Siemianówka (Railway) & Śvislač Border Crossing

A Freight Line Through the Forest

Important Note for Travelers: This is a railway crossing designated almost exclusively for freight traffic. There are no regular international passenger services on this line. The crossing is also subject to the highly volatile political situation between Belarus and Poland. This guide is provided for informational purposes about the regional rail infrastructure.

The railway border crossing connecting Siemianówka in Poland with Śvislač (Svislach) in Belarus is a journey through the very heart of the Białowieża Forest, the great primeval wilderness that straddles the border. This is a single-track railway line, primarily used for the transport of timber and other bulk goods. Unlike the major international corridors, this route is defined by its deep integration with the natural landscape. The railway line cuts a narrow path through the dense forest, a thin ribbon of steel in a sea of ancient trees. It is a functional freight line, but its setting makes it one of the most unique and scenic railway crossings in the region.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Poland’s Podlaskie Voivodeship with the Hrodna Region of Belarus. The key operational points are the railway stations at Siemianówka in Poland and Śvislač in Belarus. This is a “break-of-gauge” point, where the 1435 mm standard-gauge track from Poland meets the 1520 mm broad-gauge track from Belarus. The primary purpose of the line has long been to transport raw materials, especially wood, from the vast forests on the Belarusian side to processing facilities in Poland. There are no facilities here for changing the wheelsets of passenger cars; all goods must be transloaded from one train to another.

A History Tied to the Forest

The history of this railway line is directly linked to the exploitation of the Białowieża Forest’s resources. It was built in the early 20th century to facilitate the logging industry. During the interwar period, when the entire forest was within Poland, the line was a key part of the local industrial infrastructure. After World War II, the border was redrawn through the middle of the forest, turning the line into an international one. It continued to serve its primary purpose: transporting timber. The town of Śvislač on the Belarusian side is a historic settlement, while Siemianówka on the Polish side is a small village that grew up around the railway and timber industry. The nearby Siemianówka Reservoir, a large artificial lake, is a major feature of the local landscape on the Polish side.

Freight Border Procedure

The border crossing procedure for the freight trains that use this line is a logistical process focused on the cargo. When a train arrives at the border station (either Siemianówka or Śvislač), it undergoes a full inspection. The crew’s documents are checked by border guards, and the cargo manifest is inspected by customs officials. The main event is the transshipment of the goods. In specialized yards, cranes and other equipment are used to move the cargo, typically logs or wood products, from the broad-gauge wagons to the standard-gauge wagons, or vice versa. This is a slow, methodical process that can take many hours. It is the physical manifestation of the logistical barrier created by the different track gauges.

The Surrounding Region

The surrounding region is defined by the Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the Polish side, the village of Siemianówka is located on the edge of the forest and next to the large Siemianówka Reservoir, which is a popular spot for birdwatching and recreation. The area is part of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, a region known for its pristine nature and multicultural heritage. On the Belarusian side, the railway line runs through the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. The town of Śvislač lies just outside the park and has historical connections to the Tyszkiewicz noble family. The main attraction for any potential visitor is the forest itself, with its ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and the iconic European bison.

Impact of Political Tensions

The political tensions between Belarus and Poland have severely impacted all cross-border freight traffic. The viability and operational status of secondary lines like this one are always uncertain. Any commercial operations would be subject to the prevailing political climate and any sanctions or restrictions in place. The construction of a border wall by Poland through parts of the forest has further complicated the situation, both politically and environmentally.

Final Considerations

The Siemianówka–Śvislač railway crossing is a functional freight line that happens to run through one of Europe’s most precious natural landscapes. It is a route that tells a story of industry and nature, of resource extraction and conservation. The logistical challenge of the break-of-gauge is a constant theme, a reminder of the historical divisions that shape modern transport. While it is not a route for the ordinary traveler, it stands as a unique example of a railway line that is completely intertwined with the great forest it traverses, a thin steel line through a wild, green world.