This Little Village in Poland Has the Largest Jurassic Park Replica in Europe

On the edge of Krasiejów in the Polish countryside side sits a huge dinosaur-based theme park called Jura Park! Jura Park is located in an area where active paleontological excavations still take place. Visitors to the park learn all about the history of dinosaurs in the museum, before visiting the amusement park and walking through the excavation site, where they can see life-sized replicas of the prehistoric animals themselves. It’s a fabulous insight into the life of dinosaurs. It is the only dinosaur museum in the world that stands on an active paleontological location.

Large cities were not chosen as a big area was needed and the creators also wanted the landscape to be of nature and not of cities, offices and skyscrapers. There are actually three such dinosaur parks in Poland. The first was opened in Bałtów in 2001 and the second in Solec Kujawski. Krasiejów was the third site chosen, and opened in 2010. The area in and around Krasiejów was also pivotal in the deciding of the venue, as many dinosaur fossils were found in the area after excavations. These excavations produced fossils from the late Triassic period, mostly vertebrate fossils. In the late Triassic period, the territories of today’s Poland lay on the Pangea supercontinent.

There are many parts of Jura Park to explore and there is enough to keep you occupied for a full day out. Here are some of the highlights.

The Time Tunnel

Take a walk through a 300 metre tunnel and go on a journey through billions of years. Here you get to learn more about the Ice Age, the prehistoric age and the development of man up until the present day.

The educational path

The main educational path is an outdoor walk which can last around two hours. On the way, prepare to be amazed by the life-size replicas of Mesozoic reptiles and amphibians. It is advised to take a coat, warm clothes and an umbrella as this part will be almost entirely outside.

Paleontologial pavilion
The paleontological pavilion is where you can see dinosaur fossils that have been excavated in the region and beyond. Some of the fossils on display here are Europe’s biggest and can be viewed in numerous glass cabinets.
Amusement park and playground

For children there is an amusement park and playground area, which can also be fun for all the family. There are arcade games and simulators, a pirate ship, slides, merry-go-rounds, rollercoasters, trampolines and a euro-bungee. The playground is for 3 – 12 year-olds, and for smaller children there are suitable swings and slides. Admission to the playground is free for visitors of Jura Park.

Prehistoric aquarium

Get a detailed understanding of the underwater world during prehistoric times with a walk through this underground aquarium, where you can come face to face with Jurassic reptiles.

Five-dimensional cinema

Perhaps one of the highlights will be watching a film that incorporates all your senses: sight, sound, movement, touch, and even fragrances and tastes. The cinema has room for 40 people per show and screenings are held throughout the day.

The theme park also hosts events, such as paleontological workshops where you find out some of the secrets of a palaeontologist’s work. You can also find out how the models of dinosaurs are constructed and painted. There are regular museum sessions aimed to educate Polish students attending primary, middle and high schools, and ,any schools in Poland organise trips to the museum for their pupils. English translations are available on request.

As well as the main attractions, there are also plenty of amenities here at Jura Park. There is a gift shop and an area that serves food. Dishes available range from summer barbecued meat cooked on a grill to typical Polish fare such as pierogi and bigos. There is also a bar and an ice cream kiosk.

Opening times and entrances fees really vary a lot throughout the year, so please check the museum’s Plan a Visit page to keep up to date. Private visits can be arranged by contacting the museum directly, and tickets can be bought online.

As a general rule, these are the opening times for Spring and Summer:

Monday to Friday – 9:00-16:00
Saturday and Sunday – 10:00-18:00

Having your own car or hiring a car is the best way to get to Krasiejów, as it’s a small village of 2,050 inhabitants. Krasiejów is only 23 kilometres east of the regional capital Opole, which has many hotels and makes a good base. There is no train or bus route directly to Jura Park, but if you are stuck, you can get a bus to the centre of Krasiejów and either take a taxi or walk.

1 Maja 10, 46-040 Krasiejów, Poland +48 77 465 48 00

If you love unique places like this, you might also enjoy Poland’s housing estate of murals or these unusual Warsaw museums.