Crooked Forest
Zachodniopomorskie
The Crooked Forest, located near Nowe Czarnowo in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland, is a natural monument renowned for its approximately 100 pine trees with distinctively curved trunks. These trees bend sharply near their bases, forming almost right angles before growing upwards, reaching heights of 11 to 12 meters. Planted in the 1930s, probably around 1934, the forest's unusual shapes have intrigued scientists and visitors alike. The most accepted theory suggests that the trees were intentionally shaped by humans, likely to produce timber with curved wood for furniture, boat building, or sleds. The forest covers roughly 0.33 to 0.5 hectares and has undergone revitalization efforts to preserve its unique character, including planting replacement trees and adapting visitor access to protect the site. It lies near the Lower Odra Valley and the Dolna Odra Power Plant, making it accessible via a red tourist trail from Szczecin to Mieszkowice. The Crooked Forest remains a captivating natural curiosity and a symbol of human interaction with nature, drawing tourists interested in both its mystery and beauty.
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Tip: Visit the Crooked Forest during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets or guided tours in advance if available, and respect nature by staying on marked paths to protect the delicate environment. There are revitalization efforts underway, so check the official website for current visiting guidelines and possible educational events. Sharing your photos with the hashtag #KrzywyLas is encouraged to support awareness and conservation.
Interesting facts
- •The Crooked Forest contains about 100 pine trees uniquely curved at nearly 90 degrees near their bases.
- •The trees were likely shaped intentionally for use in furniture, boat, and sled construction.
- •The forest covers only about 0.33 to 0.5 hectares, making it a very small but highly distinctive natural monument.
- •In 2020, a revitalization project was launched involving local authorities and the Polish Energy Group to protect and sustain the forest.
- •Scientists from the University of Warsaw have conducted 3D scans and studies to better understand the trees' unusual shapes.
History
The Crooked Forest was planted in the early 1930s, with the most probable year being 1934.
Its pine trees were deliberately shaped by humans, likely to produce timber with curved trunks for specialized woodworking uses.
Over time, the forest became a natural monument due to the rarity of these bent trees.
In recent years, local authorities, the Polish State Forests, and the Polish Energy Group collaborated on revitalization projects to protect and maintain the site, including planting new trees intended to be artificially curved in the future.
The forest's status as a protected natural monument helps preserve its unique ecological and cultural value.
Place Guide
Curved Pine Trees1930s
The main attraction of the Crooked Forest is the approximately 100 pine trees bent sharply near their bases, creating a unique and mysterious landscape. These trees are the result of human intervention and natural growth processes, making them a fascinating subject for photography and study.
Visitor Path and Information Center
The forest is accessible via a red tourist trail connecting Szczecin Klucz to Mieszkowice. Visitor access has been adapted to accommodate increasing tourism while preserving the natural monument. Educational materials and guides are available to explain the forest's history and significance.
