Masuria a wonder of nature. See the 30 best attractions in Masuria
Masuria - a wonder of nature. You hear such a slogan often and there is no wonder, because this region is actually amazing! It is a very popular historical and ethnographic land, located in north-eastern Poland, in the area of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The extremely picturesque Masuria is sometimes called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, as it includes the Masurian Lake District and the Iława Lake District with a huge number of picturesque, natural lakes.
Tourism in Masuria
Every year, Masuria attracts countless crowds of tourists. Here you can find both peace and quiet in tiny villages lost in the woods, as well as a summer, bustling atmosphere with interesting entertainment in famous resorts. You'll find lakes, kayaking trails, and unspoiled nature everywhere. There are those who have caught the bug and come here every year, because they cannot live without Masurian waters and rest on a boat.
As tourism plays a significant role in Masuria, residents do everything to please visitors from home and abroad. Therefore, the tourist infrastructure is developing intensively here and the quality of services is improving. This is appreciated by the wealthy of the world, who go here to rest and even build their estates. If you haven't planned a holiday yet, and you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities and immerse yourself in nature, don't hesitate any longer and go to Masuria, and you won't be disappointed!
Heart of Masuria, or maybe Garbate Masuria or Western Masuria?
Mikołajki and Giżycko
The heart of Masuria are Mikołajki and Giżycko. Other popular Masurian towns are Węgorzewo and Ruciane-Nida. Here it is always bustling and attractive. You can count on events, countless cruises and the summer flow that will carry you. At every step, there are restaurants, cafes and accommodation. The greatest wealth of this region are the lakes, but also the uncontaminated nature around. Mikołajki has always been associated with Masuria, it is the summer capital of sailing in Poland. There are 5 lakes around, it is the central part of the Great Masurian Lakes Trail.
Western Masuria
If you are tired of the noisy, summer atmosphere of famous resorts, you can choose much quieter Western Masuria, with Ostródaor Iława and the picturesque Dylewskie Hills. On the latter we met only a few people. Here, the most popular attraction is a cruise on the grass through the Elbląg Canal. Ordinary cruises on lakes will not be lacking here either, because there are a lot of lakes. And like the whole Masuria, this region is also well prepared for bicycle lovers. Numerous cycling trails will allow you to enjoy the proximity of nature and the gently rolling water of the lakes.
Mazury Garbate
Still calm are the Garbate Masuria, stretching to the northeastern ends of the region. Particularly noteworthy here is the magnificent Gołdap with its brand new graduation towers and the beautiful Gołdap Lake. In the picturesque landscape of the area there are hills and humps, you will see them, among others, on Piękna Góra in Gołdap. In the vicinity, it is also worth seeing the largest railway bridges in Poland in Stańczyki or the only Pyramid in Rap in Poland. The interesting Elk also fits into this region.
Experiences in Masuria
Masuria is mainly famous for its lakes, but these are not the only attractions that await you here. We've gathered them in one place so you can easily plan your stay here. See the best attractions of Masuria!
1. Lake Śniardwy in Masuria
Śniardwy Lake is the largest lake in Poland. It is worth visiting the observation tower at the Łuknajno farm, near Mikołajki. Admission to the tower costs a few zlotys, and the ticket is bought in the farmhouse. Next to the tower there is a pier where yachts often moor. There is a hammock, fire ring and picnic benches. The entire lake is difficult to see, it is so huge, hence it is sometimes called the Masurian Sea!
2. Mamry Lake in Masuria
Mamry is the second largest lake in the Great Masurian Lakes Region and all of Poland! You can reach it most conveniently from Węgorzewo, on foot or by bike from the city center next to the castle. There is a beach and a pier by the lake and beautiful views!
3. Mikołajskie Lake in Mikołajki
Lake Mikołajskie beautifully cuts into Mikołajki and creates a picturesque view. You can walk along the shore along the beautiful Promenade in Mikołajki. You will sail here by yacht or boat. In the summer, parties are often held here, there are plenty of pubs on the promenade and a beautiful view with yachts in the foreground.
4. Lake Niegocin in Masuria
Lake Niegocin is a nicely developed lake in Giżycko. With Ekomarina, a sandy town beach with a free and guarded swimming area and a magnificent pier running high above the lake. Here, too, you can easily take a cruise.
5. Drwęckie Lake in Ostróda
Drwęckie Lake is another well managed lake. It spills over in Ostróda and is much quieter than these lakes in the heart of Masuria. It offers a beautiful pier, beach, as well as a marina where you can take a cruise. There is also a promenade leading to the kayak rental and several picturesque marinas.
6. Elbląg Canal in Masuria
The Elbląg Canal is a phenomenon and a miracle of technology. Once used mainly for transporting wood, today it is an unusual tourist attraction. Cruises mainly start in Buczyniec, they are famous cruises on grass, with ramps. You can use this channel to reach Elbląg - a beautiful city in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.
7. Jeziorak Lake in Iława
Jeziorak is the longest lake in Poland, with a length of about 28 km. It is post-glacial, gutter-like, i.e. long, but narrow. You can always see the other side. It is ideal for cruises, available here every day during high season. The ship departs from Galeria Handlowa by the amphitheatre.
8. Lake Gołdap in the Garbaty Masuria
Lake Gołdap is a very picturesque border lake spilling over in the northern part of Gołdap. A significant part is located on the Polish side, a small fragment lies on the Russian side. The lake in our part offers a summer holiday by the water, in the Osirowski resort. A sandy town beach called Słoneczny Zakątek was created here, with a free swimming pool and parking.
There is also a bar and water equipment rental. Anyone can take a catamaran cruise on the lake after an appointment. There is also a campsite with summer cottages.
9. Brine graduation towers in Gołdap
The graduation towers in Gołdap are the fourth largest brine graduation towers in Poland. They have been operating since 2012. There is a paid vantage point from the upper terrace.
10. Water Pump Room in Gołdap
Gołdap is the only resort in Masuria. She obtained it in 2000. The Mineral and Medicinal Water Pump Room is located at the Graduation Tower itself. Waters are payable, and there is also a Salt Cave on site.
11. Piękna Góra in Gołdap
A hill slightly south of the centre of Gołdap, with a revolving café at the top and ski slopes in winter. A cable car leads to the top. In summer, you can also approach with a concrete toboggan run, which winds after elevation.
12. Bridges in Stańczyki
The bridges in Stańczyki in the Garbaty Masuria are the highest railway bridges in Poland. Today, they are a tourist attraction, available for a fee.
13. Observation tower in Stańczyki
Near the bridges, an observation tower was recently built, available free of charge. You can admire the beautiful surroundings, with bridges and small Dobellus lakes, one of which is explosive!
14. Pyramid in Rapa
The only pyramid in Poland is located in Rapa in the Garbaty Masuria, about 30 km from Gołdap. This is the tomb of the Farenheid family. Currently closed, but you can look inside through small windows. Previously, it was open to the public, as a result of which the bodies were devastated and some parts were deprived. According to the latest research, 7 people were buried here, and the object was most likely previously used by the family as a refrigerator.
15. Promenade in Mikołajki
The promenade in Mikołajki is a new showcase of the city! The promenade, revitalized and extended in 2020, is 1.3 km long. It allows you to enjoy the summer atmosphere of Masuria and admire the charms of Lake Mikołajskie. It is the most important tourist route of Mikołajek, with taverns, cafes, shops, water equipment rentals, sailing marinas and a port for passenger ships. It begins with the Sailors' Avenue by the road bridge - the conventional border between Tałty and Mikołajskie lakes. This part was modernized in 2011.
The newer part begins with a wooden viewing platform in the Sailing Village. This is a place of concerts and events, with a wonderful view in the background! On the other side of the lake there is a view of the Masurian Landscape Park with the Puszcza Piska Forest.
16. Footbridge and pier in Giżycko
Next to the promenade in Mikołajki, this is another place to visit in Masuria! A high footbridge over 70 meters long will lead to the revitalized pier! The footbridge is equipped with lifts, so it is not an obstacle even for wheelchairs. From above you can admire a beautiful view of the harbour and Lake Niegocin. Coming down to the pier, we are already surrounded by water, with benches and wind in our hair 🙂 There are always a lot of sails and yachts here, in summer many vessels sail on the lake.
The first pier in Giżycko was built in 1970 as a shelter for boats from the wind. It gained its current form in 2011.
17. Boyen Fortress in Giżycko
The fortress from 1843-55 is an interesting example of a Prussian fortification school. It has the shape of a star, whose arms form six bastions. Currently, it is available to tourists all year round, on a narrow isthmus between Niegocin and Kisajno lakes, on the so-called Giżycka Island. The area of the fortress is crossed by numerous walking paths. Numerous events take place every summer in the amphitheater at the Powder Gate. The caponier of the Giżycka Gate, on the other hand, houses the Boyen Tavern.
18. Water tower in Giżycko
Also called the Water Tower, it dates back to 1900 and is a noegothic building made of red brick. The external vaults around the crown are interesting. The tower supplied the city with running water until 1997. 25 meters high, it stands on a hill at the intersection of Warszawska and Wodociągowa streets.
The climb to the top takes place via an internal spiral staircase (129 steps) or an elevator. After modernizing the interior and adding three floors with a viewing terrace, the Upper Tower (from the name of the owner) became an unusual tourist attraction in Giżycko, open to tourists. At the top of the tower, there is a café. There are beautiful views not only of the city, but also of Lake Niegocin.
19. Kurza Góra observation tower
The Kurza Góra Tower is an impressive tower with a walking path, accessible for wheelchairs. It is located in Kurzętnik near Iława. There is a very tasty restaurant, a tubing track and ski slopes with a ski lift in winter.
20. Szymbark Castle
It is a former Gothic Teutonic castle, today in ruins, but very picturesque. Currently unavailable to tourists, but there are plans to revitalize it and arrange a hotel in it. The film "King of the Alders" with John Malkovich was filmed here.
21. Ostróda Castle
The castle is a Teutonic trace of the city, rebuilt after war damage and made available to tourists. Napoleon Bonaparte once stayed here and from this castle he ruled Europe for about 40 days, from February 1807.
22. Palace in Kamieniec
Napoleon also lived in this palace with Mrs. Walewska, after initially freezing in the Ostróda castle. Today, the palace remains in ruins, but interesting Napoleonic picnics take place there.
23. Dylewskie Hills
The Dylewskie Hills are an idyllic corner of the Western Masuria. With Mount Dylewska, which is the highest elevation of the area and at the same time the entire Warmia and Masuria. It has a height of 312 m above sea level. Next to it, you can see a lapidarium made of glacial erratic boulders and the wild French Lake.
24. Grunwald
There is no need to introduce Grunwald to anyone. Every child from school knows him. It was here that one of the greatest battles of the Middle Ages took place. Between the armies of King Jagiełło and the Teutonic Knights. It was a great success for Poles - encouragement for compatriots for centuries. The battle took place on 15 July 1410 in those fields where a monument now stands and a modern museum is being built. During the season, this place is worth visiting with a guide.
25. Museum in the palace in Morąg
The Palace in Morąg is a very interesting building with a museum in the interiors, which hides several exhibitions. One of them depicts Johann Herder - a writer and philosopher of history, who came from here. There are also several Gothic monuments in Morąg - a church, a town hall and a castle in ruins.
26. Castle in Kętrzyn
The castle in Kętrzyn is a former Teutonic stronghold rebuilt after war damage. It is available to tourists for a fee, in the form of an interesting museum, with a multimedia hall.
27. Ryno Castle
Ryn Castle is a beautifully maintained former Teutonic stronghold, which today is available to tourists, both in the form of a museum and as a luxury hotel Ryn Castle with a spa offer. Here you can have breakfast in the unique scenery of the castle courtyard, beautifully arranged.
28. Nidzica Castle
The castle in Nidzica is an interesting Teutonic fortress, which can be visited for a fee. You will also eat and spend the night there.
29. Giżycko Castle
The castle in Giżycko is also a former Teutonic fortress, which today is a luxurious St. Bruno. It is located by the revolving bridge in Giżycko.
30. Swing bridge in Giżycko
The famous, historic bridge in Giżycko still functions and is operated manually. Despite its enormous weight, it can be handled by one person.
Masurian cuisine or what and where to eat in the Masuria?
Masurians have always been able to use what the surrounding lakes and forests gave them. That is why the local dishes are largely based on fresh fish, herbs and forest fruits. The local goose and handmade cheeses are also significant. You will probably be surprised by snails in the Masurian kitchen! These are returning to the local tables after years, and we know that in the past they were hosted here both on bishop's, refined tables and in poor peasant huts.
Western Mazury culinary trail from Kuchnia
In 2021, the Western Masuria Culinary Trail from Kuchnia was created. It focuses on restaurants, but also interesting places on the map of Western Masuria, where you will discover often forgotten flavors. You will experience the joys of tasting specialties of old Polish, Masurian, Prussian, Warmia, German, Lithuanian, Ukrainian and even Dutch cuisine. We tasted here, among others Warmian dinners, i.e. regional dumplings with beef filling, with crispy bacon. There were also Masurian marshmallows - peculiar potato chops with meat filling in chicken sauce. These delicacies were served to us by the Inn near Kłobuk in Małdydy.
Tasty zander was served to us in the atmospheric Pod Omega Sailing Tavern in Iława. They also serve it excellently in Gołdap in the Garbaty Masuria, in the Ventus Hotel. We ate a rich plate of homely, local specialties with a potato grandmother at the head in the wonderful Old Sawmill in Iława. Similarly, Matrioszka in Gołdap - a very homely, tasty and cheap restaurant. We also remember Ryński Młyn in Ryno for a long time - a very tasty restaurant with local borderland cuisine.
You can taste vegetable cuisine in the guest house Stara Szkoła in Wysokie Wieś, in the heart of the Dylewskie Hills. A place with soul and full of flavors. I've never eaten so many flowers. Here, the horizons are broadened for new culinary possibilities. In the past, the wild kitchen of the forest with herbs, flowers or fruits was the kitchen of hunger, today it is the kitchen of choice. It is an interesting alternative to a rich and filling potato-meat kitchen.
Accommodation in Masuria
The offer of accommodation in Masuria is very rich and diverse. You can choose accommodation in every standard, from a campsite or a holiday home through apartments and agritourism to hotels, even the 5-star ones. In this highest standard is, for example, Hotel Mikołajki Leisure & SPA, but I recommend in this area Hotel Robert's Port in Stare Sady, very family-friendly, with a lot of attractions for children, including animations and daily activities, its own beach on Lake Tałty and its own fleet, with organized cruises.
You will also have a nice and unique time atthe Ryn Castle Hotel, in the former Teutonic castle. Here you will have breakfast in the huge castle courtyard, beautifully arranged. Also in the Teutonic castle, the Hotel St. Bruno in Giżycko. It is also an unusual place to stay.
In the Western Masuria, I recommend the very pleasant and tasteful Apartments Villa Orient in Iława, on Lake Jeziorak itself. Without meals, but with its own kitchenette or shared kitchen for guests. Also noteworthy are the Ostróda Apartments, a hotel standard with access to the Ostróda Aquapark.
In the Western Masuria, the Anders Hotel in Stare Jabłonki is also interesting - a large hotel complex with a spa and a restaurant, but additionally with summer cottages in the forest.
For this reason, in the Garbaty Masuria, I recommend the Ventus Hotel in Gołdap. Beautifully located, it offers delicious food, although it is not cheap.
Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.
Rent a car
Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.
What's worth seeing in the area?
If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.
- Mikołajki, distance: 4.3 km
- National parks in Poland, distance: 74.1 km
- Gołdap, distance: 74.5 km
- Biebrza National Park, distance: 76 km
- Olsztyn, distance: 76.5 km
- Podlasie, distance: 78.8 km
- Suwałki, distance: 91.2 km
- Tykocin Castle, distance: 99 km
- Tycocin, distance: 99.5 km
- Wigry National Park, distance: 99.7 km
