Kampinos National Park

Understand

History Kampinos Forest is last remainder of the former Masovian Forest which covered most of the region. As this region had relatively poor soils with many swamps and sand dunes it was colonized last. Old forest consisted mostly of oaks, however for purposes of logging most of it was replaced by quick growing pines now being dominant tree species in the park. As one of the last thick forests growing in the area it became important area of resistance for local Polish population with insurgents trying to use it to their advantage in 1794 and 1863. It was also area of many battles during early days of WWII when retreating Polish army tried to defend here against Nazi forces. As such many memorials can be found scattered through the forest. Efforts to protect the park began in 20th century with first preserves created in 1930s. Park itself was founded in 1959 as one of the first national parks in Poland and tries to restore old growth forest on its area.

Landscape

Flora and fauna Primeval forest, with elk, lynx and bison

Climate

Getting there

By car The park is situated just north west of Warsaw.

By bus Bus journeys from Warsaw will take approximately 30 minutes on the 210 suburban route to Sieraków. Get the metro to Młociny, the northern terminus, and board the bus from there.

Getting around

By car Most of the more popular tourist attractions are accessible by car usually from one of many villages around Kampinos Forest so it is perfectly viable option for visiting the park. There are also some roads inside the park going mostly in north-south direction of generally good condition.

By foot There are four main foot trails going through the park mostly in west to east direction. All of them are day-long hikes of 40 to 60 km length. Actual issue may be reaching the west side as it is not very well connected to public transit, and you will probably have to take taxi from Sochaczew (about 10 km ride).

By bike All trails mentioned in 'By foot' section can also be passed on bike and may be actually more viable option for casual visitors.

See

1 Open-air museum of forest construction (Skansen budownictwa puszczańskiego), Granica, ☏ +48 22 725 01 23. Museum with regional architecture of Kampinos Forest containing three peasant buildings of differing wealth (wealthy, middle and poor). 6 zł (4 zł reduced). (updated Feb 2025) 2 Palmiry Memorial (Miejsce Pamięci Palmiry), Droga palmirska 1 (road from Palmiry or Truskaw). museum 09:00-16:00. Cemetery and museum of executions carried on political prisoners in the forest near Palmiry village in years 1939-1941. About 2000 graves surrounded by forest commemorating some of the more important figures of interwar Poland who died here. (museum 5 zł, reduced 3 zł). (updated Feb 2025) Remarkable trees. Some of the trees that gained more recognition than others. Usually related to some historic events, or simply old age. (updated Feb 2025) 3 Insurgents Oak (north-west of Granica). Hanging tree used by Tsarist army hunting rebels of 1863 January uprising. Information board is located nearby. (updated Feb 2025) 4 Insurgents Pine (south of Górki, on crossroads). Another hanging tree used by Tsarist army hunting rebels of 1863 January uprising. A memorial plaque is present below the tree. (updated Feb 2025) 5 Jagiellon Oak (yellow route from Granica). Large impressive tree in the middle of a small plain. Over 400 years old and empty inside but still alive. (updated Feb 2025) 6 Kobendza Oak (yellow route from Nowiny, then turn to red route). Large oak located inside strict protection reserve named after one of early proponents of Kampinos National Park. Probably the oldest tree in the forest at over 400 years of age. (updated Feb 2025) 7 Old Oak (green route from Dziekanów Leśny to Palmiry cemetery). Exactly what its name describes. A relatively large 200 years old oak. (updated Feb 2025)

Do

1 Julinek Park, Julinek 1 (north of Leszno on road 579). open May-Sep. Amusement park with a variety of leisure activities including: rope course, climbing wall, mini-golf, circus and animation shows, amusement rides, bike/ski rental and aquapark (two last are paid separately). (updated Feb 2025) 2 Opaleń Picnic Field (north of Rękopis street from Wólka Węglowa). Well maintained picnic field on the edge of the park, relatively close to Warsaw. Toilets, places for garbage disposal and an educational route around field. (updated Feb 2025)

Go next

Czerwińsk nad Wisłą - a historic town on the Vistula River known for one of the best preserved romanesque churches in Poland Grodzisk Mazowiecki - town with several 19th century vilas, with one shaped like a railway locomotive Warsaw - capital of Poland Żelazowa Wola - birthplace of Fréderic Chopin