Warmia-Mazury Province is a region where you can find lakes, forests, nature and history. Unique cuisine will surprise you with extraordinary combinations of ingridients and flavors. This is the area where you can experience surprising history, stunning nature and good food.

The Boyen Fortress is a former Prussian fortress named after Prussian Minister of War Hermann von Boyen, was built between 1844 and 1856. There was a workforce of about 3,000 soldiers. During First World War, the fortress supported the German troops. During World War II, the fortress was not involved in military operations. It was a site for a field hospital and headquarters of the German military intelligence service. It was abandoned by Germans without fight in 1944. After the war the Boyen Fortress became administered by the Polish Army. In 1975, it was declared a monument and opened as a tourist attraction with a small museum on its grounds.

The Land of the Great Masurian Lakes is a Mecca for sailors – lakes connected by canals create perfect conditions for swinging on the water and discovering places where unspoiled nature is not only a cliché, and sunrises reflected in the water mirror remain in memory for a long time. The abundance of lakes, natural water canals and rivers create perfect conditions for organising a one day trip or a few days long canoeing trip.

Copernicus Trail leads through unique places. It’s nearly 300 km of exciting journey in the footsteps of great discoveries that have changed the perception of the universe forever. In Warmia, Nicolaus Copernicus spent 40 years of his life as a canon of the Warmian Chapter, and regardless of that he observed the sky and worked on the heliocentric theory.

The Copernicus Trail in Warmia and Masuria leads through the following towns: Elbląg, Tolkmicko, Frombork, Braniewo, Pieniężno, Orneta, Lidzbark Warmiński, Dobre Miasto, Olsztyn, Olsztynek, Lubawa and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie. No matter where you start your journey from, be ready for great discoveries.

The cuisine of Warmia and Masuria combines flavours of old Polish, German and borderland cuisine. It is delicious, natural and simple, yet full of flavour. While travelling in region you should try some of the most unique dishes in region.

Smelt

Smelt is a tiny fish that’s hard to taste elsewhere. Its fishing is only carried out in the winter, when the Masurian lakes are gathering ice. Smelt’s meat has a specific smell, completely different from the typical smell of fish, because it smells of… fresh cucumber. After frying, these fish are mild in taste and their bones are completely soft. This Masurian delicacy can be tasted in the form of a crunchy miller’s smelt floating in sauces or accompanied by salads, cheese toast and mayonnaise sauce.

Dzyndzałki with hreczka and skrzeczki

Where did the name “dzyndzałki” come from? That is, “ears” on the edges of dumplings. Hreczka is buckwheat, and skrzeczki are popular bacon or pork fat greaves. The whole secret of “dzyndzałki” is inside them. The buckwheat groats stuffing is enriched with chopped boiled egg, smoked bacon and onion, and the “skrzeczki” additionally contain garlic and marjoram.

In the Warmia-Mazury Province you will find a lot of castles. Do not forget to visit at least a few of them. You will be amazed. You can explore their history by following the Gothic Castles’ Route.

Nidzica Castle

The largest Teutonic Castle in Masuria. Erected in the 14th century. Surrounded by vast swamps and wet meadows, it served an important defensive function. It also played a role in the great war with the Teutonic Order – both the fortress and the town were taken over by Władysław Jagiełło, on his way to Grunwald. Currently it houses a cultural centre, a museum, a library, a seat of the Knights’ Brotherhood as well as guest rooms and a restaurant. Knightly tournaments are held here both in summer and in winter.

Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński

The castle in Lidzbark Warmiński was built in the 14th century as a new seat of the Warmia bishops. There is much to admire, the castle is considered a historical monument and is undoubtedly one of the most valuable monuments of Gothic architecture in Poland. The castle in Lidzbark is sometimes called “Wawel of the North”. Inside there are preserved undergrounds that once served as warehouses and prison, and you will find priceless paintings. You can learn more about the history in the Museum of Warmia and Masuria, which operates in the castle. You can also stay in the stylish Krasicki Hotel, which operates in the castle’s bailey and spend a truly royal holiday there.

Wolf’s Lair was Adolf Hitler’s first Eastern Front military headquarters in World War II.The complex, which became one of several Führer Headquarters. The top-secret, high-security site was in the Masurian woods. Three security zones surrounded the central complex where the Führer’s bunker was located.  Hitler first arrived at the headquarters on 23 June 1941. In total, he spent more than 800 days there until his final departure on 20 November 1944. On 25 January 1945, the complex was blown up and abandoned 48 hours before the arrival of Soviet forces.

Elbląg Canal is 80.5 km length, which runs southward from Lake Drużno (connected by the river Elbląg to the Vistula Lagoon), to the river Drwęca and lake Jeziorak. It can accommodate small vessels up to 50 tons displacement. The difference in water levels approaches 100 m, and is overcome using locks and a remarkable system of inclined planes between lakes. Today it is used mainly for recreational purposes.

All of those beautiful places you can visit as a one day tour but we recommend you to stay longer and explore more. Region is worth to discover. You can soak the nature and touch the soul of the cities. Contact us and we will prepare an itinerary for you 🙂

In one sentence we can describe the region but it has a way more to offer. Discover with us main attractions of West Pomerania Province!

Szczecin is a capital city of the Province so I would like to show you what you can do in the area around main city. I will describe 10 the best attractions in the region. All of them are doable as one day tour.

Międzyzdroje is a seaside resort on the Island Wolin on the Baltic coast. The town is often referred to as The Pearl of the Baltic. It is situated between wide sandy beaches with high cliffs and the forests of the Woliński National Park. You can even meet żubr (European bison) in the special sanctuary. They live in a large area so they feel at ease.

Wealthy industrialists and business magnates from Szczecin, Berlin, London and other cities of Poland erected their extravagant villas along the Baltic shore from 19th century. They appreciated its baths, health clinics and favourable climat.

A  wooden pier on the Baltic sea was constructed and eventually upgraded in 1906. The pier was 360 metres in length and the coffee-house situated at its very end still operates to this day.

Świnoujście is located on the three Island: Uznam, Karsibór and Wolin. Świnoujście directly borders the German seaside resort of Ahlbeck on Usedom (Uznam), both are freely connected by a street and by 12 km (7 mi) of beach promenade. There is a big port and ferry terminal so you can take cruise to Sweden. In 19th century the city became a health resort after discovering brine and mud sources. Nowadays Świnoujście is one of the most popular spas in Poland.

Between Island Uznam and Wolin there is ferry connection (for pedestrians and cars). It is uniqe in Poland to have a ferry in the city center. You can also take a one day tour to Ahlbeck in Germany by small ship or by bike.

Dishes with lavender, rose, fuchsia and other garden decorations are served along with recipes for these dishes and a large dose of culinary knowledge during the “Culinary Edible Flower Festival”. It is held annually in the Thematic Gardens Hortulus in Dobrzyca. The garden is divided for two parts and it is only a few kilometers from the Baltic Sea. They are connected by a garden passion that has been implemented for 25 years. The first contains as many as 30 different garden concepts such as rock, forest, water, but also Japanese, French and English as well as author’s. The second feature is the hornbeam labyrinth and the tower in the shape of a double DNA helix with a view of the Stone Circle or the Celtic Calendar or the gardens of the seasons.

Kołobrzeg has excellent location at the mouth of the Parsęta River in the vicinity of forests, mud deposits and water that provides shelter to many rare birds and plant species.

It provides a unique combination of a seaside resort, health resort, an old town full of historic monuments and tourist entertainment options. In Kołobrzeg you can find kilometeres of beautiful beaches with white, soft sand and spas where you can improve your health or just relax.

Połczyn-Zdrój is located in the central part of the West Pomeranian Province. The surroundings of Połczyn-Zdrój, due to lakes, beech forests and numerous moraine hills, are called „Połczyn Switzerland”. The city is famous for spas where treatment is carried out. Already in the 17th century sources of mineral water were discovered. Since then Połczyn was visited by more and more patients and the city was gaining popularity. The offer of spa treatment today includes balneotherapy, kinesitherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, thermotherapy, light therapy and climatotherapy.

Crooked Forest is a grove of oddly-shaped pine trees located near the town of Gryfino.

There is no such strange forest all over Poland.This is a unique natural curiosity – „Crooked Forest”. It is a cluster of about 100 deformed pines. They were probably planted in 1934.

It is definitely a good idea for one day trip from Szczecin.

Just above the trunk instead of growing vertically – it turns at an angle of 90 degrees and bends with a wide arch upwards. All trunks are bent northwards. The view these trees is amazing. Around this place are regular pines, so it looks like someone had to contribute to the trees’ sow. Was the pine tree deformation intended? This nature of the curves of common pine trunks is very rare. They clearly show that they were created as a result of the work of human hands.

When you look on the map of the seashore you will notice lakes nearby the coast. If you would like to spend your time in an active way take a bike tour from Mielno to Dąbki ( 30km long). You will have an opportunity to admire stunning views of sea and lake on the same time. The piece of land between them is only a several dozen meters. For sure you will meet birds and other small animals or even Wild animals like boar or deer.

Many attractions are also opreapred for the youngest, including historical stories, rituals and drills.

There is an extraordinary place close to Międzyzdroje (20 km south). It is small town where you can find a Center of Slavs and Vikings. A village with 27 houses, gates and defensive walls. During the tour you will see houses, tools, you can also see how people worked and learn about their professions. Village ost the way of living between 9th and 11th century. Every year in the summer a Festival of Slavs and Vikings is organized. Visitors can participate in oststps. The range of professions is impressive: from stained ost to blacksmithing, or from spinning silk threads from silkworm cocoons to making tar, boat construction, weaving, dyeing, pottery, ancient medicine, singing oststps and much more.

During World War II in Borne Sulinowo Germans started the construction of a large military base and various testing grounds. Most of the local inhabitants were resettled. After the war, the area was taken by the Red Army. The town was erased from all maps. In official documents of the surrounding communes the area was called „forest area” and remained a secret for 50 years. With the change of political system in Poland town became a part of Poland.

Every August you can participate in Interational Gathering of Military Vehicles. The event offers concerts, cavalry show and variety vehicles rides, including tanks!

In Borne Sulinowo you will find a lot of abandoned buildings. So you can explore and feel like in the ghost town 🙂 To make the area more attractive for visitors city government decided to make a trail. It is 13,5 km long and it connects 21 buildings.

Are you ready to visit West Pomerania Province? Contact us and discover Poland’s true flavours!