Białowieża: Europe's bison forest

Białowieża Forest straddles the border between Poland and Belarus and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979. It is described as Europe's last true primeval lowland forest, and is a Biosphere Reserve as well. Its best-known resident is the European bison, which survives in the wild here and in other parts of Europe because of long conservation breeding programmes.

On the Polish side, you can visit the village of Białowieża, the Palace Park, the museum and the Bison Show Reserve, which is about 3 km west of the village and shows bison year-round. The strictly protected core of the national park can only be entered with a certified national park guide, with limited tickets each day and walks of roughly three hours. Prices, group sizes and closing days vary between sources, and we could not confirm them from the park's own site, so check before you go. Most guides suggest visiting between May and September.

The forest's population of free-roaming bison is large, with one source putting it at roughly a thousand animals; estimates differ. Seeing a wild bison on a guided walk is possible but is never guaranteed, and the bison reserve is the reliable choice.

One important caution: the forest lies along the border with Belarus, where Poland has imposed restrictions in the border area in recent years. Before you plan a visit, check the Polish government's current rules on access to the border zone and the state of the border crossing; do not rely on older guides.

How to go well: take a guided walk, stay on paths, buy from local guesthouses and craftspeople, and keep your distance from the animals.