In Orzeszkowo, a historic trail and a cycling route meet, both passing through the village. When planning your trip, it is important to distinguish between them: the 31-kilometre blue trail “Śladami Powstania Styczniowego” should not be confused with the Hajnówka–Topiło–Hajnówka cycling route. There is also the grave of insurgents on the outskirts of the village and the Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Lord.

Distinguishing the Insurrection Trail from the Cycling Route

The blue trail “Śladami Powstania Styczniowego” begins in the Judzianka district of Hajnówka, on ul. Warszawska. It runs along Droga Dubińska, crosses the Chwiszczej River and passes through Orzeszkowo, Olszynka and Łozice. On the outskirts of Orzeszkowo is the grave of insurgents executed in 1863; the tourist trail passes through the village to this memorial. This trail is not suitable for cycling.

The Hajnówka–Topiło–Hajnówka cycling route is a different route. It also passes through Orzeszkowo and is marked in blue along its entire length. Because both routes share the same colour, it is especially important to use their full names: the blue Insurrection Trail and the blue-marked cycling route are two different routes. Before cycling, check the current trail markings and accessibility.

Another named landmark in Orzeszkowo is the Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Lord. Together with the grave on the outskirts, the church and this historic memorial are local points of reference. When planning your visit, the route description and the distinction between the types of route are key; do not assume that trail markings are current or that buildings are accessible.

Nature and routes in the wider Hajnówka destination

In the wider Hajnówka destination, the Białowieża Forest is the largest forest complex in Hajnówka County. It is considered the best-preserved lowland forest in Europe in the deciduous and mixed-forest zone. Białowieża National Park lies within the forest. It covers 10.5 thousand hectares and was established in 1921. These landscape and protected-area attractions form the regional backdrop, while the Insurrection Trail, the grave and the church are specific local points of interest in Orzeszkowo.

Also in the wider Hajnówka destination, the “Kraina Puszczy i Żubra” Nordic Walking Park in Hajnówka has seven marked routes, with maps, ranging 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. The “Pętla Żubra” is listed as 15 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of three hours. Times and trail conditions may vary seasonally; check the latest route information and whether the starting points are accessible before setting out.

The routes in Białowieża National Park also differ in terms of the guiding rules in force. The “Do Dębu Jagiełły” route through the strictly protected area may only be walked with a tourist guide licensed by the park director. Individual visitors, however, can walk the named “Carska Tropina,” “Wilczy Szlak,” “Wokół Uroczyska Głuszec” and “Tropem Żubra” routes, as well as the “Przez trzy zbiorowiska” educational trail, without a guide. Confirm the current rules before your visit.

Crafts and culture in Hajnówka

The cultural attractions in the wider Hajnówka destination include the Museum of Blacksmithing and Locksmithing in Hajnówka. It grew out of a family smithy established in 1927 and has 586 exhibits. Blacksmithing demonstrations are available by prior arrangement, and visitors can try striking red-hot iron with a hammer themselves.

Since 2002, the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music, Hajnowskie Dni Muzyki Cerkiewnej, has been held as a week-long competition at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka. If you would like to attend, check the dates of the current edition. Make sure event dates and the arrangements for guided tours or blacksmithing demonstrations fit your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Krynica, Bialowieza, Postołowo, Pogorzelce, Lewkowo Stare, Leśna, Trześcianka, Gruzka.

For the wider travel overview: Hajnówka.