The Masuria region of Poland forms part of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, encompassing the areas of the Iława Lakeland and the Masurian Lakeland. Masuria is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, which is not an exaggeration but rather an understatement, as there are over two thousand lakes in the Masuria area.
This rich region fascinates many tourists every year. It may seem that there are not many attractions in Masuria, but that is not true. When going on vacation to Masuria, one can engage in numerous activities. What are interesting places in Masuria?
In Masuria, there is the largest lake in Poland, Lake Śniardwy, with an area of 113.8 km2, and the longest lake in Poland, Lake Jeziorak, which is 27.45 kilometers long. The town of Iława lies on Lake Jeziorak, while Lake Śniardwy is surrounded by various villages, including Popielno, Głodowo, Okartowo, Nowe Guty, Niedźwiedzi Róg, Zdęgowo, and Łuknajno along its shores. In Łuknajno, there is a viewing tower from which you can admire a beautiful view of the largest lake in Poland. Łuknajno is located just 5 kilometers from the center of Mikołajki.
Also read: Lakes in Masuria – which ones are worth visiting near Giżycko?
While in Masuria, it is worth visiting the site of the famous Battle of Grunwald, which took place in 1410. The Polish-Lithuanian troops defeated the Teutonic Knights at Grunwald. The village of Grunwald lies in Masuria, and the battlefield covers about two kilometers of land nearby. These are mainly meadows and wooded areas; however, there are also ruins of a post-battle chapel and a monument complex. In Stębark, there is the Grunwald Battle Museum.
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If you are interested in interesting places in Masuria, Giżycko should be at the top of the list! Giżycko, our Polish sailing capital, offers many fascinating monuments, so it is worth staying there longer. Not only is something almost constantly happening there during the season from May to September – life goes from one cultural event to another – but Giżycko can also boast the 19th-century Boyen Fortress, a swing bridge, and a 14th-century Teutonic castle where you can stay. Today, the castle serves as a luxurious four-star hotel with a restaurant, a Wellness&SPA area, and an entertainment center in Giżycko (including a swimming pool, billiards, bowling, and a nightclub).
Other interesting places in Masuria in Giżycko include the amphitheater, located near the Boyen Fortress, and the water tower, which is a popular viewpoint. For many reasons, this city is one of the top places to visit on our list!
Also read: What to take to Masuria – check how to pack for a holiday in Masuria
For lovers of war monuments, post-war bunkers are an interesting trip point. Of particular note are the bunkers in Mamerki, where more than thirty Wehrmacht command bunkers have been preserved, the bunkers near Bolejn, and the Martiany shelter located between Kętrzyn and Giżycko. Additionally, it is worth remembering that Adolf Hitler valued the charms of Masurian nature, and in Gierłoż he had his main headquarters called the Wolf's Lair.
Interesting places in Masuria are also related to the region’s diverse fauna. In Popielno at the Polish Academy of Sciences station (Ruciane-Nida commune), you can see real tarpans and the wisentbison "Brutus." These extraordinary animals live freely in an environment as close to natural as possible. Tarpans are wild horses considered ancestors of the domestic horse and are now almost extinct. The wisentbison is an incredible hybrid of three animal species. Brutus's father is the American bison, while his mother is another hybrid, this time of two species, called a żubroń. A żubroń is a cross between a European bison and domestic cattle. Therefore, the wisentbison Brutus is a cross of bison, European bison, and cow. Anyone interested in wild animals and such curiosities will certainly also enjoy a visit to the Wild Animals Park in Kadzidłowo within the Piska Forest.
Also read: Active holidays in Masuria – how to organize your vacation?
The castle in Nidzica is a 14th-century Gothic Teutonic castle and another must-visit place. Currently, the castle is not only a monument but also a city cultural and entertainment center. The castle houses, among others, the Nidzica Cultural Center, the Nidzica Land Museum, a sculpture workshop, a city library, and the Knight Brotherhood of the Nidzica Commandery. In addition, the cultural complex is surrounded by a beautiful park founded in the 19th century.
