Podlasie (Białowieża Forest)

Podlasie is a region where time seems to slow down, offering a quiet retreat into nature and multicultural history. The crown jewel is the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the last primeval forest on the European lowland. The European Bison Show Reserve is a mandatory stop for families; it guarantees a sighting of these massive animals, along with wild boars (known locally as 'dziki') and deer, in a safe environment. For the adventurous, guided walks into the strictly protected zone of the forest reveal towering ancient oaks and a dense, jungle-like ecosystem that looks much as it did thousands of years ago.

The region is culturally distinct from the rest of Poland. In the villages of Trześcianka, Soce, and Puchły—known collectively as the Land of Open Shutters—families can admire intricate wooden carvings on vibrant blue and green cottages. Further east, the villages of Kruszyniany and Bohoniki are centres of the Polish Tatars. Here, you can visit a wooden mosque and taste unique dishes like pierekaczewnik (a layered meat pastry) in a jury that welcomes children with warm hospitality. The diversity extends to religion, with colourful Orthodox churches dotting the landscape, such as the vividly blue church in Hajnówka.

Nature lovers should also explore the Narew National Park, often called the "Polish Amazon." Wooden boardwalks allow families to walk right over the marshlands and reed beds without getting wet feet, offering a chance to spot beavers and rare birds. The city of Białystok serves as a convenient base, featuring the Branicki Palace, often called the "Versailles of the Podlasie," and a dedicated Zamenhof Centre celebrating the creator of Esperanto. Travel here is best by car to reach the scattered villages, and while the infrastructure is more rustic than in the west, the flat terrain is excellent for family cycling trips.