One of the most fascinating attractions of the Bialowieza Forest is undoubtedly the Bison Show Reserve. This is a place where you can admire up close the majestic bison - Europe's largest land mammals, which were still on the verge of extinction at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, about 1,200 of these impressive animals live in the Polish part of the forest. In the reserve, in addition to bison, you can also see other species characteristic of the forest: deer, elk, wolves, lynx or bison (a cross between bison and domestic cattle). The trails in the reserve are well prepared and accessible even to families with small children or strollers. The reserve operates all year round, although the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the animals are most active.

After meeting the bison, it is worth going to the S. Miklaszewski Museum of Nature and Forestry of the Bialowieza National Park. This is a modern facility that presents the natural wealth of the forest in an interactive way. Of particular interest is a panorama depicting the forest in different seasons and a diorama showing the life of bison. The museum offers special educational programs for children, who can learn the secrets of the forest ecosystem through play. Noteworthy is the insect collection - one of the largest in Poland, with more than 30,000 specimens. The museum is valued for its educational value - the exhibits are described in a way that is accessible to both adults and the youngest.

The real treasure of the Bialowieza Forest is its strict reserve - an area under the highest form of protection, where nature has been governed by its own rules for thousands of years. The strict reserve of the Bialowieza National Park is the only place in Europe where you can see what the forests of the continent looked like before human interference. Entrance to the reserve is possible only with a licensed guide, which has its advantages - experienced guides can point out the most interesting specimens of trees, tell fascinating stories and legends related to the primeval forest, and explain complex ecological relationships in a way that the whole family can understand. The route through the reserve is about 4 km long and takes about 3 hours. During the walk you can admire mighty oaks as old as 500 years, see the natural processes of wood decomposition and forest regeneration and, if you're lucky, observe rare bird species such as the white-backed woodpecker and the owl.

The Royal Oaks Trail is one of the most picturesque walking routes in the Bialowieza Forest, ideal for families with children. This short loop of only about 500 meters leads among majestic oak trees, some of which are as old as half a thousand years. Each of these forest giants has its own name and history, often associated with Polish kings and princes who hunted in the forest for centuries. The most famous of these are 'Jagiello', 'Czar' or 'Great Mamamushi'. The trail is equipped with information boards that provide an accessible introduction to the history and biology of these remarkable trees. Along the trail there are also comfortable benches where you can rest and listen to the sounds of the forest. Particularly interesting elements of the trail are viewing platforms from which you can observe swampy areas - a characteristic element of the forest landscape.

For those who wish to dive deeper into the mysterious world of swamps and marshes, the 'Bison's Ribs' trail will be an ideal choice. This unusual route, which is about 3.6 kilometers long, leads through some of the most valuable parts of the primeval forest - wet alder and riparian forests. The name of the path comes from the characteristic footbridges, whose shape resembles ribbing. Wooden platforms and bridges allow safe passage through the wetlands, while giving the opportunity to observe the unique ecosystems up close. The 'Bison Ribs' path is famous for its unique atmosphere - silence, twilight and omnipresent dampness create an almost mystical atmosphere. According to local legends, it was in these inaccessible backwoods that mythical creatures of the forest and even the ghosts of ancient rulers hid. The route is particularly attractive in spring, when rare swamp plants bloom, and in autumn, when the forest shimmers in all shades of gold and red.

The Palace Park in Bialowieza is a place where history intertwines with nature. This sprawling 19-hectare park surrounding the former tsarist hunting residence is an excellent example of 19th-century horticultural art. Strolling through the park's alleys, one can admire more than 90 species of trees and shrubs, including many exotic specimens brought from various corners of the world on the orders of the tsars. The park was established in 1895-1896 by Tsar Nicholas II, who made Bialowieza his summer residence. To this day, elements of the former palace buildings remain, such as the entrance gate, the marshal's house and the building of the cug stables. In the central part of the park is a picturesque pond with an island, where lavish parties for the tsar's entourage were once held. The park is the perfect place for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll after a busy day of sightseeing. Children are sure to become interested in the history of tsarist hunting and the legends of the treasures hidden in the park. It is worth noting the monumental trees - witnesses of history, which remember the glory days of the tsar's residence.

The 'Bialowieza Express' railroad is an attraction that takes visitors back to the times when the railroad line, built back in the days of the tsars, ran through the Bialowieza Forest. This tourist train, stylized to look like old wagons, takes passengers on a fascinating journey through the most interesting corners of Bialowieza and its surroundings. The route leads through picturesque areas, and the guide tells about the history of the region, local traditions and natural curiosities. Particularly interesting are stories about the narrow-gauge railroad, which was once used to transport timber from the forest. The 'Bialowieza Express' stops at several points, allowing for souvenir photos and short walks. A ride on the train is not only an attraction for the youngest, but also an excellent lesson in the history and geography of the region. It is worth knowing that the former railroad station now houses the 'Carska' restaurant, where you can taste traditional Podlasie cuisine.

Comparing all seven attractions of Bialowieza Forest, it is worth noting their diversity and complementarity. The Bison Show Reserve and the Natural Forest Museum are places where you can gain basic knowledge about the forest and its inhabitants. They are accessible all year round and suitable for visitors of all ages. The Strict Reserve and the 'Bison's Ribs' trail offer a more authentic experience of contact with wildlife, but also require better physical fitness and proper preparation. The Royal Oaks Trail and the Palace Park, on the other hand, are places where you can rest and relax after an intensive tour. The 'Bialowieza Express' railroad, on the other hand, is an excellent complement to the offer, allowing you to see a larger area of the primeval forest without long hikes.

In terms of cost, the cheapest attractions are the Royal Oaks Trail and the Palace Park, which can be visited free of charge. The 'Bison Ribs' trail only requires the purchase of an entrance ticket to the Bialowieza National Park, which is relatively inexpensive. Slightly more expensive are tickets to the Bison Show Reserve and the Nature and Forestry Museum, but they still fall into the 'average' price category. The most expensive options are a guided tour to the Strict Reserve and a ride on the 'Bialowieza Express' train, which fall into the 'expensive' category, especially for larger families.

When planning a visit to Bialowieza Forest, consider the time of year. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for nature observation - in spring you can admire the forest awakening to life and rare plants blooming, while in autumn you can admire the feasts of colors and the activity of animals preparing for winter. Summer is the time when the primeval forest is teeming with life, but also the time of the highest tourist traffic. Winter, on the other hand, allows you to see the primeval forest in a completely different guise - snow-covered trees and animal tracks in the snow create a fairy-tale landscape. Each season has its own charm and allows you to discover a different face of this extraordinary place, which has fascinated naturalists, historians and ordinary tourists seeking contact with authentic wildlife for centuries.