Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe is a protected forest system spanning multiple countries with beech trees reaching forty meters tall. The network comprises distinct forest sections that together form one of Europe's most important reserves of undisturbed natural woodland.

These forests developed naturally after the last ice age and have maintained their ecosystems for more than ten thousand years without significant human disruption. Natural processes have continued uninterrupted, creating what we see today.

These forests shape how local communities relate to the land and forest management in their regions. Traditional practices have developed over generations as people learned to live alongside these ancient woods.

Visitors can explore these forests using marked hiking trails through designated areas that are open to the public. Information centers throughout the region explain the local plants and wildlife you will encounter.

The forest reserve consists of separate sections spread across nearly one hundred thousand hectares in total. This makes it the world's largest protected network of beech forests.

Location: Subcarpathian Voivodeship

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1133

GPS coordinates: 49.00000,15.00000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:11