Wigry National Park. Attractions worth seeing around Lake Wigry

Wigry National Park stretches a few kilometers east of Suwałki. Within its borders, you can find over 40 natural water reservoirs, but the heart of the Park is the vast Lake Wigry. Almost the entire area of the Wigry National Park lies in the basin of the Czarna Hańcza River, which is a valuable kayaking trail in Poland.

The WPN, based in Krzywo in the Suwałki region, is one of the largest national parks in Poland. Its area is over 15,000 hectares. It is located on the northeastern edge of Poland, and was founded in 1989.

Cycling trails and routes in the WPN

Wigry National Park is an area made available for various forms of tourism. Several hiking and cycling trails and educational paths have been marked out here, as well as reservoirs and rivers for water tourism, omitting water equipment with an engine. 160 km of hiking trails and 116 km of cycling trails are available here. In addition, a 1.5 km long path for people with special needs was created at the headquarters of the Park. It leads to Lake Suchar II. There is a possibility of kayaking for water sports enthusiasts.

Loop along the green trail around Lake Wigry

One of the best ways to get to know this Park is to overcome the green signs leading around the largest reservoir. It is about 46 km long and allows you to get to know the natural charms of this place. We covered this route with electric bicycles, rented in Burdeniszki. It is worth spending the whole day on such an escapade.

Attractions of the Wigry National Park

The most important attraction of the ESL are numerous, clean water bodies of various shapes, surfaces and depths. But among these ponds there are also other curiosities here and there. Check out the best things to do in the Park.

Lake Wigry

It is the largest and most interesting reservoir in the area, with islands and picturesque coves. It occupies a deep glacial chute. Interestingly, the body of  water has the shape of the letter S. Hence  its name, because it comes from the Yatvin word "wingris", which means "winding", "writhing".

Wigry Monastery

The foundation of the abbey in this place is associated with King Jan Kazimierz. He wanted to ask God to reverse the series of defeats of the Republic of Poland and to fund here a temple for camaldolese and erems, i.e. a place of seclusion for monks. In return, they were to pray daily for their homeland. The dissolution of the monastery took place during the partitions, today the former buildings are open to the public.
Address: Wigry 11

Wigry Museum in Stary Folwark

The exhibition in the museum presents the natural and cultural values of this area. It is interesting and multimedia, it allows you to get to know underwater life. The headquarters of the facility is the building of the former Hydrobiological Station.
Address: Stary Folwark 50

Wigry Narrow Gauge Railway

The narrow-gauge railway is an interesting way to get to know this region. Ciuchcia has 4 stops where you can go out and look around the area: Binduga, Bartny Dół, Powały and Krusznik. Riding it is a great fun not only for children.

Observation tower in Krusznik

A wooden observation tower was erected in Krusznik, from which you can look at the largest reservoir of the area from above. Unfortunately, even here you will not be able to see the entire body of water, but only its southern part. The tower also allows you to admire the biscuits characteristic of this place.

Installation with a cross in the Red Cross

This poignant cross is a memorial to the events of World War II. At that time, the entire village was pacified by the Germans, with the help of partisans. To commemorate these tragic events, the equipment of the destroyed houses was used: authentic burr stones, sickles or scythes. Such a great drama happened in such a beautiful place.

Other WPN attractions

• Footbridges in Cimochowiźno
• Footbridges over Czarna Hańcza
• Suchary are small, mid-forest dystrophic lakes
• A viewing platform under the monastery, which is also a haven for papal cruises
• Viewpoint in Wigry, just walk a few hundred meters behind the marina and the U Haliny campsite

Experience map

I also include a map with highlighted attractions, which I mentioned in the text.

Nature of the Wigry National Park

In 2002, Wigierski PN was entered on the Ramsar list. It aims to promote conservation and sustainable operation in wetlands.

Plants

The flora of the Park is interesting and rare. Numerous blue eyes surround the forests of the Augustów Forest. Meadows are also valuable. It is worth noting that there are over 1,000 species of plants and as many as 20 species of orchids! They delight in the swaying sedge in the wind. Especially when birds hide among their plumes.

Animals

Among the fauna of the Park, beavers, which populate the Park in large numbers, can be distinguished in a special way. So popular and significant that this animal became a symbol of the Park and was included in its logo. Deer, lynx and wolves as well as a few pairs of white-tailed eagles are also unique in these areas. And in clean tanks live seedlings and seedlings and about 30 species of other fish. Did you know that you can find over 200 species of birds here?

Wigry National Park - Tourist Information Centre
Krzywe 82, Suwałki
tel. 87/563-25-77, 510 992 672
www.wigry.org.pl

Our cinematic account

We invite you to take a look at our cinematic account of a bike trip. It's nice and with a humoere - we recommend it!

National park walker

Planning a visit to the ESL will certainly be helped by the "Walker", which you can download here. Here you will find many interesting ideas for excursions. The stroller also deals with several other parks in Poland, such as Słowiński PN, Biebrzański PNor Świętokrzyski PN.

The article was created in cooperation with PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna, which supports Wigierski PN. In 2022, the PGE Foundation supported the creation of a permanent exhibition entitled "Geology and landscape of the Wigry National Park" at the Wigry Museum.

WPN on our social media

Check out our WPN Facebook post, which our Fans really liked. If you want more info from us, follow our FB and IG profiles!

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

• Suwałki, distance: 10.9  km
• Gołdap, distance: 56.9  km
• Podlasie, distance: 68.6  km
• National parks in Poland, distance: 70.8  km
• Biebrza National Park, distance: 72  km
• Tykocin Castle, distance: 97.5  km
• Tycocin, distance: 98  km
• Masuria, distance: 99.7  km