The treasures of the Podkarpackie – relics of an ancient forests, and rare plant and animal species.
Entering a very old forest is like travelling back in time. Beeches and oaks have grown undisturbed in the primeval Carpathian and Sandomierz Forsets for hundreds of years. These areas are inhabited by wisent and elk, deer and bears, and the extremely rare Aesculapian snakes. In Poland, the latter species can only be found in the Bieszczady Mountains, in one of the region’s many nature reserves. All of these are home to the most amazing natural treasures.
‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better’, said Albert Einstein. You will get lots of opportunities for this in the Podkarpackie region, which stands out in Europe for the quality of its natural environment, and in Poland for the size of the forests in proportion to its whole area. In fact one third of the region, with its two national parks – the Bieszczady and Magura, is included in the Natura 2000 protected areas.
The diversity of the landscapes is truly breathtaking. In the north, there are grassland plains and forests of the Eastern Roztocze, with peat bogs, streams and ravines, as well as many historical landmarks; in the west the Sandomierz Primeval Forest, with such features as the Przecław Swamp nature reserve and the Polish Konik breeding reserve; and in the south, the misty ranges of the Low Beskids and the Bieszczady Mountains, where you can admire Poland's oldest and thickest fir trees, some of these growing also in Muczne well-known for the show enclosure open to tourists wanting to watch wisent in their habitat.
The diverse natural scenery can also be admired in landscape reserves throughout the region, including those in the mountainous areas (Ciśniańsko-Wetliński, the San River Valley, the Słonne Mountains, Jaśliska, and Brzanka Range), in the foothills (Przemyskie, Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowskie), and within the forests along the northern border of the region (Janów Forests, Solska Forest, South Roztocze). Those looking for special treats during their journey should see the lovely Duszatyn Lakes at the foot of Mount Chryszczata, the fascinating rock formations in the Prządki Reserve, as well as the mysterious Devil’s Rock in Folusz and Temple of the Sun in Nowiny Horynieckie.
These amazing landscapes are home to many rare plants and animals, such as Aesculapian snake or honeysuckle azalea. The green haven of the beech forests in the valley between the Vistula and San rivers is a real sanctuary for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects, with a lush flora consisting of innumerable species of flowers, herbs, mosses and lichens. Because of their extraordinary natural and cultural value, parts of the Podkarpackie region, along with areas in the neighbouring regions and countries, were designated by the UNESCO to be protected within the Roztocze Biosphere Reserve and the East Carpathians Biosphere Reserve. The wildlife is their greatest treasure.
The Podkarpackie is a perfect place to recharge your batteries!