Celebrating the Anniversary of Poland’s Natural Wonders: The Creation of Kampinos and Karkonosze National Parks

On January 16th, Poland saw the creation of two remarkable national parks, both offering an exceptional glimpse into the country’s diverse natural heritage. Kampinos National Park and Karkonosze National Park were established on this day, marking an important milestone in the conservation of Poland’s wildlife and landscapes.

Kampinos National Park: A Sanctuary on the Edge of Warsaw

Kampinos National Park, located just outside the north-western edge of Warsaw, has become a symbol of the harmony between urban life and nature. Spanning 38,544 hectares, this park is a haven for the fauna of the Polish plains. Thanks to the efforts of Jadwiga and Roman Kobendz, who championed the establishment of the park, Kampinos is now home to a rich tapestry of species, with around 16,500 animal species potentially inhabiting its varied landscapes. To date, over 3,000 species have been documented, though the park’s biodiversity is still far from fully explored.

The park’s location in the Vistula proglacial valley contributes to the vastness of its habitats, with more than 50 plant communities. In total, Kampinos National Park is home to around 1,400 species of vascular plants, 115 species of bryophytes, and 146 species of lichen. Of the 66 tree species found here, 33 are native, and out of 70 shrub species, 46 are indigenous to Poland. With this diverse flora, the park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

For those who love to explore on foot, Kampinos offers an extensive network of hiking trails totalling around 550 kilometres. Visitors can also experience a range of cultural and educational landmarks, including a classicist manor house from the early 19th century in Kampinos, the Frederic Chopin Museum in nearby Żelazowa Wola, and an open-air museum of wilderness architecture in Granica. The park also hosts a European Bison Breeding Center in Smardzewice, providing important conservation efforts for this iconic species.

• Polish National Parks – Kampinos National Park

Karkonosze National Park: Majestic Mountains and Unique Ecosystems

Further to the west, Karkonosze National Park, covering part of the Giant Mountains (Karkonosze) range, offers an entirely different natural landscape. Established in 1959, Karkonosze National Park spans a diverse range of ecosystems, with forests covering almost 74% of the park’s area. The remaining land includes peat bogs, post-glacial lakes, and unique rocky slopes that offer both geological and ecological wonders.

The park’s biodiversity thrives due to its vertical vegetation zones, with different climate zones and a variety of flora communities. Above the upper forest border, the terrain becomes distinct, with rocky ridges and alpine vegetation that support a unique array of species. Karkonosze is home to over 15,000 species of invertebrates and more than 320 species of vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The park is an important breeding and migratory site for about 200 bird species and almost 60 mammal species.

A special feature of Karkonosze is its glacial history, visible in the park’s post-glacial lakes and steep, rugged slopes. The Giant Mountains’ mysterious peat bogs and mountain peaks, such as Mount Chojnik, add to the park’s allure, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike.

Karkonosze National Park also offers a wealth of educational experiences. Visitors can explore the Karkonosze Environmental Education Center in Szklarska Poręba, or visit the Information and Education Centre “Hunting Lodge” in Karpacz to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural heritage. Additionally, the “Virtual Karkonosze” exposition in Szklarska Poręba provides an interactive way to engage with the region’s rich environment.

• Polish National Parks – Karkonosze National Park