Discover the beauty of Mazury’s camping sites, a perfect getaway for those seeking peace, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. Mazury is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Poland and Europe. With its breathtaking landscapes, countless lakes and rivers, forests, green meadows, and charming towns, it is truly a dream vacation destination!
Advantages of Mazury’s Camping Sites
Mazury attracts 2.5 to 3 million tourists annually, including many international visitors. It is often referred to as the “land of a thousand lakes,” and that’s not an exaggeration – in fact, there are around 2,600 lakes in Mazury. Among them are record-holding wonders such as Śniardwy (the largest lake in Poland), Jeziorak (the longest), and Hańcza (the deepest).
Most camping sites in Mazury are located near lakes and important tourist centers. This offers easy access to fascinating attractions, water sports, and the chance to relax amidst nature’s wonders. Many camping sites offer the perfect combination of proximity to the lake, forest, and wildlife.
Mazury is well-equipped to cater to the needs of campers, trailer enthusiasts, and lovers of cycling, water sports, and hiking. The trails are clearly marked, and the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship has over 40 tourist information points that provide assistance, maps, and all the necessary information.
Award-winning Camping Sites in Mazury
Every year, the Polish Camping and Caravanning Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Tourism’s Department of Tourism and the Polish Tourist Organization, organizes the “Mister Camping” competition. This prestigious competition awards and recognizes the best camping sites based on various factors such as infrastructure, customer service, and guest ratings. The latest winners in Mazury are:
- Cezar on Lake Czos in Mrągowo
- Echo on Lake Niegocin in Rydzewo
- Kama near Lake Tałty, close to Mikołajki
- Pajda Mazur on Lake Szeląg Wielki in Kątno
- Wagabunda 2 on Lake Mikołajki in Mikołajki
According to ASCI ratings (on a scale of 1-10), the top-rated camping sites in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship are:
- Aktywna Agroturystyka in Stare Jabłonki – rating: 8.9
- Kemping Stranda in Giżycko – rating: 8.8
- Kemping Binduga 69 in Jedwabno – rating: 8.8
- Agrotouristik Camping in Kłusy – rating: 8.7
- Elixir Hotelik Caravaning in Giżycko – rating: 8.7
- Camping & Glamping Szelagówka in Sorkwity – rating: 8.6
What to See in Mazury?
Tourists who appreciate the charms of Mazury often visit places like Mikołajki, Giżycko, Mrągowo, Pisz, Szczytno, Ruciane-Nida, Węgorzewo, Olsztyn, Pisz, and Ełk. The most popular lakes in terms of tourism are Śniardwy, Mamry, Niegocin, and Kisajno.
There are so many attractions in Mazury that it’s challenging to choose the most interesting ones. We recommend paying attention to the world-famous phenomena found here. Divers can explore the wreck of the Arabella ship in Lake Mamry, while other tourists can visit the Boyen Fortress in Giżycko – the most important local monument, built in the 19th century between Lake Kisajno and Lake Niegocin. Don’t miss the famous bridges in Stańczyki and Kiepojcie (also known as “Little Stańczyki”) and the rotating bridge in Giżycko. Military enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Wolf’s Lair, the 303 Squadron Museum, and the Military Equipment Museum in Mrągowo. Other popular attractions include the Port of Sztynort, the Mazurian Land Museum in Owczarnia, the Pranie Forestry Lodge, the Ethnographic Park in Węgorzewo, the Camaldolese Monastery in Wigry, the sailing village in Mikołajki, the open-air museum in Olsztynek, the Sztywnica Palace, and the Gothic Teutonic Castle in Kętrzyn. For those who are intrigued by mysteries, a visit to the pyramid in Rapa is a must.
Highlighted family-friendly attractions include:
- Ełcka Kolejka Wąskotorowa
- Koniki Polskie in Popielno
- Indian Museum in Spytkowo
- Mazurolandia Park (home to the popular Miniature Park of Warmia and Mazury’s landmarks)
- Kadzidłowo Wild Animal Park
- Żubry Enclosure in Wolisko (Borecka Forest)
Mazury’s Nature
Camping in Mazury not only allows you to visit interesting sites but also offers a chance to relax in the heart of nature. The Mazurian Lake District is home to 114 nature reserves, over 40,000 hectares of the Mazurian Landscape Park (including Lake Śniardwy, the largest lake in Poland), and over a thousand trees marked as natural monuments.
In the Mazurian Landscape Park, you can visit incredibly picturesque nature reserves such as “Jezioro Łuknajno,” the largest haven for mute swans in Poland, which can be observed from observation towers. The Puszcza Piska Forest is home to three reserves protecting old-growth forests: “Królewska Sosna,” “Zakręt,” and “Strzałowo.” Don’t miss the “Mazurska Ostoja Żółwia Baranowo” reserve, which adjoins the Mazurian Landscape Park. In summary, if you love nature, you’ll feel right at home in Mazury. The Mazurian Lake District covers approximately 54,000 hectares, with lakes occupying 18,000 hectares and forests covering 29,000 hectares.
Nature enthusiasts should not miss Lake Kisajno, famous for its numerous islands (over 30, with a total area of 200 hectares). Some of these islands are nature reserves and habitats for waterfowl, which can be observed and photographed from the water. The northern part of Lake Kisajno is a popular route from Giżycko to Węgorzewo. From Kisajno, you can also reach Niegocin through the Łuczański Canal.
Watersports in Mazury
Mazury is a paradise for sailors, kayakers, and the increasingly popular SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) enthusiasts. Some of the recommended sailing routes include Giżycko-Węgorzewo, Giżycko-Mikołajki-Ruciane Nida, and Mikołajki-Pisz. To extend the routes, artificial canals have been created. Canals such as Brożajcki, Giżycki, Mazurski, Niegociński, and Węgorzewski connect bodies of water and allow for more extended sailing experiences.
One of the most beautiful water routes in this part of Europe is the Krutynia River Kayaking Trail in Mazury. It passes through several lakes, making it a favorite among kayakers. Kayakers also enjoy the Sapina River Trail, which begins on the southern shore of Lake Kruklin.
Diving enthusiasts should not miss Lake Hańcza, the deepest lake in Poland, with a maximum depth of over 108 meters. Additionally, they can explore the aforementioned Arabella shipwreck in Lake Mamry.
The article includes the following images:
- Robert Wegner (Pixabay)
- Camping Map by “Polski Caravaning”
- Camping Echo in Rydzewo (based on “Polski Caravaning” camping database)
- Mazury, Photo by Marek Piwnicki (Unsplash)
- Kayaks, Photo by Franz P. Sauerteig (Pixabay)
