The Land of Great Masurian Lakes belongs to one of the most charming places in Poland and Europe. This unique network of lakes and canals is a mekka for water sports lovers whose hordes visit the land every year, indulging in their passion and the great atmosphere of the region. Due to the creation of canals it was possible to lengthen the sailing routes (their total length at present is about 200 km). The longest canal in the Land of Great Masurian Lakes is the Jegliński Canal, which links the lake Seksty and the lake Roś. It has opened a water passage to Pisz and further, along the Pisa river and the Narew river to the Vistula river. The building works on the 5-km long canal were completed in1849. Several years ago the water route from Warsaw to Masury used to be bustling with travellers. At present the canal is abandoned, as sailors reach their favourite Masurian destinations by car.
Intriguing and mysterious islands
The island Upałty, the biggest of the islands on the lake Mamry, belonged to the family of counts Lehdnorffs, the owners of Sztynort. What has remained from the times of its previous glory is an old (over 200-year-old) park with magnificent oaks, beeches, maples and poplars. Until 1939 there was a forester’s lodge and an inn, extremely popular with tourists, on the island. At present tourists are attracted to Upałty by ruins of its old buildings, German bunkers and field fortifications from the WW II.
The island Gilma on the lake Dobskie is a mysterious island, shrouded in the charm of a sacred grove. It was here that the last leader of the tribe of the Galinds defended his stronghold against Teutonic Knights. After his defeat Teutonic Knights erected a small defensive castle on the island. Apart from the castle ruins, tourists will find here remains of the 13th century Prussian stronghold and old stone steps leading to a mysterious structure of unknown origin and purpose. The wild history of the island gave rise to many legends. Allegedly, a special place of mysterious power is located on the island Gilma. In addition, the island is a part of a nature reserve and the surrounding lake is encompassed by a silence zone.
The Cormorant Island on the lake Dobskie, also referred to as Wysoki Ostrów, has an area of 2 ha and is covered by a deciduoud forest. The island is a favourite breeding place of cormorants and grey herons, which build their nests on high linden trees and elms. What comes as a great surprise is a perfect co-existence and co-operation of cormorants and herons on the island. The island is a nature reserve and it is not accessible to tourists. It can be admired from a yacht or a sightseeing ship.
Masuria Navigation Giżycko, tel./fax + 48 87 428 25 78, www.zeglugamazurska.com.pl
You must see in the vicinity
An inanimate nature reserve “Głazowisko” in Fuledzki Róg. There are about 6000 boulders overgrown with unique flora species in the 40-ha area of the reserve.
The island Czarci Ostrów on the lake Śniardwy is a small island overgrown with pine trees which attracts tourists with the remains of the Fort Ełk, erected between 1784 – 1786. In old times the island was a place of pagan worship. The lake Śniardwy, the biggest one in Poland, is often referred to as “The Masurian Sea”, as it is full of shallows and underwater stones, and famous for rapid unpredictable winds which cause high waves. In the past fishermen working on the lake were convinced that difficult conditions prevailing on the lake were a result of evil forces, and that the island itself was a residence of the devil who had hidden a great treasure here.
You must see
The lake Łuknajno, the realm of the mute swan. In the summer and the autumn about 2,000 mute swans can be admired here from the nearby viewing towers. The island houses the biggest European colony of swans and has been listed as a biosphere reserve.
The Mysterious Island on the lake Dgał Wielki is actually an artificial structure, created by people about 2,500 years ago, i.e. in the early Iron Age. It has been confirmed in the course of careful underwater research that the island was made of wooden logs on which the Iron Age people built a settlement. The settlement burnt down due to a thunderbolt strike and the ashes were then overgrown with vegetation. At present the island appears to be a natural formation. Only after a careful look at its edges submerged in the water do we start to have doubts about its natural origin. The lake Dgał Wielki is situated near the village of Pieczarki, the commune of Pozezdrze.
Snorkelling attractions
The number and variety of lakes, as well as the abundance of their flora and fauna make Masuria a perfect place for snorkelling lovers.
The Arabella shipwreck is the greatest snorkelling attraction in the lake Mamry Północne. Initially, it was a tugboat. On completion of its service, however, it was transformed into a sailing yacht, before it was finally sunk. It now lies at the depth of 33 m, where coldness and darkness make it look extremely sinister. Snorkelling for beginners on the lake Przystań. At the depth of several metres an underwater steeplechase track has been established by the Masurian Snorkelling Centre in Giżycko, whose summer seat is located by the lake, near the village of Przystań. Snorkelling under ice is a source of unforgettable impressions, but definitely only for advanced water sports lovers. In winter water is unusually clear and visibility reaches 10-12 m.
Useful information
The Masurian Snorkelling Centre in Giżycko, tel. + 48 602 30 09 63 www.mcn.mazury.info.pl
The lake Wuksniki is 68 m deep, unusually clean and of good visibility. Snorkelling lovers frequently choose this place for breaking their depth records. The lake is popular with water sports fans, although it is isolated from main roads and villages; there is also no tourist base in the vicinity.
Tourist information in Morąg, tel. + 48 89 757 38 26 , www.lot.mazury.pl
You must see:
the manor house Bieniasze with a park from the 18th century, at present transformed into a hotel.
The lake Narie is one of the cleanest lakes in the region. The whole lake is encompassed by a silence zone. The lake depths hide numerous gullies, the deepest one reaching 44 m. The lake is popular with snorkels all year long, especially in sunny weather, when water visibility reaches 5 m.
Useful information
Snorkelling Centre Vertigo Diving in Warsaw, www.vertigodiving.com.pl , www.narie.pl
Tourist information in Morąg, tel. +48 89 757 38 26 www.lot.mazury.pl
You must see:
Morąg: the Palace of the Dohns family, at present turned into a museum, a Gothic parish church from the 14th century, a town hall form the 17th century.
The lake Świętajno is located between the towns Nidzica and Szczytno; it is one of the most popular snorkelling sites in Masuria. What makes it so special for snorkelling lovers is its unusual cleanness and water visibility reaching 5-6 m. The lake is relatively shallow and the sun rays reach the bottom. These are perfect conditions for underwater vegetation which forms lovely, colourful, waving meadows full of fish and crayfish.
Useful information
Tourist information in Szczytno, tel./fax +48 89 624 97 14, www.turystyka.szczytno.pl
Rich eco-tourism offer in the vicinity
You must see
Szczytno – ruins of defensive walls of the local Teutonic castle, a Baroque Evangelical church from the 15th century.
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