The Bieszczady National Park, established in 1973, is one of Poland's most valuable natural areas. Covering an area of 292.02 square kilometers, the park protects the highest parts of the Polish Bieszczady Mountains, including the characteristic Poloniny - forestless areas above the upper forest boundary, which are one of the symbols of the region. The park's highest point is Tarnica (1346 meters above sea level), which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Polish and Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains.

The park's symbol is the lynx - a mysterious predator that has found ideal living conditions in the Bieszczady forests. In addition to the lynx, the park is also home to other rare predators, such as the wolf and brown bear, as well as bison, which have been reintroduced here as part of a species protection program. The richness of the fauna is complemented by numerous bird species, including the lesser spotted eagle and the golden eagle.

The history of the Bieszczady National Park is inextricably linked to the dramatic events that took place in the region after World War II. As a result of the 'Wisła' action in 1947, the Boyko and Lemko population was displaced from here, and villages and hamlets ceased to exist. Nature gradually reclaimed the area, creating today's wild landscape. Traces of the former settlement can be found in the form of stone foundations, old orchards, roadside shrines and cemeteries - silent witnesses to the history of the region.

One of the lesser-known but extremely valuable elements of Bieszczady nature are the high peat bogs, which can be admired in the upper San valley. These unique ecosystems are home to many rare plant species, including the round-leaved sundew - an insectivorous plant that has adapted to life in nutrient-poor peatlands.

On the Ukrainian side of the border, directly adjacent to the Bieszczady National Park, is Uzan National Park, established in 1999. It covers an area of about 40,000 hectares and, together with the Polish park, forms the 'Eastern Carpathians' International Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO. This cross-border cooperation aims to protect the region's unique natural and cultural values.

Uzan National Park is characterized by dense forests, which cover about 70% of its area. Among them are dominated by Carpathian beech forests, considered one of the best preserved in Europe. The park also boasts impressive specimens of trees, including a 400-year-old oak in the village of Stuzhnica, considered one of the oldest trees in the Carpathians.

Wandering along the trails of Uzh National Park, one can come across traces of ancient Boyko villages, whose inhabitants lived in harmony with the surrounding nature for centuries. Their traditional architecture, handicrafts and customs are an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

Magursky National Park, although less well-known than Bieszczady, hides an equally fascinating natural and cultural wealth. Established in 1995, it covers an area of 194.39 square kilometers and protects the most valuable parts of the Beskid Niski - the lowest part of the Polish Carpathians. The park takes its name from the mountain Magura Wątkowska (847 meters above sea level), which is the highest elevation on its territory.

Magura National Park is distinguished by a unique mosaic of landscapes - from dense fir and beech forests, through picturesque meadows and pastures, to landmark river valleys. It is the latter that constitute one of the park's greatest attractions. The Wisloka River and its tributaries have formed spectacular gorges here, where one can admire exposures of Carpathian flysch - layers of sandstone and shale characteristic of the region.

The symbol of Magura National Park is the lesser spotted eagle - a rare species of bird of prey that finds ideal nesting conditions here. In addition to the eagle, the park is also home to other rare bird species, such as the eagle owl, black stork and white-backed woodpecker. The park's fauna also includes large mammals, including wolves, lynx and bears, which move freely between Magura National Park and neighboring protected areas.

The history of Magura National Park is closely linked to the culture of the Lemkos, an ethnic group that inhabited the area for centuries. After World War II, as a result of the 'Vistula' action, most Lemkos were displaced and their villages deserted. Today, remnants of Orthodox churches, cemeteries and roadside shrines, which are an important part of the park's cultural landscape, bear witness to the former settlement.

One of the most fascinating places in Magura National Park is the 'Kornuty' reserve, where you can admire the impressive rock formations formed from Magura sandstone. According to local legends, hidden in these rocks are the treasures of robbers who were active in the area in the past. Another interesting site is the Devil's Stone, a huge erratic boulder with which is associated the legend of the devil who carried it to destroy a nearby monastery, but was forced to abandon it when the rooster crowed.

Magura National Park also offers numerous hiking trails that lead through the most beautiful parts of the park. One of the most popular is the trail to Magura Wątkowska, which offers panoramic views of the Beskid Niski and the Bieszczady Mountains. For families with children, the ideal choice would be the 'Kiczera' nature trail, which presents the most interesting elements of the park's nature in an accessible way.

It is worth mentioning that the Magura National Park is much less crowded than the Bieszczady, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet and authentic contact with nature. Admission prices are also lower, making it an attractive alternative for families planning budget vacations.

The youngest of the national parks under discussion is Ukraine's 'Boykovshchyna' National Park (Національний природний парк 'Бойківщина'), established in 2019. Its creation is part of Ukraine's ambitious plan to increase the area of protected areas in the country. The park encompasses areas located in the Lviv region, in the Turchin region, and protects unique mountain ecosystems characteristic of the Boykovo region.

The park's name refers to the Boykos, an ethnic group that has inhabited the area for centuries. The Boykos created a unique culture that harmoniously coexisted with the surrounding nature. Their traditional wooden architecture, crafts, music and customs are an important part of the region's cultural heritage. The 'Bojkowszczyzna' National Park aims not only to protect nature, but also to preserve and promote this heritage.

The park is characterized by a diverse landscape, dominated by beech and fir forests, interspersed with picturesque mountain meadows. It is home to numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, including Carpathian endemics - species found nowhere else in the world. Among them are the Carpathian bellflower, Carpathian urchin or Carpathian newt.

One of the biggest attractions of the 'Bojkowszczyzna' National Park are the mineral springs, whose waters have medicinal properties. Local people have used them for centuries to cure various ailments. Today they are not only a valuable natural resource, but also a potential for the development of health tourism in the region.

The 'Boykin National Park' is also home to many species of large mammals, including wolves, lynx and brown bears. The latter are particularly important for the ecosystem, acting as an umbrella species - their protection contributes to the preservation of habitat for many other species. Research on the bear population is being conducted in the park to better understand their behavior and needs.

Wandering along the trails of the 'Boykin National Park', one can come across numerous traces of the region's history. One of the most fascinating is the remnants of the former railroad line that connected Lviv with Uzhhorod before World War II. This engineering gem, with its numerous tunnels and viaducts, is today an attraction for history and railroad enthusiasts.

Also worth mentioning are the local legends associated with the region. One of them tells of the robber Oleks Dowbusz, who, according to legends, hid his treasures in caves in the area of today's park. Another legend tells of 'misfires' - mysterious lights that appear at night in marshes and bogs, leading stray wanderers astray.

The 'Bojkowszczyzna' National Park, although the youngest and least known of the parks under discussion, offers an authentic experience of contact with the wildlife and culture of the Eastern Carpathians. It is an ideal place for those seeking an alternative to the more crowded and commercialized tourist areas.

In summary, the national parks on the Polish-Ukrainian borderland form a unique natural complex that offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of nature, history and culture. Each of them has its own unique character and attractions, but they are all united by a common mission - to protect the priceless natural and cultural heritage of the Eastern Carpathians for future generations.