Narew National Park

Narew National Park (Narwiański Park Narodowy; "nar-VYAN-skee") protects about 50 km (30 miles) of the Narew River valley west of Białystok in northeastern Poland. Here the river does not flow in a single channel: it splits into a maze of streams that braid and rejoin among reed beds — a rare "anastomosing" river system that has earned the valley the nickname "the Polish Amazon." It is a wonderful place for birdwatching, slow paddling and a famous floating footbridge across the marshes.

Where it is and how to get there

The park stretches along the Narew between Suraż and Rzędziany in Podlaskie province. The villages of Waniewo and Śliwno, at either end of the footbridge, are about 35 km (22 miles) west of Białystok; the park headquarters in Kurowo lies a few kilometers north of Waniewo. From Warsaw it is a 2.5–3 hour drive. Trains reach Białystok and Łapy, but you will need a car or bike for the last stretch.

Why it matters

The park was established on July 1, 1996 and covers 6,810 hectares (26 sq mi). Its symbol is the marsh harrier, a bird of prey that hunts low over the reeds. The valley is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area: between 1979 and 2000, 203 bird species were recorded here, 154 of them breeding — including the globally threatened aquatic warbler, the bittern, the corncrake and the great snipe. Moose and beavers live in the valley too. Unusually, in 2009 Narew was the only Polish national park with no strict-protection zones: its meadows depend on traditional mowing and grazing.

Things to do in Narew National Park

• The Waniewo–Śliwno footbridge — a boardwalk over 1 km long across the wetlands, with floating platforms that you pull across the river channels on a chain. Each platform carries 5 or 10 people. As of October 2026 the footbridge is closed — check the park's notices before you go.
• Paddle the "Polish Amazon" — by kayak or traditional wooden punt; a loop of about 90 km circles the park. Motorboats are banned. The park's own kayak rental is closed in fall 2026 because of low water.
• Viewing towers — several are open, but those in Topilec, Wólka Waniewska and Uhowo are closed for safety reasons.
• Kurowo — a historic manor housing the park office, with a nature exhibition and visitor information in the nearby Młynarzówka education center.

When to visit

Spring and early summer are best for birds, when floods and courtship displays peak. Warmer months are ideal for paddling, provided water levels allow. In winter the boardwalks may be closed and icy and the floodplain freezes — quiet, but limited. Bring binoculars, insect repellent and shoes that can get wet.

Families love the chain-ferry platforms on the footbridge; children must cross with an adult, and bikes have to be pushed.

Tickets, hours and practical info

As of October 2026:

• Entry: paid; one-day and three-day tickets (standard and reduced) are sold online via the eParki system (npn.eparki.pl) and at park outlets. The park website does not list current prices.
• Nature exhibition, Młynarzówka (Kurowo 12): October 1–April 14, Monday 12–2 p.m., Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–2 p.m., closed on weekends and holidays.
• Visitor information, Młynarzówka: October 1–April 14, Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Closed now: the Waniewo–Śliwno footbridge, the "Footbridge among the marshes" (renovation until the end of 2027), the kayak rental and three towers.
• Contact: Kurowo 10, 18-204 Kobylin-Borzymy; phone +48 663 103 109; email npn@npn.pl.

Is it worth visiting?

For birders and paddlers, yes — the braided river is unlike anything else in Europe. Once the footbridge reopens it is a must. Combine your visit with Tykocin, a beautifully preserved small town with a 17th-century synagogue, and with Biebrza National Park to the north.