The Natural History Museum of the Bieszczady National Park in Ustrzyki Dolne is a great starting point for anyone planning a trip into the Bieszczady Mountains. It's the perfect place to learn about the region before heading out onto the trails, so you know exactly what to look for among the meadows, forests and streams.

While the museum building itself isn't deep in the mountains, it does a wonderful job of setting the scene for what awaits in the Bieszczady. The exhibition covers the region's rich fauna and flora, including prehistoric specimens, as well as geology, hydrology, ethnography and traditional architecture. In winter, when trails are snow-covered and harder to reach, this is a cozy way to get to know the park's secrets, while in summer it's a great stop to plan further hikes across the mountain meadows.

How to get there

• The museum is located in Ustrzyki Dolne, easily reachable by car or bus - no hiking required.
• It makes a good starting point before continuing deeper into the Bieszczady National Park.

Practical information

• The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday all year round.
• During summer (July-August) it is also open on Sundays.
• Admission is paid.
• It operates as part of the Bieszczady National Park's Scientific and Educational Centre.

Fun fact: the idea for the museum dates back to 1968, when it was originally planned as the Museum of Bieszczady Fauna - the current building only opened in 1986.