Driving route
The Forest in one day: by car from Klejniki
Hajnówka, the European bison, Białowieża and Narewka in one loop. The best route if you have only one day for the Forest.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Route lines are based on OSM data; on the ground, follow the trail markings.
Set out early, before the mist lifts off the fields. In Hajnówka look in at the cathedral that looks like a tent of copper and glass, and drive on along the road through the forest, where trees stand right up against the asphalt. Before noon, the bison in the reserve; at midday the Palace Park and lunch; in the afternoon a guided entry into the strict protection area. You return via Narewka, as the light turns golden.
The route step by step
Klejniki
Best to leave at about 8:00.
Hajnówka: the cathedral
A short stop. If time remains, the Belarusian Culture Museum.
European Bison Show Reserve
The bison, and the Royal Oaks Trail next door.
Białowieża
Park, BPN museum, lunch. In the afternoon, the strict protection area with a guide.
Narewka
A walk by the river and the return to Klejniki via Hajnówka.
Practicalities
Surface
asphalt
Best time
all year
Start / Finish
Klejniki · loop
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book a guide for the strict protection area?
In season, yes, ideally a few days ahead. You can find guides through PTTK in Białowieża and on the BPN website.
See also
By bike from Hajnówka to the European bison
A Forest classic: 20 km along a forest trail from the station in Hajnówka to the European Bison Show Reserve.
20 km1.5–2 hrs one wayeasyRoyal Oaks Trail
A short wooden boardwalk, under a kilometre, among oaks that remember the Jagiellons.
0.6 km30–45 mineasyŻebra Żubra
A boardwalk through a swamp forest from Białowieża towards the bison reserve. Wet, green and very wild.
2.7 km1–1.5 hrs one wayeasy
The guide on your phone
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Your base: Klejniki
Every route in this guide starts within an hour of our house. After a day out, a tiled stove, a kitchen with a wood-fired range and silence are waiting for you.