Bialowieza

Bialowieza is a village located in northeastern Poland, within the Podlaskie Voivodeship. It is most famous for being the administrative center and gateway to the Bialowieza Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. The forest is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, most notably as the last refuge of the European bison.

The Bialowieza Forest is a transboundary forest, shared between Poland and Belarus. The Polish side of the forest is largely protected as the Bialowieza National Park. The village itself serves as a base for tourists and researchers interested in the forest's natural wonders. Accommodations and services catering to visitors are readily available in Bialowieza.

Historically, the forest has been a royal hunting ground and a significant natural resource. Its preservation is a testament to conservation efforts over centuries. The village of Bialowieza has a modest population and its economy is closely tied to tourism and the management of the national park. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, with dense woodlands, clearings, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The nearby Narewka River also contributes to the landscape.