The Kampinos Cycling Trail is a green loop encircling Kampinos National Park, starting in Wólka Węglowa northwest of Warsaw. The route passes through villages such as Izabelin, Zaborów, Leszno, Żelazowa Wola, Tułowice, Palmiry, and Łomianki, skirting the borders of the national park. The core of Kampinos Forest itself remains largely inaccessible due to marshes and sandy dunes, so the trail runs mainly along the edges of this unique ecosystem.

This is a route for cyclists seeking tranquility and connection with nature within easy reach of the capital. Some areas are practically wild, quiet, and filled with birdsong. Don't expect spectacular views, but rather a pleasant escape into forest depths, with opportunities to discover historical sites and local attractions along the way.

Essential Route Information

Difficulty level: easy to moderate, the route is flat with no significant climbs or descents
Elevation profile: flat with minor terrain undulations
Surface: varied, predominantly low-traffic asphalt roads along with forest and dirt tracks. Depending on weather conditions, some sections may have mud or loose sand
Route type: loop following quiet public roads and forest trails, shared with pedestrians
Recommended direction: either direction works, as the route forms a loop
Recommended bike: trekking, cross, gravel, or MTB with slightly wider tires. Road bikes are only suitable for asphalt sections

Route Marking and Navigation

The trail is marked in green, however waymarking quality on the ground is inconsistent. Without a GPX track, completing the route without getting lost is practically impossible. Using a navigation app with GPS tracking is strongly recommended. Yellow-marked connector trails also exist within the park, though their signage is similarly inadequate.

Best Season

Riding comfort largely depends on weather conditions. The best conditions occur during dry weather in spring, summer, and early autumn. After rain, some sections can turn into muddy streams or be full of puddles, while during dry spells cyclists may struggle with loose sand on forest sections.

Key Attractions Along the Route

Although the route doesn't offer spectacular panoramas, several interesting places along the way are worth noting.

Żelazowa Wola: the manor house where Frédéric Chopin was born
Palmiry: Museum and Memorial Site commemorating victims of World War II
Battle of Bzura sites: areas connected to the September 1939 campaign
War cemeteries: scattered along the route
Historic churches and palaces: in villages along the way
Recreation clearings: Pociecha, Opaleń, Lipków, and Roztoka, some with playgrounds for children
KPN Education Centre in Izabelin: national park information point

Accommodation Options

Camping is prohibited within Kampinos National Park. Accommodation should be sought in villages surrounding the park, where agritourism farms and other lodgings are available. The PTTK campsite in Tułowice is worth noting as an option for cyclists who prefer camping.

Access and Transportation

By bike from Warsaw

The most convenient way to reach Kampinos National Park is via the Zielona 7 or Circuit Trail cycling routes. Zielona 7 leads from Praga and reaches KPN near Łomianki. Residents of Ochota or Wola can take the Circuit Trail and then connect to Zielona 7. Those arriving by train at Warsaw Central can also use the Escarpment Cycling Path.

By bus from Warsaw

To the Education Centre in Izabelin: line 210 from Metro Młociny terminus (approx. 20 min)
To Palmiry Museum and Pociecha clearing: line 800 from Metro Młociny (May-October)
To Opaleń clearing: line 110 from Metro Marymont to ul. Rękopis (approx. 20 min)

Bicycle transport on ZTM Warsaw buses is free, though bicycle space must be given up for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

By train

Depending on your planned starting point, you can travel by train to Sochaczew, Błonie, Ożarów Mazowiecki, Warsaw, or Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki.

By car

Free parking is available throughout the park, including in Wólka Węglowa on ul. Rękopis, in Lipków, Izabelin, Dziekanów Leśny, Granica, and near recreation clearings.

Practical Considerations

The trail is not exclusively dedicated to cyclists. It is shared with walking paths, requiring mutual respect and caution. This is a result of balancing cyclist access with nature protection and the peace of wildlife inhabiting the park.

Supplies: grocery shops can be found in villages along the way, though not directly on the route. Bringing your own provisions is recommended
Infrastructure: no dedicated cyclist service points; basic tourist shelters with bins and recreation clearings for rest are available
Surface after rain: some sections may be difficult to ride, with washboard-like conditions on stretches used by vehicles
Safety: the route is safe for families with children, though parts run along public roads

Final Tips

The Kampinos Cycling Trail is an ideal option for a day trip or weekend excursion for residents of Warsaw and the surrounding area. Thanks to connector trails, you can flexibly plan your route and shorten or extend your ride according to your abilities. Remember to bring GPS navigation, provisions, and a suitable bike adapted to the varied surface.

The trail connects with other popular cycling routes: near Zaborów it partially overlaps with the Warsaw Tourist Circuit (known as the Bloody Loop), and near Łomianki it joins Zielona 7 leading from Warsaw to Gdańsk. It therefore serves as an excellent starting point for further cycling exploration of the region.

Kampinos Cycling Trail