Masurian Lakes
Poland'S Lake District, About Two Thousand Lakes Linked By Canals, Forests And Small Towns. The Centre Of Polish Sailing, Canoeing And Summer Holidays, With Sniardwy, The Largest Lake In The Country. A Finalist In The 2011 New7Wonders Of Nature Vote · Gizycko, Warmian-Masurian
The Masurian Lakes form Poland's lake district in the north-east, a landscape of about two thousand lakes linked by canals, with forests and small towns between them. The heart of it is the Great Masurian Lakes, with Sniardwy as the largest lake in the country and Mamry the second. The main bases are Gizycko, Mikolajki and Ruciane-Nida, each with marinas, boat hire and waterfront cafes. This is the centre of Polish sailing and canoeing, and in July and August it is full of holidaymakers. Gizycko has the Boyen fortress, a 19th century star-shaped fort on the isthmus between two lakes, now partly open to visitors. The Krutynia river is a well-known kayak route through forest. The Wolf's Lair lies nearby, a separate site about the war. XX and warm in summer, and the area is flat, so it suits families and beginners. Facilities thin out away from the three main towns, and wet days leave little to do indoors.
The Great Masurian Lakes around Gizycko, Mikolajki and Ruciane-Nida, in north-eastern Poland, Gizycko, Warmian-Masurian, Poland
The lakes, shores, forests and many public beaches are open at all hours and free to reach, though some beaches have a lifeguard only in summer. Marinas, boat hire and cruise operators run mainly from May to September, and most reduce or stop service in winter. Cruise boats keep set timetables that vary by season, so confirm them on the day. Gizycko fortress and museums keep their own hours, commonly closed one day a week and shorter outside summer. Kayak and sailing hire usually opens mid-morning and closes before dusk. Weather can close the water at short notice, and in strong wind or storms hire may be refused. Confirm every time and price close to your date.