The park was founded in 1959. It has an area of 38,544.3 hectares of which 4,303 hectares are under strict protection, and a buffer zone of 37,756.5 hectares. This region acts as the “Green Lungs of Warsaw” and has the status of a biosphere reserve. The emblem of the park is an elk. The park protects the Kampinos Forest which is located immediately next to Warsaw and has as its natural boundaries the River Vistula and the River Bzura. The reason for protection is the system of inland dunes unique in Europe, which enrich the landscape of the flat plains. The two main strands of dunes are between 1.5km and 5km wide and tens of kilometres long. They are perfectly formed and are up to 30m high and have different morphological shapes including arches, parabolas, crescents, ridges and dunes in the shape of small mountain ranges. Between them run areas of marshlands in place of the old river courses. The contrast of the landscape between dunes and marshes is the characteristic element of the national park. The Kampinos National park offers a rich network of hiking paths (360km) and cycling trails (200km) leading to locations of natural beauty and often even to historical monuments.

Kampinos National Park (woj. Mazowieckie)

www.kampinoski-pn.gov.pl