Mystic rows of twisted pine silhouettes

The Crooked Forest in Poland is a unique woodland area where hundreds of pine trees grow with trunks bent at odd angles. Scientists have studied the unusual shapes, but many mysteries remain. The forest covers just over two square miles near the town of Gryfino. Visitors walk among twisted trees that create an eerie yet fascinating landscape. Local legends suggest human intervention or natural forces caused the distortion. Today, it attracts photographers and curious travelers seeking rare natural phenomena in Europe’s diverse environments.

Forest in Poland
Climate zone: Warm continental

Warm continental: Humid continental climates with warm summers, cold winters and evenly distributed precipitation, typical of northern interior mid-latitudes.

See climate table
Ticket price: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
Safety: 7.8
General Safety:8
Accessibility:7
Read details
Tourist English: 2/5
English is widely understood among younger Poles and tourist staff in popular spots like the Crooked Forest, but older locals may speak only basic phrases; a few key Polish words help.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Crooked Forest Summary
Unique for unusual tree formations. Walk among strangely curved pine trees, enjoy forest photography and explore quiet woodland surroundings.
Opening hours:
Open 24/7
Public website: krzywylas.pl
Poland – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type E:
Diagram of a Type E power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)
£1 ≈ PLN 5.26
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widespread in Poland, with credit cards and mobile payment options accepted in most places.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Poland. Rounding up or leaving 10% in restaurants is customary. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are also welcome.
Public drinking: Public drinking is prohibited, though it may be overlooked in certain areas. Consumption is best kept to bars or private settings.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned in public places, including restaurants and public transport stops, with designated areas available.
Constitution Day
(May)
Expect patriotic parades and some closures.
All Saints’ Day
(November)
Many visit cemeteries, and some businesses may close.
Christmas
(December)
Markets and festive events are common, with closures on Christmas Day.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Bolt, Free Now, Uber
Other: Poland is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and hearty cuisine. Public transport is efficient and affordable, making it easy to explore.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Crooked Forest, Poland
❄️
Jan
❄️
Feb
🌥️
Mar
🌤️
Apr
🌤️
May
🌤️
Jun
🌤️
Jul
🌤️
Aug
🌤️
Sep
🌤️
Oct
☁️
Nov
❄️
Dec
High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: April, Oct.
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Small free site near Gryfino, usually a short stop from Szczecin

The Crooked Forest in Poland stands out as a place where nature takes an unusual turn. Located near the town of Gryfino this forest contains hundreds of trees that bend sharply at their bases. Scientists have studied the area for years but no single explanation fully accounts for the twisted shapes. The sight invites curiosity and encourages visitors to consider how environments can surprise us.

Walking through the Crooked Forest feels like stepping into a quiet gallery where each tree tells its own story. The trunks curve outward in ways that seem almost deliberate yet they follow natural patterns shaped by wind soil and time. Some locals share tales of human intervention long ago but evidence remains limited. What is clear is that this place draws attention from photographers artists and anyone interested in the unexpected.

Visitors can reach the forest via short drives from major cities like Szczecin or Gdańsk making it accessible for day trips. Guided tours often include explanations about local ecology while allowing space for personal reflection. Paths wind between the trees offering close views without disturbing the habitat. The area also supports small conservation projects aimed at protecting native species and maintaining soil health.

Beyond its visual appeal the Crooked Forest serves as a reminder of how much remains unknown in natural systems. It shows that even familiar landscapes can hold mysteries waiting to be explored. Whether you come for science art or simple wonder this destination delivers an experience grounded in reality yet rich with intrigue. The forest does not promise excitement in every sense but it rewards careful observation and open-minded thinking.

Knowledge before you go

  • Pack sturdy hiking boots; uneven terrain is common in the Crooked Forest.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks, as trailside services are limited and can be expensive.
  • Check local weather forecasts before departure; sudden rain can make trails slippery and reduce visibility.
  • Explore nearby villages for authentic Polish cuisine and learn about the forest’s folklore, enhancing your cultural experience.

How to travel to Crooked Forest

The Crooked Forest, located near Szczecin in northern Poland, is accessible primarily by car or guided tours. The nearest major city is Szczecin, approximately 40 kilometers away, reachable via the A6 motorway from the west or the regional road network from other directions. Public transport options include buses connecting to nearby towns like Gryfino or Szczecin, with transfers required to reach the forest’s entrance. A few local tour operators offer day trips from Szczecin or Gdańsk, often including transportation and guided visits. The forest lies within a 15-kilometer radius of the regional capital, making it feasible for day excursions by car. Limited public access exists via seasonal shuttle services during peak tourist seasons.

Access summary

  • From Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa (GDN): Taxi or rental car, 1h30.
  • From Gdańsk city center: Bus to Kartuzy, 1h15; from Gdynia: Train + bus, 1h45.
  • By car from Szczecin–Goleniów (SZZ): 2h.

Where to stay near Crooked Forest

The Crooked Forest region offers a mix of rustic lodges and eco‑campsites that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking comfort. Traditional wooden cabins, often built with local timber, provide cozy interiors with modern amenities such as Wi‑Fi, heating and kitchenettes, typically ranging from PLN 60 (£11.41) to PLN 120 (£22.83) per night. For a more immersive experience, several agritourism farms offer farm stays where guests can participate in daily chores while enjoying fresh produce. Campsites equipped with electric hookups and communal kitchens are plentiful along the forest trails, usually costing around PLN 30 – 50 (£5.71 – 9.51) per person per night. The area is renowned for its “forest house” concept – small, sustainably designed shelters that blend seamlessly into the woodland setting.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-3 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 3% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+0 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to PLN) is 0% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
8
The Crooked Forest in Poland offers a tranquil, low‑risk environment for travelers. Crime rates are minimal and the area is well maintained with clear signage. Visitors should stay on marked paths, avoid isolated spots after dark and respect local wildlife to ensure a safe experience.
Accessi­bility
7
The Crooked Forest in Poland offers limited accessibility: a few paved paths and clear signage make basic navigation easy, but uneven terrain, steep slopes and narrow trails challenge wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. Visitors should plan ahead for assistance.
Was this page helpful?
Feedback