Kampinos MTB/Gravel | Warsaw By Bike

If you’re starting to grow weary of Warsaw’s asphalt, it’s time to escape to a place where the hum of cars is replaced by the soothing whisper of pine trees. We’re heading to Kampinos National Park—a global phenomenon, as few capital cities boast such a wild, primeval forest right on their doorstep. This 37-kilometer loop is the essence of Kampinos: you’ll find sand, dunes, the scent of pine resin, and a powerful piece of history.

We begin at Polana Opaleń, one of the main “gateways” to the park. Here, you’ll find educational trails, picnic shelters, and a bonfire spot—perfect for catching your breath before diving into the woods or for a relaxing finish, as the loop brings you back to this very spot.

From there, things get truly “Kampinos-style.” Prepare for varied terrain—from fast, hard-packed gravel to sections where the deep sand will test your calves (or the Boost mode on your e-bike).

The Kampinos Forest is more than just nature; it’s a place of deep memory. Along the way, you’ll pass the Jerzyki Memorial Cross, honoring the 1944 insurgents who defended these sandy dunes. The route also skirts the area of Palmiry—a site that invites a moment of quiet reflection for every Pole.

The trail also offers a surprise: an unfinished military building that, instead of serving the army, has become a luxury “hotel” for bats. The wall is adorned with a brilliant mural—it’s well worth a stop, as it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the entire forest.

The final kilometers follow the green trail back towards Izabelin. The forest grows denser here, allowing you to simply switch off and soak in the woodland scent. We end exactly where we started, with a head much lighter and free of worries.