Find a region on the map
Find a region on the map
In the finals in Zurich, they “competed” with the Salto Angel waterfall, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado or the Matternhorn. For us, Masuria is second to none.
There you will meet moose, deer, wolves, and by the bitten trunks you will recognize the beavers that breed in Poland in great numbers.
It is also a kingdom of birds – storks (it is said that every fourth stork in the world is “Polish”), as well as the less common black storks, gray herons or towering white-tailed eagles.
A long, long time ago, tribes of Prussians and Yotvingians, related to today’s Lithuanians, lived in the territory of Masuria. The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary, known in Poland as the Teutonic Order, was called in to forcibly Christianize them. In practice, this meant the annihilation of the original inhabitants of the land.
The Teutonic Order built numerous Gothic castles in Prussia, many of which still survive today. At that time, settlers from central Poland – the Mazurians – began to migrate to Masuria
Until World War II, Masuria was part of Germany. Their residents mostly spoke a local dialect of Polish, while professing Protestantism. After the post-war resettlement, Masuria became primarily a tourist region.
“It was a landscape that had to be complemented by hunting, horseback riding or swimming,” Polish writer Melchior Wańkowicz wrote. We do not support or recommend hunting, but it is true that Masurian nature is best enjoyed when explored actively.
Undeniably, the most popular Masurian sport is sailing. The Great Masurian Lakes Trail connects 20 lakes in the central part of the region, including the largest, Śniardwy. It is 120 kilometers of sailing and a ready-made vacation idea.
A canoe is also an excellent choice for a holiday in Masuria. For relaxing rafting trips you can go on the popular Krutynia, or the rivers in the eastern part of the region hidden in the forests.
The forests are crossed by a dense network of bicycle routes, including the Green Velo trail connecting all of eastern Poland. A lot of good will be found here for horseback riding enthusiasts. After an active day, it is ideal to relax in a sauna.
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“For me, the evening calm is the quintessence of Masuria,” says Monika, a local SUP swimming instructor and creator of the Mazury SUP Natury Project.
Windless days, when the water on the lake is not stirring, provide wonderful opportunities for wildlife contemplation and unforgettable visual experiences. The water on the calm lake looks even more amazing at night, when hundreds of stars are reflected in it.
Masuria can be reached by plane from Austria and Switzerland via Dortmund or Kraków. The local airport is Olsztyn-Mazury. Warsaw is also quite close (about 3 hours by car) to Masuria.
Located in the heart of the Masurian Land of a Thousand Lakes, Giżycko is easily reached by train from Warsaw. Larger cities in the region – Ełk or Pisz also operate bus services.
A very good idea for a holiday in the Masuria is to come there in an RV. In the park4night app you will find dozens of lakeside locations where you can park comfortably and safely.
Masuria is a great place for a camping holiday. In the Nida Lake area and at other major bodies of water in the region, there are many intimate campgrounds where you can stay overnight to your heart’s content for a small fee. At www.czaswlas.pl if you click on the tent icon, you will also find a map with quite a few places where you can legally stay overnight in the wild.
Siedlisko Wnukowo – 11 tastefully decorated rooms in a 6-hectare complex with a private beach on Lake Roś. Exquisite, locally prepared meals. On-site tennis court. Pets welcome!
Kolonia Mazurska Mierki – a proposal for lovers of total remoteness from civilization. An old Masurian house with a cozy common space on the border of the regions of Masuria and Warmia. Breakfast on request
Dom w Akacjach – child-friendly agritourism farm in a less touristic part of Masuria. Lots of freedom and the sounds of local wildlife included.
Mazurus Guest House – beautifully decorated rooms in a small village on Lake Dejguny, run by three friendly sisters. Vegetarian breakfasts included.
Polish Tourism Organization
Fleschgasse 34/2a
1130 Wien
wien@pot.gov.pl
+43 6767828258
