Narew National Park, National park in Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland
Narew National Park is a protected river landscape in Podlaskie Voivodeship that covers a 35-kilometer stretch where the river branches into numerous channels and side arms. These waterways weave through meadows and wetlands, creating a natural structure that looks like a wide, interwoven network when water levels are high.
Protection of the landscape began in the 1980s when the area was designated a landscape park to prevent the drainage of river meadows. In 1996, it gained national park status, which introduced stricter rules for use and preservation of the river channels.
Local communities here practice both Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, reflecting the region's position as a meeting point between different religious and ethnic groups over the centuries. Small wooden chapels and Orthodox churches stand near the water, reminding visitors of this coexistence.
Marked footpaths lead to several observation points that overlook the waterscape, while canoes and kayaks are allowed on certain routes. Access is open year-round, though spring flooding makes the sight most impressive and can submerge parts of the paths.
Beavers use the branching water system as their habitat and create new channels and pools through their constructions, slightly altering the network each year. More than 200 bird species have been documented here, including species that have become rare in other European wetlands.
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