Snapshot: Entering the enchanted Bialowieza Forest

This is it. The last unspoiled spot of the primeval forest that once blanketed Europe. Straddling the borders of Poland and Belarus, this lush woodland has withstood the test of time and human intervention. The forest is now home to around 800 roaming European Bison, wolves, wild boar and roe deer, amongst plenty of ancient trees.

People who’ve been here sing praises of its untouched beauty and its sense of calmness. A visit to the Bialowieza Forest must include a trip to its inner-most sanctuary. Protected by a fence, visitors are only allowed in with certified guides. Inside, the forest exists like it has been for thousands of years- living, breathing, and decaying. There are even dead oak trees that lay decayed on the ground for over 400 years.  Take a deep breath and you’ll soak in the fresh pine smell in the cool, fresh forest air.

To see the primeval part of the forest, book a guide at the PTTK (Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society). A guided tour gives you an insights to the forest- the species, what to look out for and its rich history. You might even bump into a bison or two.

Tip: you can get a guide at Bialowieza town. Do check the guide’s English before taking off with him or her. You wouldn’t want to get stuck with a guide you don’t understand.

Tip: Fall is the ideal time to visit, the forest is a kaleidoscopic explosion of browns, yellows, oranges, green and red.

You can reach the Bialowieza Forest from the Bialowieza town, which stands at the edge of the forest, in Poland. If you’re in bigger cities like Warsaw, you can take the Polish State Railways to get to Bialowieza.

Tip: There are many hiking and cycling trails in the forest, and because the forest lies on the Belarussian and Polish border, bring along your passport. You might run into the border police.

A visit to the Bialowieza Forest is like entering a secret, enchanted forest. The tall soaring trees, dew drops glistening on leaves, mushrooms sprouting in wild abandon, it makes you feel like a tiny speck in this massive eco-system. You’d appreciate nature more after this.