Located in the north-east of Poland Masuria Lakes belongs to the popular natural attractions of the region. A well-developed system of reservoirs includes, among others. rivers, canals, which are surrounded by forests, picturesque hills. In their territory tourists are offered yachting, diving, visiting historic forts.
Description and history of the Masuria Lakes region in Poland
The islands in Mazury, a historical region in northeastern Poland, are located between the Vistula River and the Kaliningrad region of Russia.
The natural site is considered the pearl of the region: it is the largest system of reservoirs of the Polish state. It includes 45 large lakes, 8 rivers and 12 canals. The total area of water bodies is more than 300 square meters. The fullness of the region is due to the large amount of seasonal precipitation.
The area is characterized by a good ecological situation, has economic importance. Natural monuments and historical buildings are preserved here.
Navigation is well developed on the reservoirs. The canals are open to the passage of small boats, yachts and other types of water transport. The first data on shipping in the Great Masuria region date back to 1379. The Elblag Chronicle preserves the record of building ships in the 15th century from the trees of the Piszka Forest. In 1763-1766 the territory was equipped with canals, which connected the lakes from the town of Vergozhevo to the sources of the Pis. In the 19th century the area was called Masuria.
During World War I in 1914-1915 on the Masuria lakes fierce battles took place between the troops of the Russian Empire and Germany. Canals were fortified on the front line, blockhouses were created, and defensive lines were erected. The remains of these buildings have survived into modern times.
Main Masurian Lakes
The hydrological system of the Masuria Lake District includes a branched network of lakes. The largest bodies of water include lakes Jezerak, Mamry, Druzno, Negocin, etc. Their area varies from 30 to more than 100 square meters. Picturesque sites are characterized by clean water, landscaped areas for recreation, developed tourism infrastructure.
Lake Jezerak
The area of Jezerak Island. The area of Jezerak, located near the ancient town of Ilava, is about 34 sq. km. It is part of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship. The depth of the reservoir reaches 37.6 m. The size – 27.45 by 2.4 km – can vary according to the season, the amount of precipitation within 30-34 sq. km. The reservoir is 99.4 m above sea level.
Lake Snyardvy
О. Snyardvy is considered the largest on the territory of Poland. Its area is 113.8 sq. km, the maximum depth is up to 23 m. The water in it is clear, the banks are swampy low, covered with thickets of calamus and reeds. Near the reservoir are located settlements Medvezhi Rug, Okartovo.
Lake Negotsin
О. Negotsin with a total area of 26 sq. km reaches a depth of 39.7 m. The reservoir is located at an altitude of 116 m above sea level. The length of its coastline reaches 35 km. In the vicinity are preserved defensive structures.
Until 1945 this area was part of East Prussia.
Druzhno Lake
The Polish island of Drużno is a part of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. Drużno is part of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and is located near Elbląg. The total catchment area is about 1,084 sq. km, the water surface is up to 18 sq. km. The object is 0.1 m above sea level. Ducks, gulls, terns and other birds nest on its shores.
Mamry Lake
The maximum depth of Mamry Island is 40 m, and the area reaches 104.5 sq. km. There are more than 30 islands on the picturesque body of water. The average depth of the site is about 11 m. The Angrapa River flows out of Mamra Island. The Angrapa River flows out of Mamra.
Other large Masuria lakes
On the list of major lakes in the region:
- Durgin. It is located at an altitude of 99 m above sea level. The area of the reservoir is about 30 sq. km, the greatest depth is 37.6 m. Parameters may vary depending on the season.
- Kisaino. It is separated from the island. It is separated from Negotsin Island by an isthmus. Formerly part of East Prussia. The total area of the facility is almost 19 square kilometers.
- Talty. Located in a hollow of glacial origin near the developed tourist center in Mikolajki. The depth of the reservoir reaches 44 m, the area – about 18 square kilometers.
The largest channels in the region
The territory has a developed network of water channels (about 12) of natural and man-made origin. They connect the rivers, the locks of the region. Objects were built in the middle of nowhere at different times in history, including. for defensive purposes.
The largest canals were built for shipping:
- Mazursky. It reaches a length of 50.8 km. The work on it was done in the 18th century. However, the site has not been reconstructed since the end of World War II.
- Elblong. Designed, landscaped by 1960. Functions to the modern period.
Weather and water temperature in the lakes
The climate in the region is moderately cool with abundant precipitation. Even summer periods are often accompanied by rain. The average annual temperature in the cities of Olsztyn, Elbląg, Ilawa is about +7.5°C, precipitation reaches 654 mm. Temperatures can be above zero in winter, but meteorologists record even -10°C.
The peak of tourist travel in the region is in summer (June-August). However, holidays in the region with children begin in May.
Yachtsmen and fans of other sports come at this time. The water temperature is affected by the depth of the lake: a large warms up worse.
Location of Masuria Lakes on the map and how to get there
The geographical location of the lakeshore has resulted in its good transport accessibility. Water bodies are surrounded by settlements, small towns, connected by landscaped roads, which can be moved by car.
International airports are located in:
The main transportation hubs are the cities of Ełk and Olsztyn. You can reach the region by train or bus from Warsaw. By car you have to drive on the S8, DK63, DK16, DW648, etc.
Water transport is also developed in the region. You can follow the Elbląg Canal by ferry.
Available Entertainment
The region is equipped with infrastructure for water sports, as well as family recreation with children. Extreme-entertainment is possible: rafting on kayaks, walks on comfortable yachts, etc. Sailing is well developed in the region: on many large reservoirs there are equipment rentals, rentals of boats with motors and yachts. Available windsurfing, diving (including for beginners). Training schools are organized and accompanying instructors are offered.
Yachting
For yachting offer watercraft rentals, training. Provided accompaniment under the guidance of experienced instructors. Operators offering yacht charter services are located in Giżycko. Companies rent equipment, provide training and advice. Experienced athletes can participate in regattas.
During the summer period, it is important to book a yacht rental, escorting an instructor in advance. The price of services is influenced by the size of the cabin, the presence of a kitchen and other amenities.
Lower prices are offered by operators in early fall. Be sure to take appropriate clothing (raincoats, waterproof shoes, etc.) when traveling.
Sailing
When sailing is offered for rent for a short time or a few weeks, depending on the requests of holidaymakers. It is possible to order a boat with a captain’s escort. Independent operation of the vessel is permitted if you have the skills and permits.
Boats can be rented without proper captain’s license. Provisions are also made for hiking for a few days. There are places to refuel, buy drinking water, overnight stays, buy food or food on shore in the cafe.
Windsurfing and kayaking
The region has developed kayaking on proven water routes. At the service of renting the appropriate equipment. Tourists are accompanied by experienced instructors. Special kayak routes go along the river Krutynya and the island of Beldan. Beldany. However, there are more difficult and longer routes on sections with large waves.
For windsurfing visitors are offered training, instruction, equipment.
Diving
Diving is also organized at the reservoirs. Available equipment rental, instruction, training for beginners. Among the best sites for diving are lakes Mamry, Harsh. Travelers can observe the underwater world, examine the stones, the remains of structures.
Fishing
Pikeperch, eels, trout, salmon, etc. are found in the region’s bodies of water. The purchase of a license is required to fish. Tourists are required to contact their local fishing union. Failure to do so may result in fines.
Visit to Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Trekking and animal watching in the nature reserve “Belovezhskaya Pushcha” is available on the territory. The relic forested area covers a total area of 500 thousand square kilometers. Visitors can see rare species of plants, trees, the inhabitants of the reserve (woodpeckers, wood grouse, eagles, eagles, black storks), large populations of bison. The territory protects populations of wolves, martens, moose, kalan, deer, foxes and otters.
Popular sights worth seeing
In the lakeside there are preserved ancient fortresses, defensive structures, fortifications of different historical periods (Teutonic castle, cathedrals, medieval residential buildings).
Major cities in the region have developed tourism centers, there is an infrastructure with hotels, shopping centers, grocery departments.
Bojen Fortress, Water Tower and Gizicko Turning Bridge
Among the attractions of the lakeside is a swing bridge, erected in 1889 on the territory of Giżycko. The fortress of Boyen has also been preserved.
There is an old neo-Gothic water tower in the city. The structure provided the village with water until 1997. Now the building has a cafe and viewing platforms.
The Castle of the Chapter of Warmia, the planetarium and the exhibition about Nicolaus Copernicus in Olsztyn
On the territory of Olsztyn, the Gothic castle of the Chapter of Warmia has been preserved. The Copernicus Museum is located here. The scientist lived and worked in this city. Experts also recommend seeing the old fences, the Baroque town hall, the cathedral and other buildings.
The Castle of the Teutonic Order in the city of Ryn
In the city of Ryn there is a majestic building of the castle of the Teutonic Knights. The first buildings date back to the XIV century. Later the structure was reconstructed, and elements of Neo-Gothic style appeared in the architecture.
There is a museum of local history in the castle. In the collection there are more than 700 exhibits of archaeology, ethnography, art, literature, etc. Other monuments (ancient granary, chapels, water mill) are preserved in Ryn.
Pish Township
On the territory of Pish the ruins of the Crusader castle, small houses of the XVIII-XIX centuries. You can also go to a Protestant bishopric.
In the surrounding area there are fields, forests, ponds, routes for organized trekking.
Tropicana Water Park in Mikolajki
In the spring and summer period there is a great demand among travelers for the water park “Tropicana” in Mikolajki at Hotel Golembiewski. The object is part of a large recreational complex for tourists. In “Tropicana” there are several comfort level pools, water slides of different complexity, Jacuzzi, etc. Various kinds of saunas and a salt cave are available for visitors. The complex welcomes guests every day.
Where to stay in the region of the Masuria Lakes
On the territory of the region travelers can stay at campsites, guest houses, sanatoriums, apartments, tourist centers. Developed infrastructure is in the towns of Pish, Vegondzhevo, Ilava, etc. On the shore of Lake Taltu. Taltu landscaped campsites with alleys of flowers, sandy beaches. In summer it is important to book accommodation in advance. When renting specify the date of entry and the planned end date of the vacation.
