Skip to main content

Activities

Activities:

Strict reserve excursions

Białowieża National Park protects the best preserved fragment of Białowieża Forest – last natural forest at the European Lowland Area, having the primaeval character, identical with the one which covered the area of deciduous and coniferous forests years ago.

The guided excursion is planned during the second conference day and included in the conference fee.

During the walk through the natural forests, participants will learn about species and age structure of primaeval old growths, forest associations, species biodiversity, regeneration of trees, and the role of deadwood. History of forest protection and contemporary scientific exploration of the National Park will be briefly presented. During the excursion, participants will have a chance to observe birds, other animals and their tracks, as well as some processes operating among the fauna and flora. The walk lasts 3-4 hours (around 6 km) with a low difficulty level, but you will need good walking shoes.

Białowieża National Park’s Strict Nature Reserve is the central part of the Białowieża Primaeval Forest and covers an area of 60 square metres. It protects the best preserved fragment of last natural forest in the European Lowland Area. Since the end of the last ice age, some 11,000 years ago, natural processes alone have been shaping this part of the forest. It has been protected as a National Park since 1931 and since then the entry to the area is highly restricted, only scientists and tourists accompanied with a guide can enter.

Bonfire banquet

(Included in the conference fee).
For Thursday evening we are offering a bit of a different social event. To have a real village experience, we will gather at the bonfire place in Karczma Biesiadna (garden of Białowieski Hotel https://www.hotel.bialowieza.pl/). You will have a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of socialising with traditional food, live music and locally brewed beer! Vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous menus will be offered.

 

Optional additional excursion to European Bison Show Reserve

Conference attendees (and plus ones) can join an optional, paid excursion to the European Bison Show Reserve during the conference (you can buy a ticket directly during the registration process by adding a proper ticket).

This optional excursion will take place on the same day as the field trip to the Strict Reserve (included in conference ticket fee). Attendees will be able to join both field trip excursions if they wish.
The Bison Show Reserve is located on the Hajnówka-Białowieża road, approximately 3 km from Białowieża.
The ticket fee includes entrance ticket and bus transport.
Estimated duration: approx. 2 hours