Wigry National Park

Lore & Background

The park's landscape was largely shaped by a glacier that covered the region around 12,000 years ago, forming valleys that became lakes and peat-bogs. The northern part is hilly, reaching 180 meters above sea level, while the southern part is flat and forested. The park contains 42 lakes, with Lake Wigry being the largest at 21.87 km² and 73 meters deep. The main river, Czarna Hańcza, crosses Lake Wigry and is a popular kayaking route.

Efforts to protect the area began in the 1920s with Kazimierz Kulwieć, botanist Bolesław Hryniewiecki, and limnologist Alfred Lityński, leading to a hydrobiological station on Lake Wigry in Płociczno, active until 1939. A partial reserve named 'Wigry' was established in 1931, followed by beaver refuges in 1959 and 1962. In 1970, Lake Wądołek and adjacent forest became the first strict nature reserve. The park was officially created in 1989 after lobbying and designation as Wigry Landscape Park in 1976.

Over 1,700 animal species have been found in the park, including 46 mammal species, 202 bird species, and 32 fish species. The Eurasian beaver is the most characteristic animal, with around 250 individuals. Wolves also inhabit the park. The park lacks beech trees, but fir is predominant. Peat bogs cover much of the area, some of pristine character.

Reader's Guide

Wigry National Park is significant as a protected area that preserves a diverse landscape of lakes, forests, and peat bogs shaped by glacial activity. Its designation as a Ramsar wetland site in 2002 and inclusion in the Natura 2000 network in 2004 highlight its international importance for wetland conservation. The park is a refuge for the Eurasian beaver, with a population of around 250, and supports over 1,700 animal species, including wolves and 32 fish species. It also protects 289 legally protected species, 128 of which are on Poland's Red List of Endangered Species. The park's history of conservation efforts, from early 20th-century proposals to the establishment of reserves and the national park in 1989, reflects a long-term commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Tourism is an important aspect, with over 190 kilometers of trails, opportunities for fishing and sailing on its largest lakes, and a former monastery housing an artist residency. The park's headquarters are in Suwałki.

Did You Know?

• The park is home to around 250 Eurasian beavers, its most characteristic animal.
• It was designated a Ramsar wetland site in 2002 and became part of the Natura 2000 network in 2004.
• The park has no beech trees; fir is the predominant tree type in all forests.