The crooked forest of Poland

Posted on by Marta

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Overview

One of Europe’s most mysterious places is located in Poland, near the Poland-Geramany border. Nestled in a somewhat remote corner of Poland, this forest is both eerie and captivating. Here, every tree seems to be bowing and curving in a graceful, yet unsettling way. This is the Crooked Forest, a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for decades.

In this blog post, you can find all you need to know to visit the Crooked Forest in Poland, as well as, some of the most beautiful photos of the Crooked Forest in Poland!

What is the Crooked Forest in Poland?

The Crooked Forest in Poland consists of a groove of several pine trees located in the West Pomerania region of Poland. These trees were planted in the 1930s, and what makes them so special is their trunks, which are bent at sharp angles near the base, curving nearly 90 degrees and then keep growing up in a straight line.

What causes the trees in the Crooked Forest in Poland to bend?

The answer to this question is quite complex, which is a way of saying that nobody really knows. There are several theories, stories and hypotheses about what causes the trees in the Crooked Forest in Poland to bend but so far there isn’t any final verdict about it.

Several theories try to answer what causes the trees in the Crooked Forest in Poland to bend. These theories range from natural reasons to human intervention to, of course, aliens or magical beings, the theories that are always present when we are not sure about something.

The main hypothesis of what causes the trees in the Crooked Forest in Poland to bend includes heavy snow that caused the trees to grow at an angle when they were small to reach sunlight or strong winds. Another strong hypothesis is that humans purposely bent the trees over time to create natural sculptures. The second tree has the most strength because all trees are bent in similar ways.

Regardless of what causes the trees in the Crooked Forest in Poland to bend, this mysterious place remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to see the strange and beautiful trees.

How to get to the Crooked forest in Poland

The Crooked Forest is located in the West Pomerania region of Poland, which is known for its picturesque forests, lakes, and countryside. The region is home to many other natural attractions, including the Baltic Sea, the Wolin National Park, and the Pomerania Dune and Swale Landscape.
The easiest way to get to the Crooked Forest in Poland is through the city of Szczecin, located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Crooked Forest. From here, you can get to the forest by train or car. If you wish to rent a car in Poland, you can do so here.

The train departs from Szczecin Main Station every 1 to 2 hours and takes around 50 minutes to reach Dolna Odra, the train station closest to the Crooked forest in Poland. These trains are not too frequent, so you should pay attention to both the times of the departure from Szczecin and from Dolna Odra when you want to return so that you have enough time in the forest.

From the small train station, you will need to walk a little bit through the forest (made of normal trees) until you reach the crooked forest. The hike is easy, without elevations and with several signs that indicate the forest. You start by following a dirt path parallel to the station and you follow this path toward the Dolna Odra electric central.

You should see the big chimneys from the road. You will eventually get to a football field and a road. You should cross that road and get into a new forest, where the name Krzywy Las (Crooked Wood) should be easily seen. This is the road to which you can catch the buses and taxis. From here on, you can only reach the forest on foot but you’ll be very close.

Best time to visit the Crooked forest in Poland

You can visit the Crooked Forest in Poland all year round. However, you should choose the time of the day and year accordingly to the experience that you want to have. Some things that you should consider while planning your visit are:

  • Weather: In the winter you may find less enjoyable weather. If you want to enjoy better weather and longer days, Spring and Summer are your ideal seasons.
  •  Peak Season: The summertime, however, is the peak season in the Crooked Forest in Poland. This means that is unlikely that you’ll have the forest only for yourself. Thus, if you want a more peaceful experience in the forest, you should consider going there in Spring or Autumn, but definitely not between June and August.
  • Photography: If you want to capture the forest with stunning dramatic shots, maybe the sunset or sunrise are the best times of the day for you to visit the forest. Regarding the season, winter may be an interesting season since if you are lucky you may be stuck by beautiful snow surrounding the trees. On the other hand, in Autumn, you may enjoy the colourful leaves of the surrounding trees.

What to do near the Crooked Forest in Poland

The Crooked Forest in Poland is located in the West Pomerania region of Poland. This region is home to a stretch of the Baltic Sea, which is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. If you are brave enough you can go swimming in the cold ocean water in Kołobrzeg, 150 kilometres (90 miles) away from the Crooked Forest in Poland.

Foto de Stanisław Krawczyk na Unsplash
Foto de Tetiana Zatsarynna na Unsplash

Another option is to explore the Wolin National Park on the island of Wolin, 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from the Crooked Forest in Poland. Here you can enjoy the fauna, flora and views. Visitors can hike the park’s trails, go birdwatching, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The closest city is Szczecin, from where you are likely coming. This city is a great base for your Pomerania explorations. Here you can explore the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, the Waly Chrobrego Promenade or watch a concert in the Szczecin Philharmonie. If you are in the city during the Autumn, definitely don’t miss the incredibly colourful city gardens where all the trees become bright yellow around the end of October! You can also do a boat tour in the river without alcohol tasting or with alcohol tasting.

Crooked Forest in Poland for photography

This forest is a photographer’s dream! The crooked pine trees provide a striking and unusual subject, and the grove is filled with beautiful light and shadow. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur with a smartphone camera, the Crooked Forest is a great place to capture some stunning shots.

You should explore the different and unexpected perspectives that the trees provide as well as the light and shadow created by the forest. Besides this, you should definitely use the trees as leading lines for more interesting compositions but most of all, you should have fun and appreciate the beauty of the Crooked Forest that you are photographing.

In case you are wondering, all these pictures were taking with the following equipment:

Questions about visiting the Crooked Forest in Poland:

Can you picnic in the Crooked Forest in Poland?

Yes, it is possible to picnic in the Crooked Forest in Poland, you have a single picnic table near the entry, but you can also bring your picnic blanket and picnic on the floor. No matter which is your option, if you want to picnic in the forest, please remember to respect the natural place where you are, and don’t litter or leave trash behind! Also note that fires and barbecues are not permitted in the Crooked Forest, as they can be a fire hazard and damage the ecosystem, so you should bring ready-to-eat food with you.

Is there an entrance fee to the Crooked Forest in Poland?

The Crooked Forest in Poland is a natural attraction that is free to visit and open to the public. There is no entrance fee or admission charge to enter the forest, and visitors can freely explore the area and enjoy its unique natural beauty.

Is there parking near the Crooked Forest in Poland?

Yes, there is a car parking area near the Crooked Forest in Poland where visitors can park their vehicles. The parking lot is located near the entrance to the forest, and it is a short walk from there to the forested area where the Crooked Trees are located.

The parking area is free and open to the public, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

Can you ride a bike in the Crooked Forest in Poland?

While the Crooked Forest in Poland is not an official biking destination, visitors are generally allowed to ride their bikes on the trails surrounding the forest. The trails are unpaved and can be bumpy, so mountain bikes or other sturdy bikes are recommended.

Are there restrooms in the Crooked Forest in Poland?

No, there are no official restrooms or toilet facilities available in the Crooked Forest in Poland. However, there are public restrooms available in the nearby town of Gryfino, which is located approximately 7 kilometres from the forest.

As you explore the forest, keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls this place home. The forest is home to a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and jays, as well as small mammals like foxes and rabbits. You may also catch a glimpse of a deer or wild boar, which are common in this part of Poland.

This is undoubtedly a magic place that you will enjoy if you are in the region. It is a great morning or afternoon activity from Szczine and I would really recommend paying a visit to the Crooked Forest in Poland if you have the time. So why not plan your visit today and discover the magic of this mysterious and enchanting forest?

In case you are wondering, all these pictures were taking with the following equipment:

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