Podlasie - 14 attractions worth seeing in Podlasie region | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Bialystok, the capital of Podlasie, is reachable from Warsaw by direct train in about 2 hours
• The 18th-century Branicki Palace with its French garden is Bialystok's main attraction
• Bialowieza National Park protects Europe's last primeval lowland forest and its bison herd
• Biebrza National Park is one of Europe's most important wetland and bird habitats
• Podlasie contains 4 national parks: Biebrza, Bialowieza, Narew and Wigry
• Hajnowka is the nearest train station to Bialowieza, with onward connections by local bus

Białystok

To discover the attractions of Podlasie, it is worth starting from its capital, Białystok, a cycling-friendly city with an extensive network of cycle paths. Getting to Białystok is easy thanks to train connections, and tickets can be conveniently purchased through the PolishTrains search engine, making it easy to organise a trip.

The city's main attraction is the 18th-century Branicki Palace with its surrounding gardens. Built on the order of Jan Klemens Branicki, magnate and Grand Hetman of the Crown, the palace impresses with its architecture, while the French park with its alleys, fountains and sculptures creates a harmonious background for it. Visitors can choose from a variety of routes, learning about the history and architecture of the complex.

In the immediate vicinity of the palace is Kosciuszko Square, surrounded by historic townhouses representing styles from classicism to neo-Renaissance. The colourful facades of the buildings give the square a distinctive charm, and the focal point is the statue of Tadeusz Kościuszko.

Białystok is also famous for its murals, among which the one depicting a girl with a watering can stands out - the painting is located on Legionowa Street and was created by artist Natalia Rak as part of the "Folk on the Street" action in 2013.

Białystok can be explored through several marked trails:

The Jewish Heritage Trail takes you through sites related to the history of Białystok's Jewish community, including the former Great Synagogue and the Białystok Jewish Memorial.

The Route of Esperanto and Many Cultures shows the cultural diversity of Białystok, taking into account the influence ofEsperanto.

The Route of the Architecture of the People's Republic of Poland presents the styles and buildings characteristic of that period, including housing estates and public buildings from the 1950s and 1960s.

The Trail of Blessed Father Michał Sopoćko commemorates the figure of the priest who was the confessor of Sister Faustyna Kowalska. The route visits places connected with his life and work, such as churches and monuments.

The Culinary Trail is dedicated to local cuisine and the delicious dishes you can try in Białystok's restaurants and cafes.

The Route of the Branicki Family leads through places connected with the Branicki family, who had a great influence on the development of Białystok.

The Wooden Architecture Route shows examples of wooden architecture characteristic of the Podlasie region. On this tour you will visit wooden churches, houses and other buildings built of wood.

The B ialystokTemples Trail leads you to the most important churches in Białystok, representing various religions.

The Białystok Manufacturers' Route reveals the history of Białystok's industry and the factory owners who contributed to the city's development.

Narew National Park

Have you dreamt of travelling to the Amazon? In this region you will discover a substitute for it in the Narew National Park. This is a magical place in Podlasie, which is one of the four national parks of the province. This unique area, unique in terms of its complex hydrographic structure, delights with a labyrinth of river channels and branches.

The park is famous for its numerous habitats of endangered bird species, and its symbol is the marsh harrier. During a trip to the area, a must-see is the educational footbridge linking the villages of Waniewo and Śliwno, where popular ferry crossings take place - particularly exciting for the youngest. Platforms on the water are pulled to the other side by sheer muscle power.

Cruises in boats called pychówka are organised in the park, allowing visitors to admire the rich waterfowl life. The administrative headquarters is located in the historic manor house in Kurów - an excellent starting point for exploring the site.

Biebrza National Park

Biebrza National Park is the largest national park in Poland. The place is particularly famous for its extensive wetlands and lowland peat bogs, which are among the largest in the country and one of the largest in Europe. This unique ecosystem is home to more than 49 species of mammals, including the majestic elk.

Tours of the park are mainly on wooden footbridges, effectively protecting the natural ecosystem. A must-see is the Red Swamp, the most famous reserve in the park. The historic Osowiec Fortress, where the park's headquarters is located, is another attraction worth visiting.

Canoeing is also one of the popular ways to explore the area. Particularly recommended is the 11-kilometre stretch of the Brzozówka river, a right-hand tributary of the Biebrza, between Karpowicze and Jasionowo. This route offers unforgettable views.

To fully experience the charm of this interesting place in Podlasie, it is worth renting a cottage on the edge of the park. This will allow you to admire the beautiful morning and evening landscapes, when mists hover over the Biebrza River and local fauna make their presence known. Numerous trails, especially outside the tourist season, provide peace and quiet and close contact with unspoilt nature.

Bialowieza National Park

Another item on the list of what to visit in Podlasie should be Bialowieza National Park - the most characteristic of the region. This is the kingdom of the European bison, which can be admired in a breeding enclosure on the road connecting Bialowieza and Hajnówka. It is worth knowing that Białowieża National Park, one of the oldest in Europe, is a unique example of primeval forest, untouched by human hand.

The park's headquarters are located in Białowieża, where the Professor J. Miklaszewski Museum of Nature and Forestry is situated, as well as the former manor house of the Grodno governor, now serving as the BNP Nature Education Centre.

There are also strict protection areas in the park, which can only be entered under the supervision of an authorised guide. An example of such a place is the Orłówka Protective Unit. Also noteworthy are the trails leading to the Jagiełło Oak and the trails in the Hwoźna Conservation Area - two hiking and bicycle trails 6.5 and 11.5 kilometres long. While exploring, look out for observation towers that allow you to watch wildlife.

Wigry National Park

When visiting the attractions of Podlasie, one should not overlook the Wigry National Park, home to Lake Wigry and several other picturesque bodies of water. The park offers a variety of hiking opportunities - some 190 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails have been designated, and water sports are available on selected lakes and rivers. In addition, educational trails, campsites and beaches await visitors.

The Wigry National Park borders Suwałki - a city easily accessible by train from various corners of the country. This makes the park an ideal destination even for those without a car. Also worth seeing in the area is the Pokamedulski Wigry Monastery, picturesquely situated on a small promontory above the lake. The view of this monument is particularly impressive at sunset.

Arboretum in Kopna Góra

Not far from Białystok is the charming Arboretum in Kopna Góra, where a collection of over 500 species of trees and shrubs has been gathered in an area of 26 hectares. This unique Podlasie attraction offers the opportunity to spend a few hours outdoors in beautiful surroundings. The place is ideal for a shorter trip, and even people who are sceptical about natural attractions will certainly appreciate its charm and diversity. It is worth remembering that the site is only open to the public in high season, from April to September.

The Augustow Canal

The Augustow Canal is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Podlasie, stretching over an impressive 100 kilometres, mostly in Poland. It was created as a strategic connection between the tributaries of the Vistula River and the Baltic Sea, making it possible to bypass the lower reaches of the Vistula and avoid high Prussian duties. Although transport by this route took longer, it was much cheaper. The implementation of this ambitious project required the involvement of the most outstanding water engineers of the 19th century. Thanks to their work, a complex hydrological system including 18 locks and weirs was created.

In 2008, the Augustow Canal underwent extensive modernisation, becoming navigable along its entire length. It now offers a variety of cruising routes, the most popular of which is the so-called Pope's route. It leads from the port in Augustów, through the Netta River, Lake Necko, Klonownica River, Lake Białe, the sluice in Przewięzi, up to Lake Studzieniczne and back to Augustów. Enthusiasts of active leisure can also admire many sluices from the land side, traversing forest cycling trails. Some of them are somewhat hidden, but skilled observers are sure to find them.

Supraśl

Supraśl is a picturesque town located north-east of Białystok, which delights with its unique atmosphere and rich history. It is a perfect destination for lovers of monuments, art and nature. If you are wondering what to see in Podlasie, Supraśl should definitely be on your list!

Worth seeing in this town are:

Monastery of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God - this is the most important monument in Suprasl. The defensive complex is surrounded by high walls with corner towers.

The Icon Museum, located within the monastery walls, houses a rich collection of icons documenting the Orthodox tradition and art of the region. It is an excellent place for art and culture lovers, offering a unique insight into the history of icons.

The Buchholtz Palace, built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Neo-Renaissance style, originally served as the residence of a factory owner's family, and now houses an art high school.

The boulevards on the Supraśl River are a suitable place for a walk and a moment of relaxation surrounded by nature. Picturesque alleys running along the river create a peaceful space conducive to relaxation.

Supraśl is a small town where time flows more slowly, allowing visitors to fully enjoy its charm. We recommend the town for a short trip, especially for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities and immerse themselves in the local culture and nature.

Kruszyniany and the Tatar Trail

The Tatars appeared in Poland during the reign of King Jan III Sobieski, who, in recognition of their faithful service, gave them the village of Kruszyniany. It was there that a mosque was built, currently the oldest on Polish soil, and is a popular destination for those fascinated by the exotic Tatar culture.

Kruszyniany is also famous for its exceptional Muslim cuisine, which attracts numerous gourmets. Flagship dishes include pierekaczewnik - a multi-layered pastry stuffed with meat (usually mutton or beef), cheese, potatoes or sweet toppings - and chebureki, which are large fried dumplings with crispy pastry and juicy meat filling.

In the surroundings, you can take a rest at the lagoon in Ozierany and climb the Ecumenical Mountain, whose summit is decorated with three religious symbols representing the faiths of the inhabitants of Podlasie.

The Tatar Trail is worth completing with a visit to the village of Bohoniki, where there is an 18th-century mosque and a Muslim cemetery, as well as the Sokól Land Museum, which has a section dedicated to the Tatars. These Podlaskie attractions provide a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and unique character.

Suwałki

What is worth visiting in Podlasie? Certainly its northern outskirts, i.e. Suwałki - a land often overlooked by tourists who prefer the nearby Masuria region. The area around Suwałki impresses with an undulating landscape full of lakes. It is here that the deepest lake in Poland - the Hańcza - is located. This unique area, shaped by the ice sheet, abounds in fascinating boulder fields, such as Bachanowo, Łopuchowskie and Oz Turtulski.

An interesting place is Wodziłki - a village inhabited by Old Believers, adherents of a branch of the Orthodox Church, who separated from the mainstream Church in the 18th century. Their unique traditions, rituals and customs, nurtured to this day, are an unusual attraction for visitors.

What's more, Suwałki is an area worth exploring on two wheels. Suwałki - an excellent starting point - is easily reached by train. You can conveniently buy tickets for yourself and your bike at PolishTrains, taking advantage of available concessions and other facilities.

European Stork Village

Are your kids fans of storks? One of the attractions for children in Podlasie is the European Stork Village in Pentovo, near Tykocin. The story of its creation is quite remarkable. In 1992, a hurricane wreaked havoc on the local manor park, breaking many trees. Unexpectedly, the area, along with the broken trees, attracted numerous storks, who established as many as 34 nests here! Since then, the site has become a popular tourist stop. Especially during the nesting season, many people come here to admire these majestic birds. There are information boards on the site to explain the habits of storks.

Silvarium

Silvarium, the Forest Garden in Poczopek, near the border with Belarus, offers a number of fascinating attractions. One of them is the Megalith Park, where huge erratic boulders have been arranged in a Celtic circle. Also worth a visit is the Strigiforium, the home of owls, where you can admire these beautiful birds. The well-maintained and varied space makes it an excellent place for a walk, especially for those looking for points of interest near Białystok.

The Silvarium is also a great option for the youngest, as they can deepen their knowledge of the local wildlife thanks to the numerous information boards. Although not a typical attraction for children, the Podlasie region offers something more than standard theme parks. Direct contact with nature is a great way to get overstimulated toddlers interested in the world around them, while providing education and entertainment at the same time.

Tykocin

Tykocin is, along with Suprasl, one of the small towns in Podlaskie Voivodeship offering numerous attractions. The dominant feature of the town is the majestic Holy Trinity Church and a charming market square with a monument to hetman Czarniecki. Among the monuments of Podlasie in Tykocin, the impressive castle also deserves special attention.

When discovering the town, it is worth delving into its rich history, especially that connected with the Jewish community, which played a significant role here. While you're there, be sure to sample the traditional cuisine of Podlasie, including delicious pierogi.

Skit in Odrynki

The Skit is a secluded hermitage of monks who choose a more austere life than in traditional Orthodox monasteries. The Men's Skit of Saints Anthony and Theodosius Pechersky in Odrinki, although established relatively recently, in 2009, continues the centuries-old hermit tradition in the area.

It is a truly secluded place, as it is situated on an island amidst the meandering Narew River. It can only be reached by a footbridge about half a kilometre long. However, on the island itself, there is a small, charming Orthodox church, open to the public. Its unique location and unusual purpose make the skit one of the most unusual attractions in Podlasie.

These are all the Podlasie attractions we wanted to present in this article. We hope that our guide answers the question of what to visit in Podlasie comprehensively and makes it easier for you to choose the most interesting places. Remember that you can take advantage of convenient train connections during your trip. To make your sightseeing even easier, instead of buying tickets at the railway station ticket office, make your purchase online.

The PolishTrains search engine, available on both computers and mobile devices, offers the most convenient way to buy tickets. It allows you to purchase tickets 24/7, easily add the discounts you are entitled to, and receive them in electronic form - effectively eliminating the risk of losing them.

Planning a trip in the Podlasie region has never been so easy! Enjoy the best views and discover the charms of this beautiful region.