The Great Masurian Lakes in Poland
North-east
Poland's Great Masurian lakes are the most extensive system of lakes in
the country. The region is a beautiful landscape of hills, forests, farms
and lakes, many of which are connected by a network of canals and rivers.
Altogether there are 45 lakes, 12 canals and eight rivers, making up the
most extensive stretch of water in Europe, and the area is extremely
popular for sailing and canoeing as well as hiking, mountain biking and
fishing
Lake Sniardwy
is the largest lake in the country, covering 110 sq km (42 sq miles). The
whole area is home to an extraordinary range of plants and animals and
includes several nature reserves, including Lake Luknajo Reserve, the
largest Central European breeding ground for mute swans. There are
fabulous water birds to be seen - bitterns, herons and rare black storks,
as well as raptors such as eagles and kites.
The Augustow
Forest is one of the most extensive in Poland and is mainly covered in
ancient pines and spruces. It is home to many birds and mammals including
European bison, elk, wild boar, wolves and beavers. The town of Augustow
makes a good base for summer visitors as it is very close to three of the
lakes. There are various other towns dotted around the region, all of
which become busy during the summer.
If you are not
a sailor, it is easy to travel the lakes in comfort on a pleasure boat
from any of the lake ports, or take a trip on the Elblag Canal. This was
built some 150 years ago and is still much admired for its
hydraulic-powered rail lifts that allow heavy vessels to be transported
overland between separate waterways.
