Giżycko is a small town in Masuria, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, offering many attractions to its visitors. It is no coincidence that it is called the sailing capital of Poland.
It is the main port on the Great Masurian Lakes route, situated between two lakes – Niegocin and Kisajno, and the city’s coat of arms features three large fish. If you are planning a holiday in Masuria, staying in Giżycko is an excellent choice.
Boyen Fortress is the most magnificent and largest monument not only in Giżycko but in all of Masuria. The fortress lies on a narrow isthmus between lakes near the town. This area is called Giżycko Island. Why is the fortress so extraordinary? The layout of the buildings forms a six-pointed star, with each arm representing one of the bastions. The monument impresses today just as much as it did when it was built in the mid-19th century. The building has been preserved almost intact, so we can be sure that what we see during the tour is an original 19th-century fortress.
Visiting Boyen Fortress is possible year-round, although outside the high season it is necessary to book in advance. The ticket office is open at various hours depending on the month. For example, during the holiday season (July and August), visits can be arranged until 7:00 p.m., whereas from November to March, only until 3:00 p.m. It is worth knowing that outside the tourist season, visiting the fortress is free of charge. The site hosts a series of artistic events around the "Forge of Crafts and Art". Meetings take place in the Armory Workshop, which is used for concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
Read more about Boyen Fortress in the article: Boyen Fortress in Giżycko – why you must visit this attraction?
The buildings of Boyen Fortress are surrounded by an earthen rampart, a wall, and a moat. Access to the fortress is possible through four gates (Giżycko, Kętrzyn, Water, and Powder gates), but first, one must cross the swing bridge over the Łuczański Canal, which itself is an important touristic point. It can be said that it is an exquisite structure, not obvious at all, and remarkably modern for its time. The bridge is fully operational and still in use today. Near Boyen Fortress, there is also an amphitheater used for local events and a water tower – a unique observation point in Giżycko.
Also read: Giżycko in winter? We recommend the best attractions
Apart from walking and sightseeing around Giżycko, a huge attraction are, of course, the Masurian lakes. You can relax and sunbathe on the beach – one of the bigger sandy beaches is located by Lake Niegocin. There is also a pier. Additionally, many activities related to being by the lake are possible. You can take a boat trip or a balloon flight over the lakes. More active forms of leisure include swimming, water skiing, and kayaking trips. If you are skilled at sailing, you can rent a yacht, sailboat, or boat. Available for rent are also jet skis, pedal boats, and ATVs.
Although Giżycko is a small town, many events, concerts, and happenings are organized there each year. The event season starts in May and ends in September. Since May 1st, Giżycko celebrates the grand opening of the season with many events throughout the town, including a competition of watercraft on the Łuczański Canal. The Mazury AirShow is also very popular, offering aerial displays over and above Lake Niegocin. Giżycko hosts races, contests, parades, museum nights, performances, congresses, tournaments, festivals, fairs, rallies, picnics, and many other events that attract large numbers of tourists. So if you come to Giżycko for a holiday, you will certainly encounter at least one major cultural event.
In addition to the magnificent Boyen Fortress, Giżycko is home to a medieval Teutonic castle dating back to 1341. It was built as a defensive fortress for the Teutonic Knights. Over the centuries, the castle’s function changed several times. At the height of Boyen Fortress’s prominence, the castle served as the commanders’ headquarters. The castle has been restored and today houses a luxury SPA hotel. If you are unsure where to stay during your Masurian holiday, our Hotel St. Bruno is definitely worth considering. The hotel specializes in Wellness & SPA. It also offers a swimming pool, playroom, nightclub, and restaurant. Attractions such as billiards and bowling are also available.
It is important to know that the castle is open for guided tours even for those who are not hotel guests. If you wish to tour the castle individually, not in an organized group, this is possible in July and August. Individual tours take place every Thursday and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. during the summer months. The ticket costs only 12 PLN, and for children under 14, half that price.
Also read: What to do in Giżycko when it rains?
