura na schodach muzeum” and “I tam żywuć ludzi”. As events and programmes should be confirmed, check the latest dates with the museum before your visit.

For another perspective on architectural history, visit the Park of Miniatures of Podlasie Monuments. A plaque at each model provides information about the history of the building depicted and related features. The Hajnówka Memory Trail, in turn, leads to traces of past cultures and events that have shaped Hajnówka and its residents. The two attractions have different focuses: one centres on buildings and their stories, while the other highlights the city’s cultural and historical traces. This way, you can combine nature experiences with discoveries related to crafts, music and regional history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bialowieza, Postołowo, Narewka, Janowo, Krynica, Hajnówka, Tarnopol, Kruhlik, Leśna, Pogorzelce, Kleszczele, Łuka, Dubicze Cerkiewne, Orzeszkowo, Siemianówka, Nowoberezowo, Lewkowo Stare, Trześcianka, Gruzka, Wiluki and Czeremcha.

To the main travel overview: Podlasie.