Republic of Birds

Why should you visit?
Nestled away in the Warta Mouth National Park lies Poland's Republic of Birds. This special bird sanctuary draws visitors throughout the year due to the great number of birds that make the park their home at various times throughout the year. The park itself is vast, with rolling meadows, grasslands and the Warta River carving its way through the nearly 8,100-ha area. The fundamental reason why the Warta Mouth National Park was created was to protect the unique wetland habitats crucial for water and wading birds. Over 270 bird species have been observed in the region to date. For avid birdwatchers, a trip to the Republic of Birds is a must.

What can you do here?
Bird-watching is the main attraction in the park. Each year, the park designates its bird of the year, which is chosen among the many rare and endangered species of birds living in the protected zone. Birds chosen in the last few years include the Barn Owl (2008) and the Lapwing (2009). For tourists, there is a designated "Bird Route" trail (Betonka) that leads through some of the most interesting breeding and resting zones of waterfowl and wading birds in the park. Besides being a refuge for birds, the park also draws visitors looking for adventure. There are a number of biking, walking and canoeing trails. One such trail, in the northern part of the park, is a 32-km bike route that mean-ders through some of the park's most lush and spectacular landscape areas.

What makes the Republic of Birds special?
While the region is best known for bird-watching, the park is also a dedicated member of the Nature 2000 Network. The Landscape Park is a significant protected area that lies on the lower section of the Warta River Valley and the middle section of the Oder River. Vast amounts of flora grow near the wetlands, making it a worthwhile site to visit in the spring and summer. The Warta River Mouth area is also a region of great cultural and historical significance. Many kingdoms once battled over these lands including, the Knights of Saint John and King Frederic the Great of Prussia. Ultimately, Frederic the Great was imprisoned in the Kostrzyn Fortress in the 18th century.