Tuchola Forest National Park
Polish national park in the largest woodland in Poland.
Tuchola Forest National Park (Park Narodowy Bory Tucholskie) was established in Poland on July 1, 1996. Its total area is 46.13 square kilometers, encompassing forests, lakes, meadows, and peatlands. Located in the northern part of the country, within Chojnice County in Pomeranian Voivodeship, the park sits at the center of the Tuchola Forest, Poland’s largest woodland. It is encircled by the larger Zaborski Landscape Park and serves as the central zone of the Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO designated in 2010.
The park’s original proposal called for an area of 130 square kilometers, but after talks with local authorities, the boundaries were reduced to the region known as the Seven Lakes Stream. All land within the park was state-owned, not private. The forests, meadows, and peatlands had previously belonged to the Forest Preserve Rytel, while the lakes were managed by the State Agency of Agricultural Land.
The landscape was shaped by the Scandinavian Glacier, resulting in mostly sandy plains dotted with dunes and lakes. The lakes are long and narrow, forming channels—the longest of which stretches 17 kilometers. Soil quality in the park is poor. Over 20 lakes exist here, some with pristine, crystal-clear water, such as Gacno Wielkie, Gacno Male, Nierybno, and Gluche. Around 25 fish species live in these waters, along with Eurasian beavers. The park is a haven for birds, hosting 144 species, including cranes and eagle owls. Its symbol, the western capercaillie, was once common in the area, especially in the Klosnowo Forest District, and park authorities now plan to reintroduce it. Bats are also a notable part of the fauna, with several species thriving here.
Key tourist centers in the Tuchola Forest are located near Charzykowskie and Karsinskie lakes. Agro-tourism has grown in recent years, particularly in the village of Swornegacie. The Brda River is a popular kayaking route. Charzykowy is known as the birthplace of Polish inland yachting, and Lake Charzykowy provides good conditions for yachting in both summer and winter. Bicycle trails allow visitors to explore the forest’s attractions, and walking trails—including the Kaszubski Trail from Chojnice to Wiela—cross the area.
Quick Facts
- Iucn Category
- II
- Location
- Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
- Area
- 46.13 km²
- Established
- 1996
- Governing Body
- Ministry of the Environment
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The area of the Tuchola Forest was shaped by the Scandinavian Glacier; for the most part, it is covered by sandy plains diversified by dunes and lakes. The lakes are long and narrow, creating channels, of which the longest is 17 km. The soil in the park is of poor quality. There are more than 20 lakes in the park, some of them pristine with crystal-clear waters, such as Gacno Wielkie and Male, Nierybno, and Gluche. Around 25 species of fish can be found here, as well as Eurasian beavers.
The national park is a haven for birds, with 144 species including crane and eagle owl. The symbol of the park, the western capercaillie, was once common in the area, especially in the Forest District of Klosnowo, and authorities plan to reintroduce this bird. Several species of bats also thrive in the park.
The first proposal for the park stipulated an area of 130 square kilometres, but after discussions with local authorities, the borders were limited to the area of the so-called Seven Lakes Stream. All land incorporated into the park belonged to the state, not to private individuals. Forests, meadows, and peatlands had been part of Forest Preserve Rytel, and the lakes had been administered by the State Agency of Agricultural Land.
Reader's Guide
Tuchola Forest National Park is significant as the core of the UNESCO-designated Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its role in protecting the largest woodland in Poland. Established in 1996 after initial proposals for a larger area were scaled back, the park preserves a landscape shaped by the Scandinavian Glacier, featuring sandy plains, dunes, and over 20 lakes, some with crystal-clear waters. Its biodiversity includes 144 bird species, 25 fish species, Eurasian beavers, and several bat species. The park's symbol, the western capercaillie, is a focus of planned reintroduction efforts. Tourism centers around Charzykowskie and Karsinskie lakes, with agro-tourism in villages like Swornegacie, kayaking on the Brda river, and yachting on Lake Charzykowy, the birthplace of Polish inland yachting. Bicycle and walking trails, including the Kaszubski Trail from Chojnice to Wiela, allow visitors to explore the area. The park's legacy lies in its conservation of a unique glacial landscape and its role as a biosphere reserve, balancing protection with sustainable tourism.
Did You Know?
- The park was created on 1 July 1996.
- It covers 46.13 square kilometres (17.81 sq mi).
- The park is the core of the Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2010.
- The symbol of the park is the western capercaillie, which authorities plan to reintroduce.
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