The Masurian Landscape Park lies in the southeast of the Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship. Forests, open agricultural land and surface waters shape the area, which extends across three counties and seven municipalities. The interplay of these landscapes makes the park more than a backdrop to individual lakes: different habitats and land uses meet here.

Lakes, forests and protected areas

More than 90 percent of the Masurian Landscape Park overlaps with the “Masurian Lakes” MAB Biosphere Reserve, the only biosphere reserve of its kind in the voivodeship. The park includes 60 lakes, among them Śniardwy, Poland’s largest lake, as well as 11 nature reserves. This is the scale of a single landscape park; across the entire Warmia-Masuria Voivodeship, more than 3,000 lakes and other bodies of water, each covering more than one hectare, are recorded. The Masurian Lake District is also known for its large expanses of water: it includes Śniardwy and Mamry, Poland’s two largest lakes.

Castles and art from different eras

In Olsztyn, the 14th-century castle brings together Gothic architecture and the history of science. Today it houses the Museum of Warmia and Masuria. It features a permanent Copernicus exhibition and an astronomical table that Nicolaus Copernicus made by hand in 1517 to study the equinoxes. The exhibition is permanent, but its specific displays may change. Check the latest information before your visit.

The Bishops’ Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński was built in the second half of the 14th century. It is one of the most significant and best-preserved examples of Gothic representative defensive architecture in Poland. The castle hosts numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering topics from archaeology, historical weapons and Gothic art to crafts, sculpture, and old and modern painting. As exhibitions may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before travelling.

The Święta Lipka pilgrimage sanctuary offers a different architectural accent: this outstanding Baroque religious complex comprises the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a cloister surrounding it with corner chapels, and a single-nave monastery building. Thus, alongside the Gothic castles, religious buildings are also central to the region’s cultural landscape.

History and technology on site

The Grunwald battlefield includes a monument, an amphitheatre and a museum that opened in 1963. At Dni Grunwaldu 2026, the reenactment of the battle for its anniversary was the main event. More than 1,400 knights took part, and more than 100,000 spectators watched. These figures refer to the 2026 event.

The Elbląg Canal also connects history with its present-day tourist role. It has been preserved in its original form and was revitalised in 2015. Visitor services may vary seasonally; check the latest dates before making specific plans.

Activities and getting your bearings

PTTK branches in Warmia and Masuria organise orienteering rallies, hiking and cycling rallies, canoe trips, boat trips, regional excursions, and leisure and sports activities. The range extends from activities on the water to excursions focused on the region. Which options are available for a specific visit depends on the dates concerned.

Regional produce is also part of the area’s character: the Culinary Heritage Network of Warmia-Masuria-Powiśle includes food producers and catering businesses. They offer products and dishes made from natural ingredients according to traditional recipes.

There are more than 40 tourist information centres in the voivodeship. They provide information about local and regional attractions, accommodation, dining, cultural activities, hiking and cycling routes, and events. They also offer city maps, maps of the surrounding area and regional guidebooks in various language versions. Check whether the location you want to visit is currently open before you go.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pisz County, Olsztyn, Kętrzyn County, Nidzica County, Lidzbark County, Ostróda County, Mrągowo County, Giżycko, Olecko County, Bartoszyce, Elbląg, Braniewo, Ełk, Iława County, Szczytno County, Gołdap, Węgorzewo County, Działdowo, Nowe Miasto County, Nowe Miasto Lubawskie, Olsztyn County.

Go to the main travel overview: Poland.