Biebrza and Narew Valley
The kingdom of Biebrza and Narew Rivers Valley is a land of marshes, a sanctuary of elks, paradise for birds watchers, and a place of peace and quiet. This area is large and sometimes difficult to reach due to the vast marshes. Nevertheless, well-marked tourist routes allow us to visit the most interesting parts of this region. The Green Velo route runs along asphalt and unpaved roads, at the edge of the Biebrza and Narew Valleys, which are protected as national parks and a landscape park.In the spring, Biebrza and Narew form picturesque marshes, which may limit the capacity of the route.
The kingdom of Biebrza and Narew Rivers Valley stretches from the north to the south, from the area of Augustów to Łomża and Białystok. The Biebrza Marshes belong to one of the best-preserved marsh complexes in Europe. The Biebrza and Narew Rivers lazily wind among the marshes, while the clean water of those rivers inhabited by many species of fish, provides food for hundreds of bird species that safely nest and feed in that area. Biebrza is most beautiful is spring, when flowers bloom and ruffs, one of the protected bird species, are mating. An access to some parts of the area may be limited to ensure a safe environment for the birds during their breeding period.
This area can be admired on foot, from a kayak, a “pychówka” boat or a raft. However, it is highly recommended for visitors to cycle through the region. The Green Velo route is a perfect tool for this purpose, as it runs through the area from the north to the south. However, to see the best sights, you will need to ride off the main route in the direction of, for example, Woźnawieś and a forester’s lodge in Grzędy in the northern part of the Biebrza National Park. The park encompasses a strict protection area called Czerwone Bagno. After the Second World War, this area was the only elk sanctuary in Poland. The area has aeolian dunes, through which the route to Wilcza Mountain leads.
The Green Velo route stretches from Augustów, along the Augustów Canal and the left bank of the Biebrza River, through Dolistowo and Goniądz to the unconquered Osowiec Fortress, which dates back to the second half of the 19th century. A significant part of this section of the Green Velo route runs along or close to the Podlaskie White Stork Trail, which is a part of the Greenways route network.
The next stage is the so-called Tsar’s Road, which is an old road stretching on the eastern bank of the Biebrza River from Osowiec to the south to Strękowa Mountain. This section makes it possible to admire the vast marshes. The road also offers numerous viewpoints and footbridges leading through meadows and marshes.
The Narew River Valley towards Łomża, which is a byway, is also picturesque and interesting.This area is protected as the Łomża Landscape Park of the Narew River Valley, which constitutes a habitat of numerous beavers, elks, bats and many bird species.It is worth noting the valuable and rich vegetation of about 40 protected species.
The connection route leads to Łomża, a multicultural city which is the third biggest in the region. In Łomża, one should visit the historical, 16th century cathedral, a convent and a church of Benedictine sisters, a monastery and a church of Capuchin Friars, a market square with a town hall, the Regional Museum and a necropolis of various religions. Hanka Bielicka, commemorated in a form of a bench in Łomża, is one of the famous people connected with the city. The boulevards by the Narew River and a port with a marina are an interesting tourist attraction, as well.
About 30 kilometres away from Łomża, tourists will find defence complexes belonging to four fortress schools: Polish (Nowogród and Wizna), Russian (Piątnica), Soviet (Kolno – Nowogród – Zambrów) and German (Pisa). Amateurs of military tourism will surely find many interesting sights here.
The main route leads from Strękowa Mountain to charming Tykocin, one of the most beautiful, baroque towns in this voivodship voivodeship. A synagogue, a Talmudic house, Alumnat, a church of the Holy Trinity and historical buildings are the main historical monuments of the town. From Tykocin, the route leads eastwards to Białystok , through the area of the Narew National Park, where you simply mustwalk on the footbridge with floating jetties between Śliwno and Waniewo.Then, the route goes to Białystok.
The towns located by the Biebrza and Narew Rivers offer farm tourism accommodation, and the land owners there are very open and hospitable. Numerous tourism companies offer canoeing and thematic trips, which include elk observation.
