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Description:
Large portion of the western Bieszczady Mountains is protected as a Bieszczadzki National Park. Established in 1973 (with an area of 57sq.kms) has been enlarged several times to reach finally 29 201sq.kms and became the part of the Polish, Slovakian and Ukrainian International Biosphere Reserve, sometimes called Eastern Carpathians. It is the third largest national park in Poland, being now the pride of Poland country. Its highest peak Tarnica Mount is 1436m above the sea level.
Due to the depopulation of this region after the II World War, nature has covered up the traces of the former farmers and shepherds activity. The beech trees dominate the forests, which are comprised of ca. 85% beech-wood. With an admixture of sycamore and fir trees, the Carpathian beech-wood complexes cover the slopes and valleys, while alder forests occur along streams. The undergoing vegetation succession and the preserved traces of material culture distinguish this area, rich in primeval forest fauna and afforested area that amounts to 75% and in many areas consist of primeval mountain forests. A 760 plant species have been recorded, 29 of which are endemic species characteristic to East Carpathians. Many of them might be spotted in the high mountain-pastures: white cow-wheat, Dianthus compactus, Scorzonera rosea as well as numerous highland plants, such as narcissus anemone, alpine club-moss and Hypochoeris uniflora.
These mountains are a paradise for birdwatchers! The most valuable group of birds are raptors such as: Golden Eagle, both Spotted, Short-toed and Booted eagles, Peregrine Falcon, Honey Buzzard and owls: Ural (highest density in Poland), Pygmy, Tengmalms and Eagle Owl. Numerous species of woodpeckers (including Grey-headed, White-backed, Black, Syrian and Three-toed). On the higher mountain grassland nest alpine bird species: Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor and Rock Thrush. The mammals include relatively abundant species typical for a primeval forest, such as Carpathian Deer, Roe Deer, Red Deer, Bear, Wolf, Lynx, Wild Boar, European Bison, Pine Marten and Wisent. Since 1994 the Bieszczady National Park maintains one of the largest in Poland a Preservatory Stud of the Hucul Horses, which are also used for tourist purposes and horse riding.
There are good conditions for the tourism, especially for hiking, birding and nature photography. As the Park is really huge and about 70% of this has the status of strictly protected zone, the public access to the park require a well prepared tour. Hiring a local guide will ease things a lot.
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 Topographic
map of THIS area
English, German and Polish description. Pocket sized 13x20cm
(60x77cm unfolded) 1:100 000, covering 40x70kms. Full of
details, recently updated, simply the best map available!
It's strange but it's really hard to buy a map suitable for
birding in Poland. Here is the best one for Eu19.00 only,
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»» Buy this
(or any other) map online...
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