Green Velo

The Big Narewka Bike Loop is an idea for an over 40-kilometre long trip in the northern part of the Białowieża Forest (Puszcza Białowieska). Good roads, almost devoid of car traffic, along with clearly marked trails allow you to see many unusual places. They take the cyclist from Narewka to the so-called “Wilczy Szlak” (“Wolf Trail”) into the heart of the Białowieża Forest and to the Siemianówka artificial lake.  The route actually consists of two trails in the form of a loop that meet in Masiewo. The green trail goes from Narewka via Guszczewina and Olszówka to Masiewo and back, though the “Wilczy Szlak” and “Kosy Most” reserves, and back to Narewka. The other one, blue, departs from Narewka via Mikaszówka to Siemianówka (together with a Green Velo trail) and then goes through Babia Góra, close to the border with Belarus, to Masiewo. The blue trail is an extension of the green loop, which spans 34 km and passes through the Białowieża Forest. The marking of the whole trail is very good and well maintained.  The route was laid out using local roads, partly paved and partly unpaved, some of them dirt roads, almost entirely free of car traffic. The stretches in the Białowieża Forest use forest firebreaks and paths, while in the “Wilczy Szlak” reserve they pass through truly wild backwoods. The trail allows you to explore the “spirit of the Białowieża Forest” and gives you a good chance to meet bison or find wolf tracks. Due to its length and the fact of relying mainly on dirt roads, it requires the cyclist to be in at least a moderately good shape. Along the way, there many places where you can rest. Lookout towers and numerous information boards allow you to get acquainted with the nature and history of the surrounding area.

The general course of the trail is as follows: Narewka, near the Orthodox church (0.0 km) - Siemianówka, Orthodox church (12.2 km) - Masiewo (28.3 km) - “Kosy Most” wilderness (42.1 km) - Narewka (43.0 km).

The trail begins in Narewka near a beautiful Orthodox church and a folk gallery. The village has a waterside hostel, and one can go kayaking on the Narewka River. From here, the trail goes north via Mikłaszewo to Siemianówka, together with a Green Velo trail. In Siemianówka, the trail turns to the east by the Orthodox church, heading towards the border with Belarus. Looking north, you will see earthworks, behind which there is a large artificial lake, Siemianówka. This shallow lake was formed as a result of damming the Narew River and is an important retention reservoir. It also became the habitat of many species of water birds, and also enjoys popularity with anglers. The lookout towers on the way to Siemianówka and on the lake make it possible to watch wildlife and admire the surrounding landscape.  Past Siemianówka, in the village of Babia Góra, the trail turns to the south and leads to a vast meadow, in which you will find the small villages of Nowe and Stare Masiewo. The Polish-Belarusian border crosses the meadow. Far away from civilisation, it is one of the most remote areas of the Białowieża Forest. Many old wooden houses survive in these two small villages.  The trail delves into the woods again. Past Masiewo, the forest is already a national park, expanded a few years ago. This route is really wild and goes through the forest backwoods, which is a mainstay of wild animals. The waterlogged forest is virtually impenetrable, so you should never leave the trail. Moreover, abandoning the trail is prohibited, as the route leads through the national park. This part of the trail is called “Wilczy Szlak” and it zigzags along the Hwoźna River to the “Kosy Most” wilderness on the Narewka River. That’s where the route leaves the national park, following its edge, still via dense woods, back towards Narewka.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Narewka - religious monuments, folk gallery, kayak pier - kayaking on the Narewka River
2. Wooden, traditional architecture in the villages on the trail
3. Siemianówka artificial lake
4. Siemianówka - Orthodox church
5. Masiewo - village inside the forest
6. Białowieża Forest - national park, numerous educational trails, “Wilczy Szlak” reserve, “Kosy Most” wilderness

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:

Narewka, near the Orthodox church

Finishing point:

Narewka, near the Orthodox church