Introducing Great Masurian Lakes
The Great Masurian Lake district (Kraina Wielkich Jezior Mazurskich), east of Olsztyn, is a verdant land of rolling hills dotted with countless lakes, healthy little farms, scattered tracts of forest and small towns. The district is centred on Lake Śniardwy (114 sq km), Poland’s largest lake, and Lake Mamry and its adjacent waters (an additional 104 sq km). Over 15% of the area is covered by water and another 30% by forest.
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The lakes are well connected by rivers and canals, to form an extensive system of waterways. The whole area has become a prime destination for yachtspeople and canoeists, and is also popular among anglers, hikers, bikers and nature-lovers. Any boating enthusiast worth their (freshwater) salt should make Masuria their first port of call.
The main lakeside centres are Giżycko and Mikołajki, with two minor ones, Węgorzewo and Ruciane-Nida, at the northern and southern ends of the lakeland, respectively. Visitors arrive in great numbers in July and August, though after mid-August the crowds begin to thin out.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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