Giżycko Sights

  1. Boyen Fortress

    Named after the then Prussian minister of war, General Hermann von Boyen, the Boyen Fortress was built between 1844 and 1856 to protect the kingdom's border with Russia. Since the frontier ran north-south along the 90km string of lakes, the stronghold was strategically placed in the middle, on the isthmus near Giżycko.

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  2. Rotary Bridge

    Giżycko's working Rotary Bridge on ul Moniuszki was built in 1889 and is the only one of its kind in the country. Despite weighing more than 100 tonnes, it can be turned by one person, and is opened six times daily to allow boats through, closing to traffic for between 30 minutes and 1¾ hours each time. If you're travelling by car, circumvent the wait and take the long way round via ul Obwodowa.

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  3. Water Tower

    Built in 1900 in neo-Gothic style, Giżycko's seven-storey Water Tower supplied the city with running water until 1997. Today the tall redbrick structure houses a café and an assortment of memorabilia related to the region, but its big attraction is of course the views it provides over the town and surrounding lakes.

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  4. Yacht Charters

    Giżycko has the largest number of yacht-charter agencies in the area, and accordingly offers the widest choice of boats. The town is also a recognised centre for disabled sailors, with regular national regattas, and many companies provide specialist equipment, advice and training.

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