The U.S. has Minnesota as the land of lakes, and Poland has the Masurian Lake District. This abundant area west of Russia has over 2,000 lakes situated among rolling hills scattered with small towns, little farms and tracts of forests. It is no wonder that this district made it into the final 14, competing overall against 440 locations, for the New7Wonders of the World.
Although 20,000 square miles in size with lands fertile enough, especially for growing sugar beets, rye, potatoes and wheat, the Masuria district is sparsely populated. Its freshwater salt lakes set against lush forests and meadows draw a large number of tourists annually. Archaeologically, the area was molded by the Pleistocene ice age as is evident by its moraines and hills. The area consists of approximately 30 percent forest terrain and 15 percent water.
Once ruled successively by Teutonic knights, the Duchy of Prussia and eventually the Prussians of the German Empire, Masuria has been part of Poland since 1945. Compared to other regions in Poland, it is one that remains largely wild, and the countryside is still dotted with visual reminders of the past. Castles from the 17th century keep silent watch alongside tree-lined roads with redbrick structures of German influence.
Remotely situated in Poland’s northeastern corner, a lot of this district’s lakes are connected via an extensive river system. Krutynia, Czarna Hancza, Biebrza and Rospuda are some of the major ones. These rivers are popular with the locals and travelers for canoeing, fishing, biking and hiking. Green banks, sandy beds and white water lilies make even visitors fall in love with these natural wonders.
With so many waterfronts available, the district is full of lakeside centers. Besides the main port of Masuria, a popular boating destination for world-traveling tourists, notable ones include the resorts of Mikołajki and Giżycko. Local college student also flock to Masuria, adding to the population during the short summers.
Mikolajki’s promenade is busiest during the height of the tourist season from July until August and returns to its sleepy ambiance by October. Gizycko, the largest sailing center of the region and situated on Lake Niegocin, is even more popular. Its tumultuous history includes destructive invasions by Lithuanians, Swedes, Tatars, Russians, Poles and Germans. Gizycko’s historic fortress that witnessed it all makes it worthwhile braving the tourist crowds. In modern times the town functions as a transportation hub and supply center for water sports centers and lakefront holiday homes.
Smaller lakeside centers include Ruciane-Nida and Wegorzewo. The major urban areas are Olsztyn, Elk and Eblag. Masuria also has many hidden gems that remain mostly untouched by tourism. Travelers who want to see first hand why this area was a finalist should definitely bring their camping gear to explore this unspoiled, rugged natural wonder.
For more information visit: http://world.n7w.com/new7wonders-of-nature-finalists/masurian-lake-district-poland/
