Wigry National Park
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| Wigry National Park | |
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| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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| Location: | Podlasie Voivodship, Poland |
| Area: | 150,86 km² |
| Established: | 1989 |
| Governing body: | Polish Ministry of the Environment |
Wigry National Park (Polish: Wigierski Park Narodowy) is a national park in Podlasie Voivodship, northeastern Poland.
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[edit] Introduction
One of youngest National Parks in Poland, located in North-Eastern part of the country, in Podlasie Voivodeship. It covers both parts of Masurian Lakeland and parts of Puszcza Augustowska (Augustów Wilderness).
Created on January 1, 1989 on the area of 149.56 km², today its area is slightly bigger - 150.86 km², of which 94.64 km² are forests, 29.08 km² - waters and 27.14 km² - other types of land, mostly agricultural. Strictly protected are 6.23 km², including 2.83 km² of woods.
The Park’s landscape was to large extent shaped by a glacier which covered this area around 12,000 years ago. The glacier, while slowly receding to the North, formed various valleys, many of which are filled with water, forming lakes. Some of the shallowest lakes have in the course of time become peat-bogs. Northern part of the park is hilly - its highest hills reach more than 180 meters above sea level. Southern part, on the other hand, is flat and is mainly covered with a forest, which is part of the mighty Puszcza Augustowska.
The Park is famous for its numerous lakes, which are of different shape, size and depth. Altogether, there are 42 of them, the biggest - the Wigry - is 21.87 km², with maximum depth of 73 meters and is located in central part of the Park. Main river is the Czarna Hańcza, which crosses the Wigry lake. This river is an appreciated and popular kayaking trail.
[edit] Wildlife
[edit] Animals
Over 1,700 animal species have been found in the Park, including 46 species of mammals, 202 species of birds, 12 species of amphibians and 5 species of reptiles. The most characteristic animal living in the Park is European beaver, numerous in lakes and rivers. Currently there are around 250 beavers there. Also, sometimes one can meet a wolf. In Park’s waters thrive 32 species of fish. For some animals, Wigry National Park is the only place to live. 289 species are protected by law and 128 of them have been placed on the Red List of Endangered Species in Poland.
[edit] Plants
Interesting is the fact that in Park there is not a single specimen of beech trees. On the other hand, predominant tree type is the fir which is present in all forests. The Park’s area is to large extent covered by peat bogs, which are in some places of natural character.
[edit] Tourism
Northeastern Poland, including the Park itself, is a very attractive region for tourists, especially in the summertime. There are more than 190 kilometres of tourist trails in the park, and anglers as well as lovers of sailing can take advantage of biggest lakes, including Wigry, Pierty, Leszczewek and Mulaczysko.
The places of interest include a former monastery, where now a House of Work belonging to Ministry of Culture is located.
The Park Management address: Krzywe 82, 16-400 Suwałki, Poland
