The Crooked Forest (Polish: Krzywy Las) is a mysterious grove of pine trees located near the village of Nowe Czarnowo in West Pomerania, Poland. What makes this forest famous—and quite eerie—is that around 400 pine trees have an unusual and unnatural-looking bend at the base of their trunks, forming a 90-degree curve before growing straight upwards.

The Mystery and Theories Behind the Crooked Forest

No one knows for sure why the trees are bent this way, but there are a few theories:

1. Human Intervention (Most Popular Theory):
Many believe that the trees were intentionally manipulated by humans when they were saplings, possibly around the 1930s. The theory goes that local farmers or foresters bent the trees to create curved wood for furniture, shipbuilding, or even sleigh runners. However, World War II disrupted life in the area, and the project was abandoned—leaving the trees to grow into their strange shape.


2. Snow Damage Theory:
Another theory suggests that a heavy snowfall might have flattened the young trees, and they bent while trying to regrow. But critics argue that this doesn’t explain why only this specific group of trees is affected, while the surrounding forest is normal.


3. Gravitational Anomaly or Natural Phenomenon:
Some speculate a natural or even supernatural cause—a unique gravitational anomaly or unexplained environmental factor. These ideas are more fringe but add to the intrigue of the forest.

Why It Remains a Mystery

Because there’s no definitive documentation or eyewitness accounts from the time the trees were planted and shaped, the exact origin remains unknown. The Crooked Forest continues to be a tourist attraction and a source of speculation, mystery, and natural beauty.