A sight in the Białowieża region

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka — the church and its music

One of the largest and most recognisable Orthodox churches in Poland, with a modern, undulating form. Hajnówka is a well-known centre of Orthodoxy and of church music, and the cathedral is its emblem.

The cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Poland. Its distinctive feature is its modern, undulating form from the second half of the 20th century, sharply different from the traditional wooden churches of the region. The interior is decorated with a monumental iconostasis and wall paintings.

Hajnówka lies on the edge of the Białowieża Forest and is one of the most important centres of the Orthodox population in Poland — the cathedral is its central place of worship.

The festival of Orthodox church music

Hajnówka is known above all for its International Festival of Orthodox Church Music — an event with a long tradition that gathers choirs from many countries. The concerts take place in spring and draw listeners from all over Poland. Book accommodation in the region well ahead at that time.

Visiting

  • An active church — visits outside services, with appropriate dress
  • Near Białowieża — combines well with a trip into the forest
  • The festival — in spring; book accommodation early
  • Keep quiet and respect a place of worship

How to get there and practical info

Location
Hajnówka, on the edge of the forest, close to Białowieża
From Białowieża
About 25–30 min by car
Admission
An active church — outside services
The festival
The International Festival of Orthodox Church Music (spring)
Dress
Appropriate to a place of worship
Time needed
30–45 min
Mapa: Google Maps · 52.7447, 23.5817

When to go

Spring

The time of the Festival of Orthodox Church Music — many visitors, book early.

Summer

Quieter for a visit; combines well with a trip into the forest.

Autumn

Few visitors and a comfortable look at the interior.

Winter

An active church, full of atmosphere; watch the service times.

Other sights in Białowieża

Straight-line distances from „The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Hajnówka" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.

The Hajnówka Forest Narrow-Gauge RailwayA historic narrow-gauge line running deep into the Białowieża Forest — atmospheric seasona
~690 m as the crow flies
The European Bison Show ReserveThe first bison breeding centre in Poland (1929). Enclosures with bison, elk, Polish primi
~18 km as the crow flies
The Trail of the Royal OaksA nature trail among monumental oaks named after Polish and Lithuanian rulers — a symbol o
~18 km as the crow flies
Old Białowieża and its wooden buildingsWooden village buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries, the historic Orthodox church of S
~19 km as the crow flies
The strict reserve of Białowieża National ParkThe best-preserved fragment of primeval forest in Europe. Entry only with a licensed guide
~19 km as the crow flies
The Palace Park and the museumA park laid out around the tsarist palace (1894–1944), today the national park headquarter
~19 km as the crow flies
The Nature and Forest Museum of Białowieża National ParkThe main museum of Białowieża National Park in the Palace Park — the wildlife of the fores
~20 km as the crow flies

Where to stay nearby

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