The Biebrza River in Goniądz

Goniądz stands on a high escarpment, and below it lies the Biebrza valley – one of the largest wetlands in Central Europe. Walk down from the market square to the river and onto the bridge, and you see meanders, reed beds and meadows stretching to the horizon. In spring the water floods the valley and thousands of birds circle over it.

The river that built the town

Goniądz, first mentioned in 1358 and a chartered town since 1547, was once a trading and craft centre with a river port. The Biebrza waterway, linking the lakes of north-eastern Poland with the Narew river, runs past the town. Today kayaks have replaced barges, and about 60 per cent of the municipality lies within Biebrza National Park.

What to see

• The view from the bridge – on one side the river winds through water lilies and reeds, on the other you see the town on the escarpment.
• The spring floods, when water covers the meadows and alder thickets in the valley.
• Birds – the valley draws birdwatchers, and elk are often seen in the meadows and scrub.
• The escarpment with St Florian's Chapel, offering a wide view over the valley.

Tripto tip

The best time is April and May, during the floods and bird migration, and early morning or evening. Bring binoculars and insect repellent. The Green Velo cycle route runs through Goniądz – more than 7 km of paths in the municipality, from Wroceń to Osowiec-Twierdza, with a cyclists' rest point in town. The bridge is on the road from Goniądz towards Wroceń. Allow 30–60 minutes for a riverside walk; the Biebrza National Park headquarters and Osowiec Fortress are a few kilometres away. Since 2013 Goniądz has hosted the Rock na Bagnie ("Rock in the Marsh") festival.