Travel Guide Parc National De Roztoczański

This 8,482-hectare park, located south-east of Zwierzyniec, is certainly the oldest in the country (and one of the oldest in Europe). It was originally created in 1589 by Jan Zamoyski, who turned it into a private protected reserve and zoo. In fact, the site has remained virtually unchanged since its creation four hundred years ago. The forest of beech and fir that covers almost the entire territory is one of the most beautiful in Poland, with a varied relief and absolutely superb scenery. The National Park is the most densely wooded in Poland, with 95.5% of its area covered by forest. Within the park, there are hundreds of kilometers of hiking and biking trails for magnificent explorations lasting from a few hours to several days. Bison, elk, deer, wild boar, wolves, lynx and wild cats roam the park alongside a Polish species of horse known as konik polski, the Polish pony. These half-wild ponies have become the symbol of the park, and it's not uncommon to see them bathing in its ponds: don't get too close, though, as although they're used to humans (they're fed in winter), they're still very dangerous, and every year they send the unwary to hospital. Kayak excursions on the Wieprz, Tanew, Łada and Sopot rivers are possible and highly recommended. In addition to mammals, almost 190 species of birds can be seen in the park, 130 of which regularly nest here.