Dziekanów Leśny to Sieraków Loop

The Dziekanów Leśny to Sieraków Loop is a half-day circuit of about 15 km in the eastern part of Kampinos National Park, in Masovia, Poland. It is among the closest wilderness walks to north-western Warsaw and suits walkers who want real forest without a long journey. The loop starts and ends around Dziekanów Leśny, near Łomianki, and takes about four to five hours at a relaxed pace.

Getting there is straightforward. A ZTM suburban bus or a Koleje Mazowieckie train serves the Łomianki and Dziekanów Leśny area in about 40 minutes from central Warsaw, and the current line and ticket zone can be checked on Jakdojade. Drivers can leave a car at forest-edge parking near the village, although space is limited on fine weekends. No permit is needed for walking the marked trails.

The route is graded easy. Total elevation gain is under 30 m, and the paths are mostly forest tracks and sandy paths. Sand slows the pace, particularly in dry weather, so the 15 km feels longer than it would on a paved path. Tree cover gives good shade through most of the route, which keeps summer walking comfortable, although meadow openings are exposed to sun and wind.

The landscape is typical of the park, with pine and mixed woodland, damp hollows and low dune ridges. Walkers pass through quiet stretches where wildlife such as deer can be seen at dawn and dusk. The loop can be shortened by turning back at any junction with a road or a clearly marked cross-path. Drinking water is not available in the forest, so walkers should carry at least a litre and a half, and a packed lunch is wise because food options are limited near the trail. Shelters and benches appear at some junctions. Ticks are active from spring to autumn, so tick repellent and checking clothing after the walk are recommended. The loop is well suited to families with older children and to first-time forest hikers.