Pustelnia Sękalik Pole Kamperowe

Big-hitting attractions in this rural corner of Podlasie include the spectacular Białowieża National Park (about an hour’s drive), where you can take pony-and-trap rides through primaeval forest. If you’re very lucky, you might get to see wild bison grazing in glades or spot elk lurking among the trees. Another sure-fire hotspot for nature lovers is Biebrza National Park (an hour and 15 minutes) for hot-air balloon rides far above the marshes and woodland, birdwatching for eagles and the chance to spot endangered beavers in the Biebrza River or hear wolves howling at sunset. In more cultural pursuits, stop by the Castle of the Crowns of Podlasie (half an hour) a stone folly created in the early 21st century in the shape of a crown, or lean more about the centuries-old traditions of Podlasie at the Museum of Agriculture in Ciechanowiec (40 minutes), an open-air display of recreated wooden farm dwellings, church and windmills. Make a pilgrimage to the fascinating Holy Mountain of Grabarka to check out all the crosses left as prayer offerings, or stop by Drohiczyn (both half an hour) to see its fine array of whitewashed baroque-era and orthodox churches.