add-banner

Gorce Overview

Gorce National Park, or Gorczański Park Narodowy in Polish, is located in southern Poland, encompassing a vast and mountainous landscape within the Gorce range of the Western Carpathians.

Established in 1981, the park covers an area of approximately 27.05 square miles (70.3 square kilometers). It lies in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, with the nearest major city being Nowy Targ. The park is known for its pristine forests, rolling hills, and scenic valleys, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.

The terrain of Gorce National Park is defined by steep ridges, deep valleys, and high-altitude meadows. The highest peak within the park is Turbacz, which rises to 4,619 feet (1,408 meters) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Tatra Mountains.

The park’s landscape is shaped by numerous streams and small rivers, including the Kamienica and Ochotnica, which carve through the forested slopes. The vegetation is dominated by old-growth beech and fir forests, with scattered spruce and sycamore trees adding to the diversity of the ecosystem. Subalpine meadows, known locally as polany, are a distinctive feature of the park and provide critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

The park is home to a rich array of wildlife, making it an important refuge for many species that have disappeared from other parts of Europe. Mammals such as the Eurasian lynx, brown bear, and gray wolf roam the dense forests, while red deer and roe deer are commonly spotted in open areas. Wild boars are also present, foraging in the undergrowth.

Bird enthusiasts will find Gorce National Park particularly appealing, as it provides habitat for a variety of species, including the endangered western capercaillie, Ural owl, and black woodpecker. Golden eagles occasionally soar above the ridgelines, adding to the park’s wild allure.

One of the park’s most popular features is the scenic summit of Turbacz, which is accessible through a network of well-maintained hiking trails. The mountain shelters along these trails offer resting points for visitors seeking to explore the park’s remote landscapes.

Another attraction is the historic wooden chapels scattered throughout the region, which blend with the natural surroundings and reflect the cultural heritage of the area. The park’s numerous observation towers provide sweeping views of the Tatra and Pieniny Mountains, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Visitors can experience Gorce National Park in various ways, with hiking being the most popular activity. The park has an extensive trail system that ranges from easy walking paths to challenging mountain routes.

In the winter, the park transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with trails offering peaceful solitude in a snow-covered landscape. Mountain biking is also permitted in certain areas, allowing cyclists to explore the scenic terrain.

Conservation efforts in Gorce National Park have focused on protecting its biodiversity and preserving its unique ecosystems. The park’s management has worked to combat illegal logging, reduce human disturbances, and maintain the integrity of its natural habitats.

Despite these efforts, challenges such as climate change and increasing tourism pressure pose ongoing threats to the delicate balance of the park’s environment. However, successful reforestation initiatives and habitat restoration projects have helped improve conditions for endangered species, ensuring that the park remains a sanctuary for Poland’s native flora and fauna.

advertisement banner
Park Map
advertisement banner

Gorce National Park Highlights

Popular

Gorce National Park, located in southern Poland, is known for its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. The park, part of the Carpathian Mountains, provides a habitat for many fascinating species, particularly mammals and reptiles. Here are some of the more popular species found in Gorce National Park:

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The largest predator in the park, brown bears roam the dense forests and mountainous terrain in search of food. Though sightings are rare, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
A symbol of the wild, the gray wolf is a top predator in the park. Wolves are elusive but vital for controlling populations of deer and other prey species.

Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This solitary and secretive feline is one of the most elusive species in the park. The lynx relies on its keen senses and agility to hunt small mammals and birds.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the most commonly seen large mammals, red deer inhabit the park’s forests and meadows. Their impressive antlers make them a favorite sight among visitors.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller than the red deer, roe deer are agile and shy animals that prefer the dense undergrowth of the forest. They are commonly spotted grazing at dawn and dusk.

European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Though not as common as in other Polish national parks, small groups of European bison occasionally roam Gorce, making them a special sight for lucky visitors.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
These nocturnal foragers are abundant in the park. Wild boars play a crucial role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil while searching for roots and insects.

Eurasian Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal creature known for its distinctive black-and-white face, the Eurasian badger lives in underground burrows and plays an important role in soil health.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
A sleek and agile predator, the pine marten is often spotted climbing trees in search of birds, eggs, and small mammals.

Adder (Vipera berus)
The park’s most well-known reptile, the adder, is a venomous snake often found basking in sunny clearings. Though its bite is rarely fatal, it should be admired from a safe distance.

Birds

Gorce National Park is also home to a variety of fascinating bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. These birds thrive in the park’s lush forests, meadows, and mountain slopes. Here are some of the most popular bird species found in Gorce National Park:

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds of prey, the golden eagle soars above the park’s rugged peaks in search of prey such as hares and small mammals.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
Despite its small size, this owl is a skilled hunter, preying on rodents and small birds. It prefers dense coniferous forests.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large and elusive forest bird, the capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays in spring. It primarily feeds on pine needles and berries.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike its more famous white counterpart, the black stork is shy and prefers forested wetland areas where it hunts fish and amphibians.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A powerful nocturnal hunter, the Ural owl has a distinctive facial disk and can be spotted in the old-growth forests of the park.

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)
This rare woodpecker thrives in ancient forests with decaying trees, which provide an abundant supply of insects and larvae.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
A specialist of coniferous forests, this woodpecker uses its strong beak to strip bark in search of insects hidden beneath.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
A widespread bird of prey, the common buzzard is often seen gliding over open areas in search of rodents and small reptiles.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
This raptor has a unique diet, feeding mainly on wasp and bee larvae. It is often mistaken for other birds of prey due to its varying plumage.

Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)
A member of the crow family, the Eurasian nutcracker plays a vital role in dispersing pine seeds, helping to maintain the park’s forests.

With its rich biodiversity, Gorce National Park remains an essential refuge for many species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

add-banner