Walking route
Żebra Żubra
A boardwalk through a swamp forest from Białowieża towards the bison reserve. Wet, green and very wild.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Route lines are based on OSM data; on the ground, follow the trail markings.
The name comes from the shape: the boardwalk winds through the waterlogged forest like the spine of a great animal, and the cross planks look like ribs. Below stands black water, from which alders rise on stilts of roots. In spring the frogs croak, in summer the mosquitoes buzz, in autumn everything smells of mushrooms. It is the easiest way to see what the Forest looks like where you cannot walk with dry feet.
The route step by step
Entrance from the Białowieża side
The path starts on the western edge of the village.
Boardwalk over the wetlands
The most interesting stretch. Stop and listen to the forest.
Near the European Bison Show Reserve
The path ends not far from the reserve. Return the same way or by minibus.
Practicalities
Surface
wooden boardwalk and forest path
Best time
April–November
Start / Finish
Entrance from the Białowieża side → Near the European Bison Show Reserve
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to buy a ticket for Żebra Żubra?
To our knowledge the path is free. Check the current rules at bpn.gov.pl.
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 mineasyThe Tsar’s Path to lunch
A walk from the Palace Park to the former tsarist station, where a restaurant now stands.
3.1 km45–60 min one wayeasy
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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.