Babiogórski National Park
Zawoja
Tourist region: Beskid Żywiecki i Orawa
tel. +48 507785514
tel. +48 507784217
The high altitude of the Babia Góra massif and the consequent diversity of the climatic conditions allowed the formation of vegetation zones similar to those in the high mountains, such as the Tatras. The majestic forests growing in the lower parts of the range (the lower subalpine zone) are a remnant of the ancient natural Carpathian Forest. There, a lot of rare and protected plants can be found in the undergrowth. In the upper subalpine zone, dominated by spruce, a natural curiosity is the Polish Laserpitium archangelica, a plant which occurs only in the Babia Góra massif and has become the park’s symbol. Here, a strip of dwarf pine is a kingdom of bushes while the highest alpine zone is dominated by small green plants clinging to the ground or rocks. The alpine chickweed, an inconspicuous plant decorated with white flowers, is another endemic (found only in particular areas) species living here. Rising higher still, the very peak of Diablak is covered with rock debris. This unspoiled flora is a haven to many animals. Apart from the common fauna, representatives of already rare species still inhabit the park, such as the lynx, wolf and brown bear in the mountains. Also, approximately 100 bird species, such as the western capercaillie, and the black and hazel grouse, have their breeding nests here.