The park is located on the area of 10502 ha and its oldest part Strict Preservation Area occupies 4747 ha. The park came into being in 1947 in order to protect primeval lowland forests.

European Bison Breeding Centre has been established inside the park and its activity enabled the return of the bison to Bialowieza after its extinction during the I World War. The park provides for many years the background for scientists in the areas of botany, zoology and ecology.