Forest Park of Surprises in Ustroń

The Forest Park of Surprises (Leśny Park Niespodzianek, pronounced roughly "LESH-nih park nyeh-spo-DZYAH-nek") in Ustroń is a small woodland zoo on a mountainside in the Silesian Beskids, famous for its free-flight shows with birds of prey and owls. About 30 species live across 15 hectares (37 acres) and 3.5 km (2 miles) of forest paths, from European bison and deer to eagles and owls. It is one of the best family days out in southern Poland's mountains.

Where it is

Ustroń is a spa town in the Silesian Beskids, about 80 km (50 miles) south of Katowice and around two hours by car from Kraków. The park is on Zdrojowa Street in the Zawodzie district, a few minutes' drive from the town center.

What to see

• Birds of prey station: around 30 birds, including red and black kites, golden eagle, saker falcon, American bald eagles and a black-chested buzzard-eagle from South America.
• Owl house: aviaries under old beech trees at the top of the nature trail.
• Mammals: European bison, deer, mouflon, wildcats and wild boar in forest enclosures.
• Fairy-tale avenue, playground and a forest education center for younger kids.
• Viewpoints toward Czantoria, the 995 m (3,264 ft) mountain on the Czech border.

Flight show times

Shows are included in the ticket and are the highlight of a visit:

• Birds of prey: April–October at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; November–March at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Owls: April–October at noon and 3 p.m.; November–March at noon.

Arrive before 11 a.m. to catch both shows comfortably, and allow 3–4 hours. Commentary is in Polish.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026 (prices in Polish złoty, PLN):

• Hours: daily, April 1–October 31 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; November 1–March 31 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Summer prices (to October 31): adults 50 PLN on weekdays, 60 PLN on weekends and holidays; children 3–18, students under 26 and seniors 65+ 40/50 PLN.
• Free entry: children under 3, visitors over 75, wheelchair users and blind visitors.
• Parking: free, unguarded.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially with children: the shows are memorable and the setting is genuinely wild. Wear sturdy shoes – paths are sloping and rocky in places, and strollers are hard work uphill. Pets are not allowed in the park.

What the ticket includes

A ticket covers a full day in the park during opening hours: all flight shows, the nature trail and viewpoints, the fairy-tale avenue with moving scenes, the forest education center, the playground (except electric rides), restrooms and free parking. Photography for private use is free; a photo with a bird of prey or owl on your arm is an extra paid service. Groups of over 20 can book a barbecue area in advance. Discounted tickets are available to Ustroń residents, Large Family Card holders and visitors with disabilities.

Nearby

Combine the visit with the Czantoria chairlift across the valley, a stroll along the Vistula River in Ustroń, or a trip to the ski-jumping town of Wisła, a few miles farther south.