The konik and the tarpan
The Polish primitive horse, or konik, is an old Polish breed descended from the extinct tarpan — the European wild horse. Efforts to restore the breed began in the 1920s. At Florianka the animals live in conditions close to the forest, in semi-natural herds grazing outdoors all year.
What you will find at Florianka
- A viewing point — a place to watch the free-living horses
- The old forester's lodge — historic timber buildings
- An education trail — on the breeding programme and natural history
- Free-living herds — the animals in fenced forest enclosures
Practical notes
Florianka lies about 7 km south of Zwierzyniec, in the forest. You can get here by car, by bicycle or on foot along waymarked trails. Admission is ticketed (a day pass to the park). It is important not to feed the horses and to keep your distance — these are semi-wild animals.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- About 7 km south of Zwierzyniec, in the forest
- Getting there
- By car, by bicycle or on foot along waymarked trails
- Admission
- Ticketed — a day pass to the park
- Character
- Conservation breeding — horses in semi-natural herds
- Rules
- Do not feed the horses; keep your distance
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours including a stop at the viewing point
Gallery
Photos taken on site. Photo: Marek Marcola.
When to go
Young foals and a clear view of the whole herd.
The height of the season, plenty of visitors — mornings are best.
Golden woods around the enclosures, full of atmosphere.
The horses in the snow — a striking sight, with limited services.
Other sights in Roztocze
Straight-line distances from „Florianka — the Polish primitive horse centre" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Florianka — the Polish primitive horse centre within walking distance or a short drive.
