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Bieszczady National Park
Bieszczady National Park protects the highest areas in the Polish part of the Eastern Carpathians. These comprise two montane ecosystems – subalpine forests and grasslands. Natural deciduous and mixed forests occupy nearly 80% of the Park. The areas subject to strict conservation laws account for approx. 63% of the area.
Beyond the tree line ranging in altitude from 1150 to 1250 metres, we can encounter Eastern Carpathian montane grasslands, or połonina, not to be seen anywhere else in Poland. Nearly 90% of these meadows are subject to strict conservation laws. They are home to a number of extremely rare plant species, such as Aconitum bucovinense, Viola dacica, Cirsium waldsteinii and Melampyrum herbichii. In early spring one can admire spring snowflakes, flowering in large numbers in areas along mountain streams and rivers.
Lake Solina
Lake Solina is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, canoeists and sailors, especially those who prefer variable wind velocity. Along the shore there are several sailing centres and yacht marinas. Virtually in all of them you can rent equipment, e.g. kayaks, boats, paddle boats and yachts.
You can also bathe and swim in the lake, take hiking trips along its shore or simply relax on the beach in Polańczyk or Jawor. On the lake there are three islands: Duża (Big), Skalista (Rocky), and Mała (Small) sometimes called Zajęcza (Hare’s Island); there is also a phantom island emerging only when the water level is extremely low.
‘By the Watermill‘
The tragic history of Poland sheds light on the mystery behind its name. When the watermill was first built, WWII broke out interrupting the work. Later on in 1944 during dramatic battle for the Dukla Pass, the watermill under construction was demolished by the Germans. Only bare foundations, as a witness of how serious construction it was, can be found these days. The waterfall is on a rushing stream called Iwielka, which here in Iwla meets outcrops of Carpathian Flysh and turns into impressive cascades.
The destination is worth visiting all year round, thanks to abundance of water of Iwielka stream. The large number of attractions and a profusion of history in here inspire longer explorations. Within easy reach as the main road goes nearby, perfect for picture taking lies in a valley, which is since WWII called ‘The Valley of Death’. It belongs to ‘The Cycling Track of Dukla Municipality’ which is a 42-km long loop signposted with blue colour.
Sources: podkarpackie.travel; zumi.pl; printerest.com
