This route begins at Metro Stare Bielany on Line M1. From the station, walk west to explore the nearby streets. This area of Bielany features cobbled streets, villas, and plenty of greenery.
It has a quiet, residential vibe and is, in our view, one of the most beautiful parts of Warsaw. The neighbourhood feels natural and relaxed and is rarely visited by tourists, making it a true hidden gem. Take your time wandering — the architecture here rewards slow exploration.
After exploring the western streets of Stare Bielany, turn around and head east toward AWF — Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego — located just east of the metro station.
AWF is a higher education institution focused on sports and physical education. It was founded during the interwar period thanks to Marshal Józef Piłsudski, one of the key figures in modern Polish history. The campus features modernist architecture characteristic of the period.
Some of the buildings show visible signs of wear, creating a slightly harsh atmosphere that some visitors compare to Siberian landscapes. This contrast — severe 1930s modernism surrounded by lush forest — makes the campus unusual and genuinely interesting, and well worth a slow walk through.
The AWF campus is located directly next to the Bielański Forest, allowing you to continue the route seamlessly into a natural setting.
The Bielański Forest is one of Warsaw's most significant urban nature reserves — a large green area with forest paths and peaceful walking routes. It offers a strong sense of separation from the city even though you are still well within city limits.
The forest is particularly popular for leisurely walks and runs. It connects the academic campus with one of the area's most notable historical sites — the Camaldolese Monastery, hidden within the trees.
The Camaldolese Monastery was established in 1661, when King Władysław IV Vasa invited the Camaldolese monks to Bielany. The original monastery buildings were wooden, later replaced by several permanent structures. Today, the complex consists of a small number of simple, historic buildings surrounded by forest, creating a peaceful and secluded atmosphere.
The monastery has a distinctive appearance that some visitors compare to a Western film set. The white walls, bell tower, and surrounding forest give it an otherworldly quality — a sharp contrast to the modern city that surrounds it. The site is currently owned by Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (UKSW). It remains one of Warsaw's true hidden gems, rarely visited by tourists.
Note: The monastery church is only open to women on certain days of the year — on other days only men may enter. Check opening times before visiting.
After visiting the monastery, continue westwards toward Metro Młociny, the last stop on Line M1, which offers a convenient connection back to the city centre.