Idea of the race

Wild nature and cultural diversity

In the Middle Ages, this area was a volatile borderland between Poland, Yotvingia, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Rus. Bridging the East and the West, this land bears a visible mark of its eventful past.

The region in question – Podlaskie – has for ages been a melting pot of many cultures. This place, once ruled by old-Slavic myths and beliefs, became a meeting point of four religions – the Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish. 

Podlaskie dazzles with its wild nature, cultural diversity and trademark hospitality of the locals.

Spectacular scenery, diverse nature, remarkable history, and staggering multicultural heritage enchanted in mid-forest villages, roadside shrines and “sacred pines”. This is what makes this place magical and unique.

Join us for the Bison Ultra-Trail® and feel this magic lurking on forest paths, hills and glades. Let us show you the primaeval forest. Let us show you what Podlaskie is all about. Embark on a trail dotted with admirable shrines, quaint churches, magnificent mosques and impressive Orthodox churches.

There is no other such place in Poland.

 

Why the Knyszyn Primaeval Forest?

It covers a vast area which stretches from the Augustów Primaeval Forest to the Białowieża Primaeval Forest. One of best preserved in Poland, this huge forest complex of 126 thousand hectares bends like a crescent to the north and east of Białystok. Home to Poland’s second largest landscape park, the forest features 21 exceptional reserves. These coniferous woodlands, or simply put the taiga, are boreal forests typical of Alaska, Siberia, Scandinavia or Kamchatka.

Located on the King’s Route, which since late 14th century has linked Cracow and Vilnius, the two capitals of the Jagiellonian Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Knyszyn Primaeval Forest radiates with influences of various cultures, religions and nations. 

This vast area features over 1 thousand kilometres of waymarked trails, which lead through stunning scenery of hills, valleys, glades and streams…

The Knyszyn Primaeval Forest covers a surprisingly diverse terrain. One of its astonishing features are the post-glacial hills of St. John. This 23-kilometre-long hill range stretches from Supraśl to Gródek and is well-known for its steep slopes and elevation changes of 60 metres, which may prove quite challenging.

Why is there bison in the name of the race?

The European bison (Bison bonasus) is the largest land mammal both in Poland and Europe. Over a quarter of world’s total population lives in Poland. 80% of these majestic animals live in free-roaming herds.

Although still an endangered species, our free-roaming population is slightly increasing. Mixed forests with marshy glades make for the European bison’s perfect habitat. Podlaskie, mainly the Białowieża and Knyszyn Primaeval Forests, hosts half of Poland’s bison population.

The Knyszyn Primaeval Forest is home to some 120 of them. Traces of the King of the Forest can be found along the Bison Ultra-Trail® routes.

Why Supraśl?

You cannot talk about Podlaskie and leave Supraśl behind. This small, charming town lies in the very heart of the Knyszyn Primaeval Forest Landscape Park.

Dating back to 1500, its history starts with the foundation of a monastery and a defensive Orthodox church, which sparked the expansion of a surrounding settlement. A highlight of the whole region, Supraśl is widely recognized as Podlaskie’s most important tourist and cultural centre.  You simply cannot miss the baroque monastic complex whose construction span from 16th to 18th century.  Founded at the beginning of 16th century by the Marshal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Aleksander Chodkiewicz and the Orthodox bishop Joseph Soltan, the monastic complex encompasses the beautiful Church of the Annunciation and the Museum of Icons. Located at the edge of the town and offering perfect conditions for the brethren to work and pray, the Supraśl male monastery is one of only 5 such establishments in Poland.

A must-see is also the Art Nouveau Buchholtz Palace (which nowadays houses the Arts High School) built in 1892-1903 as residence for a famous family of Supraśl factory owners.

Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Supraśl, a health resort since 2001, is also a great spot to unwind and relax.

Supraśl is a Strategic Partner of the Bison Ultra-Trail®.