English version

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Poland lies the enchanting Gorce National Park. Its gentle, wooded mountains, effortlessly traversable, offer a haven of natural beauty. Deep valleys cut through the terrain, revealing meandering streams and expansive clearings adorned with vibrant wildflowers, each vantage point offering breathtaking vistas.

The biodiversity of the Carpathian Forest thrives within Gorce National Park, meticulously preserved for generations to come. Here, amidst the protective embrace of the park, elusive creatures like wolves and lynxes find sanctuary to nurture their young. Amidst the verdant expanse, they roam freely, preying upon deer, wild boar, and roe deer, ensuring the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

It's not just the fauna that captivates visitors; the alpine-like meadows of Gorce are a sight to behold, particularly in the spring when they burst into a kaleidoscope of colour with the emergence of crocuses. Scattered across these meadows are remnants of a bygone era – pastoral huts, a testament to the area's rich history and heritage.

Venture deeper into the forest, and you'll uncover echoes of a tumultuous past – the solemn graves of partisans and the humble shelters that once provided refuge. Yet, amidst these reminders of history, there exists a tranquillity rarely found elsewhere. Here, amidst the serene trails, you can forge a profound connection with nature, an opportunity for introspection and solace away from the bustling crowds.

Gorce National Park offers more than just a scenic retreat; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where the wonders of nature unfold at every turn, inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery and serenity.

Since its designation in 1984, the Gorce National Park has adopted the fire salamander as its emblem, representing the only native salamander in Poland. A competition soliciting designs for the park's logo was launched through the pages of Przekrój magazine, with the winning entry crafted by artist Stanisław Wilczyński from Łódź.


The intricate network of stream valleys and watercourses within the Gorce National Park provides an ideal habitat for the thriving population of salamanders. Within the damp deciduous and mixed mountain forests, these creatures seek shelter amidst rotting logs, earthen burrows, and rocky crevices, essential for their survival. Furthermore, the presence of clean, well-oxygenated streams serves as vital breeding grounds for their larvae.

 

The striking hues of the fire salamander, visually captivating to the human eye, serve as a warning signal to potential predators, indicating the presence of venom glands in their skin. Like their amphibian counterparts, salamanders sustain themselves primarily on invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and insect larvae. Typically nocturnal, these creatures may also emerge during damp, warm conditions, occasionally venturing out during daylight hours.

In a departure from the aquatic mating habits of many amphibians, the fire salamander conducts its reproductive activities on land. Adult individuals generally avoid prolonged contact with water, except for females who deposit their larvae in shallow, clear streams during the birthing process.