Narew

The Narew is a river in northeastern Poland that forms part of the Vistula river system. It flows through several counties in the Podlaskie and Masovian Voivodeships, draining a landscape of plains, forests, and agricultural land. As a significant tributary of the Vistula, the Narew contributes to the Baltic Sea drainage basin and plays an important role in regional hydrology.

The river’s middle and lower courses are notable for broad floodplains and extensive wetlands. The Narew valley includes Narwia National Park, a protected area that preserves marshes, lakes, and reed beds. The park supports diverse aquatic and birdlife, including many migratory species, and is a focal point for conservation and ecotourism in the region.

Historically, the Narew served as a transportation route and supported local economies through fishing and timber floating. In contemporary times, the river is valued for recreation, tourism, and ecological research, with settlements along its banks relying on the surrounding landscape for agriculture and livelihood.

Hydrologically, the Narew is influenced by seasonal rainfall and snowmelt, and its flow can fluctuate with floods in spring and early summer. In parts of its course, small weirs and other flood-control structures help regulate water levels and reduce flood risk for nearby communities and farmlands.

The name Narew is of Slavic origin and is associated with the river as well as nearby settlements and protected areas. The Narew and its valley are integral to the cultural and natural identity of northeastern Poland.