Look, I’m not from Podlasie region in Eastern Poland.

But.

I do live in Podlasie for some years.

And I love it.

There’s this tiny town outside Białystok called Supraśl – ever I went there some time ago, I come back, almost every weekend.

Supraśl is this tiny town—just 4,500 people!—hidden in a clearing of the Knyszyn Forest. You’ll find it about 2.5 hours from Warsaw, assuming you don’t stop on your way to admire the countryside is.

Supraśl is well known for things. Firstly, the smell there is like a pine-scented candle, but real – the air is full of essential oils from the pine trees.

This place is also an official health resort since 2001.

The peaceful chaos of Supraśl’s past

History? Supraśl has it.

This town has been tossed between religions, empires and war. The Monastery of the Annunciation was founded in the 1500s, and it basically became the heart of the place.

Then World War II happened and the Monastery got bombed.

But it’s back, and now it houses one of the best icon museums in Poland. Definitely a stop there.

Why Supraśl is a forest-lover’s daydream

But Supraśl is not just for artsy souls and history nerds. The real joy is outside.

Hiking trails crisscross the forests, and there are more biking paths than people to get in your way. Bring a good backpack, bug spray, and legs that don’t quit. It will be worth it.

The food?

Comforting. Suspiciously potato-heavy. You’ll get weird looks if you ask for oat milk, but you’ll also get the best potato sausage of your life.

It’s not health-food, but it’s happiness food.

Supraśl: the town that made me log off and chill

Supraśl is not a place to “do.” It’s a place to be.

It’s quiet, odd, green, and authentic. If you need to remember what it feels like to not check your phone every four minutes—come here.

Just don’t expect nightlife. Unless your idea of nightlife is watching the sky and your soul whispering, “Finally.”

P.S. There’s going to be more written on OFFLINE LENS about Supraśl. Stay tuned.