The best hiking routes in Drawieński Park Narodowy

Drawieński Park Narodowy is defined by the deep, forested valley of the Drawa River and its tributary, the Płociczna. Unlike the flat agricultural plains surrounding it, this park sits on a thick bed of glacial outwash sands, which creates a sharp contrast underfoot. Walking here means choosing between dry, pine-dominated sand terraces where the ground is soft and draining, and the damp, shaded peat soils of the riverbanks where beech and alder trees thrive.

Your choice of path determines the terrain. The main trails along the Drawa River are often uneven, cutting through steep, forested ravines where fallen trees are left to decay naturally, requiring some climbing over trunks. In contrast, the tracks heading inland across the sand plains are wide, flat, and sandy, lined with mosses and lichens. There are no high peaks or dramatic viewpoints here; the landscape is a gentle, rolling plateau broken only by the sudden drop of the river valleys and quiet post-glacial lakes.

In late autumn, particularly in November, the beech forests along the river valleys drop a thick carpet of copper leaves that covers the roots and stones, requiring careful stepping. While the main water routes are popular with kayakers, the walking trails remain quiet, offering a direct experience of a primeval forest ecosystem where the transition from dry sand to wet peat dictates every step.