Green Velo

This not very long (43 km) trail makes a loop, departing from Hajnówka to the village of Topiło, hidden in the southern part of the Białowieża Forest (Puszcza Białowieska). It’s an easy and very well marked trail, mostly passing through forests and using good forest roads and paved roads. Outside of Hajnówka, it is practically free from car traffic. It’s ideal for a family bike ride, recommended for every cyclist.

The general course of the trail is as follows: Hajnówka, Town Hall (0.0 km) - Topiło (22.1 km) - Orzeszkowo (33.1 km) - Hajnówka (42.6 km).

The trail begins in Hajnówka, near the Town Hall. Outside, there is a monument of a bison, considered the king of the Białowieża Forest. The trail heads south, intersecting with a Green Velo trail in Armii Krajowej street, and goes towards the station of a narrow-gauge railway. Once used for the transportation of wood, it is now a tourist attraction. Next to the Orthodox cemetery, the trail goes in the direction of Białowieża, but soon turns south to take forest firebreaks before getting to the village of Topiło, hidden amidst woods. When cycling in the forest, you take 90 degrees turns several times, since the layout of the firebreaks in the forest is perpendicular, in accordance with the principles of forest management. When crossing this area, you can see how little is left of the former, original wilderness. This part is a production forest, planted for the most part by man. However, on several occasions you can see nature reserves from the trail, which are small, natural fragments of the old forest, with old growth of trees. These are the refuge of many animal species, including rare mammals and birds.  As you move further and further away from Hajnówka, the area becomes increasingly more waterlogged. Among the extensive wetlands and numerous streams, there is the destination of the trip – the small village Topiło. Its name, reminiscent of the word “to drown” in Polish, comes from the swamps surrounding the settlement. It was formerly important economically, as a place where timber was collected and prepared for shipping. Later, the narrow-gauge railway was built in Topiło, to move the timber to Hajnówka and beyond, to be exported. The former station has been preserved till today, and the village itself along with its wooden buildings survived as a relic of a past era.  After resting and seeing the mini open-air museum, you can pick up the trail which from this point turns back toward Hajnówka. Halfway to Hajnówka, the trail leaves the forest for a few kilometres, arriving at a large village of Orzeszkowo, located on the edge of the woods. You can see a wooden Orthodox church there before the trail delves into the woods again, heading back to the Town Hall in Hajnówka.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Hajnówka - religious monuments, narrow-gauge railway
2. Białowieża Forest
3. Topiło - open air rail museum, forest settlement
4. Orzeszkowo - Orthodox church

The entire trail is suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses solely roads with no motor vehicle traffic allowed or local roads with a low and very low vehicle traffic; no dangerous intersections. The trail is especially recommended for families with children and bike trailers for kids. Recreational character. Trail of outstanding natural beauty.

Starting point:

Hajnówka, Town Hall

Finishing point:

Hajnówka, Town Hall