Bialowieza Forest, part of a forest that covers land in both Poland and Belarus, is what remains of an ancient forest that once encompassed large parts of Europe. As a habitat for animals and plants, and as a remnant of untouched wilderness, Bialowieza Forest is now enjoys World Heritage Site status protection.
Bialowieza Forest is known as Puszcza Bialowieska in Polish.
History of the Bialowieza Forest:
Bialowieza Forest was a favorite medieval hunting grounds and was used as such until the early 20th century. Then it became part of a national forest. The forest was home to the European bison until the population was hunted almost to extinction. Now the forest serves as a protected habitat for this species and other plants and animals. The forest is also home to enormous centuries-old trees that have been given names to honor their size and age.
Bialowieza Forest for Visitors:
Parts of Bialowieza Forest can be toured with a guide. The village of Bialowieza is located in the forest. Here, visitors will find a former palace, an open-air museum, an orthodox church, a natural history museum, and a park.
