Kampinos National Park, National park in Opoczno County, Poland
Kampinos National Park is a protected natural area in Masovian Voivodeship, Poland, covering more than 38,000 hectares. The terrain includes inland dunes, marshlands, woodlands, open meadows, and reed beds that support numerous plant and animal species.
The reserve was established in 1959 to protect natural habitats and has since carried out reintroduction programs for native species. Elk and lynx were successfully brought back into the area.
The name Kampinos comes from a nearby village and is now associated with one of the largest forested areas close to a European capital. Families often use the reserve for weekend outings and wildlife watching, while hikers on the trails frequently spot traces of wild animals.
Visitors can use more than 350 kilometers of marked hiking trails and over 200 kilometers of cycling paths that cross different landscapes. The routes vary in length, allowing for short walks or full-day trips.
A population of about 450 elk lives in the reserve, with adult males reaching shoulder heights around 185 centimeters (6 feet) and weights up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds). These animals often move in small groups through forests and swamps, leaving tracks in the soft ground.
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