Forest Park of Surprises in Ustroń

The Forest Park of Surprises (Leśny Park Niespodzianek) in Ustroń is a zoo covering 15 ha, set on the slope of Równica among old beech woodland. It opened on 1 August 2002. The animals live in conditions close to those of the forest, and the visit follows paths with a total length of 3.5 km.

What animals can you see?

About 30 species live in the park. Those on show include red deer, European bison, mouflon, fallow deer, alpacas, wild boar, bald eagles, steppe eagles, common buzzards, owls, wildcats and raccoon dogs.

The park's website divides the collection into owls, birds of prey and mammals. Among the mammals the most impressive are the bison, but there are also deer, mouflon, wildcats and wild boar. Some of the birds of prey are exhibition birds in aviaries, while others take part in the shows. Among those described are the aguja from South America and the Indian eagle.

When are the flying shows?

The flying shows of birds of prey at the Falconry (Sokolarnia) take place at set times, different in summer and in winter. The birds fly freely over visitors' heads, and the falconers talk about them and teach them to recognise visitors.

At the Owl House (Sowiarnia), at the top of the educational trail, aviaries with owls stand in the shade of old beech woodland. The owl flying shows take place at set times, different in summer and in winter. They show that owls are not only nocturnal birds, as they cope well with flying by day. The times may change, so check them on the park's website.

What else is in the park?

Within the Owl House is the Nature and Forest Education Centre, also called the Museum of Hunting. It presents displays of animals from North America, Africa and Europe, and multimedia let visitors watch nature films. Through an electron microscope you can see, for example, a bee's wing or an ant's head.

For children there is the Fairy-Tale Alley (Aleja Bajkowa) with little houses and characters from eleven well-known fairy tales, including Bolek and Lolek, Puss in Boots and Little Red Riding Hood. There is also a playground with a dry ball pool, trampolines, roundabouts, a rope climbing spider and a mini zip line.

From the viewpoints in the park you can see the landscape of the Silesian Beskids: on the opposite ridge the summit of Czantoria (995 m above sea level) and Mała Czantoria (866 m above sea level), and to the north-west the hill of Chełm (464 m above sea level), from which spring and autumn bird migrations can be observed.

What is nearby?

In Ustroń, not far from the park, there is a pump room.

The story of the town can be found at the Jan Jarocki Ustroń Museum.

Higher up the slope of Równica is the Równica Mountain Park.

Practical information

• Address: Zdrojowa 16, Ustroń.
• The park is open all year, and the opening hours differ in summer and winter. Check the current hours at lesnypark.pl before your visit.
• Animals may not be brought into the park, so as not to stress the wild animals.
• Some of the sights, such as the Education Centre, are indoors, so the park is also suitable for poorer weather.