Crooked Forest in Poland: The Mystery of the Bent Pines

The Crooked Forest (Krzywy Las), also known as the Bent Forest, is a unique attraction located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland. Around a hundred pine trees here have unusually curved trunks at the base. Despite numerous studies, the exact reason for this peculiar tree shape remains a topic of discussion.

The Crooked Forest is located in the village of Nowe Czarnowo near the town of Gryfino, close to the German border.

The pines are estimated to have been planted in the early 1930s. The forest contains about 400 pine trees, of which 80–100 have a characteristic bend of approximately 90 degrees at the base of the trunk. Thanks to these “crooked” trees, this place has gained widespread recognition.

The forest frequently attracts tourists, bloggers, and researchers eager to see and uncover the mystery of these unusual pines in person.

Possible Causes of the Bent Trunks

There are several hypotheses about how the trees acquired their unusual shape. Let’s briefly examine each of them.

Human Intervention

Some researchers suggest that people deliberately deformed the saplings for specific purposes. For example, they may have planned to use such wood in the future for making furniture, ship parts, or other items requiring curved shapes.

Natural Factors

Another theory points to possible influences such as snow, strong winds, or mechanical damage during the early growth stages of the trees. It is assumed that under weight or pressure, they may have bent massively in one direction before continuing their vertical growth.

Combined Theory

Supporters of a third viewpoint believe that the unusual curvature results from a combination of natural conditions (frost, snow, wind) and slight human intervention, such as forestry maintenance in the post-war years.

Interesting Facts About the Crooked Forest

1. Although the pines were planted in the 1930s, they still maintain their unusual shape and continue to grow.
2. Most of the bent trunks face north, which may indicate natural or artificial factors that influenced their growth.
3. The Crooked Forest has become one of the most photographed attractions in the region. Many tourists visit specifically to take stunning photos and see this phenomenon firsthand.
4. The Crooked Forest was featured in episode 4 of season 1 of the TV series The UnXplained on the History Channel, titled “Unnatural Nature,” which first aired on August 9, 2019.
5. In 2021, the Gryfino Forestry Service designated an additional section of the Crooked Forest where 1,000 young trees were planted. At later growth stages, they are planned to be artificially bent.

Tips for Visitors

• How to Get There. The nearest major city is Szczecin, located about 30 kilometers north of Gryfino. From Szczecin, you can reach Gryfino by car or public transport, then travel to the forest’s location. Be sure to check bus schedules and routes in advance.
• Best Time to Visit. Summer months are the most popular among tourists, but in spring and autumn, the forest looks particularly picturesque due to the contrasting colors of the leaves and grass. Additionally, during less crowded times, it will be easier to find parking and take beautiful photos without a crowd in the background.
• Respect Nature. When visiting the forest, be mindful of the environment. Avoid damaging the trees and do not leave litter. Remember that preserving this unique attraction depends on tourists' behavior.

The Crooked Forest in Poland is a rare phenomenon that continues to amaze and inspire travelers from all over the world. The incredible tree bends spark debates among scientists and nature enthusiasts, offering many theories about their origin.

Regardless of whether the exact cause of these shapes is eventually uncovered, the Crooked Forest remains an important natural and cultural landmark worth visiting when traveling through Western Pomerania. Remember that a respectful attitude toward such places helps preserve their beauty and mystery for future generations.