Category: Bird watching

Category: Bird watching

Masuria

Welcome to Masuria

Masuria is a region located in north-eastern Poland, known for its stunning lakes, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. This area, which is sometimes referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Poland. Today, the region’s economy relies largely on eco-tourism and agriculture.

Lakes

The region’s lakes are the main attraction for visitors, with over 2,000 of them scattered throughout the area. These lakes are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The largest lake in Masuria is Śniardwy, which covers over 100 square kilometres and is a popular spot for sailing and windsurfing. Other popular lakes include the Mamry, Niegocin, and Tałty.

Masuria

Cultural heritage

Aside from its natural beauty, Masuria is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The region has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the medieval period. Over the years, Masuria has been influenced by a variety of cultures and traditions, including Polish, German, and Lithuanian. This has resulted in a unique blend of customs, music, and cuisine that is unlike anything else in Poland.

Folk art

The Masurian culture is particularly notable for its distinctive folk art, which includes pottery, woodcarving, and weaving. Visitors to the region can explore several museums and galleries that showcase these traditions, such as the Folk Art Museum in Olsztyn and the Museum of Masurian Culture in Olecko. These venues offer visitors a chance to learn about the history of the region and see some of its most beautiful works of art up close.

Krutynia River

One of the most popular attractions in Masuria is the Krutynia River, which is a favourite spot for canoeing and kayaking. This river winds its way through the heart of the region, passing by dense forests, picturesque villages, and breath-taking landscapes. Along the way, visitors can stop to explore historic sites, taste local cuisine, and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Poland’s Lake District

Masuria and the Masurian Lake District are known in Polish as Kraina Tysiąca Jezior and in German as Land der Tausend Seen, meaning “land of a thousand lakes.” These lakes were ground out of the land by glaciers during the Pleistocene ice age, when ice covered northeastern Europe. By 10,000 BC this ice started to melt. Great geological changes took place and even in the last 500 years the maps showing the lagoons and peninsulas on the Baltic Sea have greatly altered in appearance.

As in other parts of northern Poland, such as from Pomerania on the Oder River to the Vistula River, this continuous stretch of lakes is popular among tourists.

Size

The Masurian Lake District extends roughly 290 km (180 mi) eastwards from the lower Vistula River to the Poland-Lithuania border and occupies an area of roughly 52,000 km² (20,000 sq mi).

The lakes are well connected by rivers and canals, to form an extensive system of waterways. The whole area has become a prime destination for yachts people and canoeists, and is also popular among anglers, hikers, cyclists and nature-lovers.

Getting there

The Masurian region can be reached by train, bus, or car from anywhere in Poland or from Lithuania. The nearby international airports are in Warsaw, Gdansk, and Vilnius. The main transport hub in the region is the town of Ełk. There are trains to Masuria from Warsaw, Gdańsk and Vilnius, and buses to there can be found in many Polish cities. A boat service connects some central towns in the region. Biking and boating are popular ways to get around.

Accommodation

Hotels can be found mostly around the Great Masurian Lakes, namely in towns of Giżycko and Mikołajki, as well as in the larger town of Ełk. There are also guesthouses & campsites in villages and countryside areas of Masuria. English is spoken by many educated locals and those who work in tourism professions.

Masuria is famous for its thousands of lakes and nearby forests, offering a wide range of outdoor activities from sailing to kayaking and swimming. The region includes the largest lake in Poland, Śniardwy as well as small lake resort towns of Giżycko, Mikołajki, Ełk, Węgorzewo, Ryn, Pisz, and Iława.

Tourism in Masuria

Giżycko is located on the shore of Lake Niegocin, and has a historical fortress, and passenger boats to the towns of Węgorzewo, Mikołajki and Ruciane-Nida. The historical town of Mikołajki is also a popular tourism centre with a beautiful historic church and bridges. In addition to lakes, the Masurian region also has many rivers good for fishing and forest areas that offer many trails for trekking and biking.

Fauna & Flora

There is also a nice variety of wildlife, edible berries and mushrooms, and large protected areas, including the Masurian Landscape Park that includes 11 nature reserves such as the Łuknajno Lake that is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or the Białowieża Forest with a breeding station for European Bisons.

Climate

Masuria has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. The weather here is cooler than in most parts of Poland, and the area also has some snow during the winter. The Masurian lakes are usually frozen from December to the end of April. Springtime can be wet, while summers are generally drier.

The Lakes

With almost ten thousand closed bodies of water covering more than 1 hectare (2.47 acres) each, Poland has one of the highest number of lakes in the world. In Europe, only Finland has a greater density of lakes. The largest lakes, covering more than 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi), are Lake Śniardwy and Lake Mamry in Masuria, and Lake Łebsko and Lake Drawsko in Pomerania.

In addition to the lake districts in the north (in Masuria, Pomerania, Kashubia, Lubuskie, and Greater Poland), there is also a large number of mountain lakes in the Tatras, of which the Morskie Oko is the largest in area. The lake with the greatest depth, of more than 100 metres (328 ft)—is Lake Hańcza in the Wigry Lake District, east of Masuria in Podlaskie Voivodeship.

In conclusion, Masuria is a region that is rich in natural beauty, culture, and history. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, folk art, or unique traditions, you will find plenty to see and do here. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Masuria is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Poland.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 

Bieszczady Mountains

The Wild East

Nestled in the south-eastern corner of Poland, the Bieszczady Mountains are a true hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With stunning landscapes, rugged terrain, and a rich cultural heritage, the Bieszczady Mountains offer an unforgettable experience for those who are willing to explore its rugged beauty.

The Bieszczady Mountains are part of the Carpathian mountain range, which stretches from the Czech Republic to Romania. It’s an area of great natural beauty, with its picturesque hills and valleys, and the sheer size of the mountains makes them an impressive sight. The area is dominated by dense forests, glistening lakes, and breath-taking views, providing visitors with a sense of peace and tranquillity that’s hard to find in today’s busy world.

Bieszczady Mountains

Flora & fauna

The Bieszczady Mountains are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forests are home to a range of animals, including deer, wild boar, and wolves, and visitors may catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures if they’re lucky. Bird watchers will also be delighted, as the area is home to over 250 species of birds, including the rare and beautiful golden eagle.

Hiking

One of the best ways to experience the Bieszczady Mountains is to take a hike along one of the many trails that crisscross the region. These trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging and are suitable for hikers of all abilities. The most popular trail is the Bieszczady Loop, which takes hikers through the heart of the mountains and provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Rich cultural heritage

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area. Visitors can take a relaxing boat ride on the Solina Lake or explore the region’s many charming villages and towns, such as Ustrzyki Dolne and Lesko. The region is also known for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can learn more about the area’s history and traditions by visiting local museums and cultural centres.

Chatka

One of the most unique experiences in the Bieszczady Mountains is the chance to stay in a traditional mountain hut, known as a “chatka.” These huts are located deep in the forest and offer visitors a chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature. The huts are basic but cosy, with no electricity or running water, and are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The highest peak of Bieszczady is Mt. Pikuy (1405 m) in Ukraine. The highest peak of the Polish part is Tarnica (1346 m).

A popular tourist attraction in the area is the Church of the Visitation in Lesko, the oldest Roman Catholic church in Bieszczady, founded by count Piotr Kmita in 1539.

History

This area was mentioned for the first time in 981, when Volodymyr the Great of Kievan Rus took the area over on the way into Poland. In 1018 it returned to Poland, 1031 back to Rus, in 1340 Casimir III of Poland recovered it.

Bieszczady was one of the strategically important Carpathian mountains bitterly contested in battles on the Eastern Front of World War I during the winter of 1914/1915.

In 1991, the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve was created that encapsulates a large part of the area and continues into Slovakia and Ukraine. It comprises the Bieszczady National Park (Poland), Poloniny National Park (Slovakia) + Uzhansky National Nature Park (Ukraine). Animals living in this reserve are, amongst others, black storks, brown bears, wolves and bison.

Why go to the Bieszczady Mountains?

The Bieszczady Mountains are pleasantly devoid of the trappings of mass tourism and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the, ‘Wild East’ without venturing into Ukraine or the Soviet Union.

The scenery in the region is wild and rugged and includes flora such as the Dacian Violet, Carpathian Beech and the Hungarian Violet, all species which cannot be seen further West. The wildlife in the area include bears, lynx, beavers, wolves, European bison and red mountain deer.

The area is a bird-watchers paradise and here you will find 9 species of Woodpecker (inc. Syrian, White-backed and Three-toed), Black Stork, Ural and Pygmy Owls, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatcher and both Lesser spotted and Golden Eagles.

How to get there

Sanok, known as the “Gateway to the Bieszczady”, is the most important town in the region. There are bus links with the majority of the cities in the south and east of Poland, including Krakow, Katowice, Warsaw, Gliwice, Przemysl, Krosno and Mielec.

From Sanok, one can easily visit the smaller towns of either Ustrzyki Gorne or Ustrzyki Dolne – both forming popular jumping-off points for trips into the mountains. The Bieszczady is surrounded by two major road systems, known as Mala and Duza Petla Bieszczadzka. The former runs from Ustrzyki to Lesko, the latter passes the Solinski Reservoir from the south and heads to Lesko.

Together they form the main transport artery for Bieszczady, with regular bus services connecting all the communities of the region. The region’s railway junction in Zagorz lies 6 km from the central Sanok. You can get to Zagorze via Sanok by fast train from Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz or Gliwice.

In conclusion, the Bieszczady Mountains offer a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone looking to explore the beauty of nature and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this region. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and array of outdoor activities, the Bieszczady Mountains are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Poland.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 

Bird watching in Poland

Birding in Poland

Poland is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers with its diverse landscape, varying habitats and a wide range of bird species. From vast wetlands to dense forests, Poland is home to many resident and migratory birds. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to go bird watching in Poland and the types of birds you can expect to see.

Biebrza Marshes

The Biebrza Marshes in north-eastern Poland are one of the largest wetland areas in Europe and home to a variety of bird species. This area is known for its vast reed beds and sedge meadows, which provide the perfect habitat for birds like the Great Snipe, Common Crane, Eurasian Curlew, and Aquatic Warbler. The marshes are also home to a large population of raptors, including White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, and Marsh Harrier.

Bird watching Poland

Bieszczady Mountains

The Bieszczady Mountains in south-eastern Poland are a great place for bird watching, especially during the spring and autumn migration periods. The area is home to a wide range of bird species, including the Black Stork, Golden Eagle, Tengmalm’s Owl, and Three-toed Woodpecker. The mountain forests are also home to the Ural Owl and Hazel Grouse.

Kampinos National Park

Kampinos National Park is located just outside of Warsaw and offers bird watchers the opportunity to see a variety of woodland species. The park is home to a large population of woodpeckers, including the Black Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The park is also home to the Collared Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, and Eurasian Jay.

Wigry National Park

Wigry National Park is located in north-eastern Poland and is home to a wide range of bird species. The park’s lakes and wetlands provide habitat for birds like the Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, and Red-necked Grebe. The park is also home to a large population of the White-tailed Eagle and Black Tern.

Bialowieza Forest

Bialowieza Forest, located in north-eastern Poland, is home to the largest population of European Bison in the world and is also a great place for bird watching. The forest is home to the Three-toed Woodpecker, Pygmy Owl, and Black Grouse. The forest also provides a habitat for rare bird species such as the Hazel Grouse and the Spotted Eagle.

Hel Peninsula

Hel Peninsula, located on the Baltic Sea, is a great place to see waterbirds and migratory species. The peninsula is home to a variety of waterbirds, including the Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, and Red-breasted Merganser. During the migration period, the peninsula is also a great place to see shorebirds, including the Ruff and Red Knot.

Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers can also find plenty to see in this stunning mountain range. Visitors can spot birds like the wallcreeper, rock bunting, and the golden eagle.

Slowinski National Park

Located in northern Poland, Slowinski National Park is a unique coastal area that features both sand dunes and marshes. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including the white-winged tern, red-breasted flycatcher, and the long-eared owl.

Birds to See in Poland

White-tailed Eagle – The white-tailed eagle is Poland’s largest bird of prey and is a common sight in wetland areas, including the Biebrza Marshes and Slowinski National Park.

European Bee-eater – The European bee-eater is a colorful bird that can be found in open grasslands and farmlands. Visitors to Kampinos National Park and the Bieszczady Mountains may spot this bird during the summer months.

Black Stork – The black stork is a rare bird that can be found in the Biebrza Marshes and other wetland areas in Poland. This bird is known for its distinctive red bill and legs.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl – The Eurasian pygmy owl is a small owl that can be found in forested areas throughout Poland. Visitors to the Biebrza Marshes and Kampinos National Park may spot this elusive bird.

Corncrake – The corncrake is a secretive bird that can be found in meadows and fields across Poland. The best time to spot this bird is during the breeding season, from late April to early August.

In conclusion, Poland is a great destination for bird watching with a wide variety of habitats and bird species. Whether you are interested in wetland species or woodland birds, Poland has something for everyone. With so many great places to go bird watching, there is no better time to start planning your trip to Poland!

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.