Green Velo

As the name reveals, the Narew National Park Bike Ring-road goes around this national park. It is almost 90 km long and uses mostly paved roads and bike paths, making a loop on both banks of the Narew River, between Tykocin and Suraż. It begins in the centre of Choroszcz, located to the west of Białystok.  The trail has no significant hills and is rather well marked. It goes mainly through open terrain amid fields, allowing you to admire the landscape of the Narew Valley in several places. Due to its length and the number of points of interest, it requires either being in good shape or scheduling the trip over a few days. The localities along the trail provide accommodation options, such as agrotourism farms. The largest concentration of them is available in the vicinity of Tykocin. The area which the trail crosses is quite monotonous and flat, with little forest. The greatest differences in elevation occur north of Łapy, and a longer ascent or descent (depending on the direction you’re going) will happen south of Tykocin. The biggest advantage of this trail are the numerous monuments and places associated with the history of the region. At the beginning of the trail, in Choroszcz, you might want to see the former monastery and Branicki Palace, now a museum of castle interiors (Muzeum Wnętrz Pałacowych), as well as buildings belonging to a former factory. By far the most interesting stop on the trail is Tykocin. This famous and charming town is home to a number of religious monuments, a rebuilt castle of the Radziwiłł family and valuable monuments associated with Jewish culture. A great market square is the focal point of the town. Another place well worth a visit is Suraż, located in the southern part of the trail, with preserved remains of a fortified settlement. On the trail, you will come across more interesting objects of rural architecture, including old cottages, churches and shrines. A natural attraction of the trail is Kurowo, which features nature trails near the headquarters of the Narew National Park. Many other places of interest are located not far from the trail, such as the famous Śliwno-Waniewo footbridge, Zerwany Most (lit. Broken Bridge) in Kruszewo, and in the vicinity of Tykocin, the European stork village in Pentowo, as well as Kiermusy with its castle and museum. Why not extend the trip by visiting these sites and get to know better the charms of Podlasie?

The general route of the trail is as follows: Choroszcz, market square (0.0) - junction Tykocin, S8 national road (4.8 km) - Tykocin, market square (18.6 km) - Kurowo, park headquarters (32.9 km) - Łapy, market square (52.0 km) - Suraż (62.5 km) - Turośń Dolna (71.5 km) - Choroszcz (87.2 km).

The trip can start and end in the centre of Białystok, which is only a little over 10 kilometres away from Choroszcz, travelling along the Green Velo trail. While there, you can go kayaking or rafting on the Narew River, taste Jewish cuisine in Tykocin, visit the museums in Choroszcz and Tykocin’s churches and synagogues. Thanks to this, the ring-road bike trip can become an interesting weekend getaway for two or even three days.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Choroszcz - monastery, Museum of Castle Interiors
2. Tykocin - religious monument, market square, Jewish monuments, castle
3. Kurowo - headquarters of the Narew National Park, educational trail
4. Suraż - fortified settlement
5. Narew Valley (visible in the vicinity of Suraż, Tykocin, Kurowo and Choroszcz)

The entire trail is suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses solely roads with no motor vehicle traffic allowed or local roads with a low and very low vehicle traffic; no dangerous intersections. Recreational character. Trail of outstanding cultural heritage value.

Starting point:

Choroszcz, square by the church, ul. Rynek/11 Listopada

Finishing point:

Choroszcz, square by the church, ul. Rynek/11 Listopada