The Gorce National Park was established in 1981.The protection covers about 7030 hectares of Gorce area, including the highest ridges of the mountains: Turbacz-Gorc and Turbacz-Kudłoń. The park nhe area is almost completely covered with forests. In the lower parts it is primarily beech and fir, while in the higher parts it is spruce. Due to the small differences in altitude, the park has only two climatic floors: the lower and upper regiel. On the glades appearing between the forests, one can see the remains of the once popular shepherding in the Gorce - the huts left by the local population. Sheep grazing took place in Gorce since the 14th century and disappeared only in the mid-19th century as a result of the introduction of restrictions on clearing forests. About 800 vascular plants can be found in the park. Among them are protected crocuses, snowdrops, whorls, snowdrops and orchids. In the Gorce there is also the only site in Poland of the occurrence of the lanceolate susceptor, a rare species of fern. Gorce nature is particularly attractive in spring and autumn. From March to May, forests and meadows are filled with multicolored flowers, while in September and October beech forests turn red. Animals are represented by about 120 species of vertebrates and 700 species of invertebrates. Particularly common is the occurrence of the spotted salamander, which has become a symbol of the park. Visiting the park you can also meet numerous reptiles: viviparous lizards, blindworms, adders, and grass snakes. Of the mammals, deer and roe deer primarily reside there, less frequently bears, lynxes and wolves. Many species of birds can also be observed in the park. There are both small field birds: meadow pipit and whitethroat, as well as raptors: buzzard, hawk and sparrowhawk. The park is best explored while hiking. The Gorce Mountains are not difficult mountains - the low altitudes and gentle approaches are also suitable for less experienced hikers. The park has 65 km of hiking trails leading through the most interesting areas of the park. The park itself does not have any accommodation facilities. The only possibility within the park is to pitch a tent at one of the two camping sites. However, in the immediate vicinity you can easily take advantage of hostels, agritourism farms or guesthouses.
01.06.2014
