Set Sail on the Trail of the Great Masurian Lakes #genWarmiaMazury!

🕗 4 minutes | August 1, 2025 | Text prepared by the Marshal's Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship

Planning a sailing holiday? Masuria offers not only open space and wind in your sails, but also a connection to history, nature, and true freedom. Below you’ll find two tried-and-tested ideas for multi-day cruises along the Trail of the Great Masurian Lakes. Perfect if you want to feel the wind in your hair, discover ports, nature reserves, and places with soul.

Route: Giżycko — Lake Kisajno — Lake Dargin — Lake Dobskie (Cormorant Island) — Sztynort — Lake Dargin — Lake Kisajno — Giżycko

You’ll start in the heart of Masuria – Giżycko, the largest town on the Trail of the Great Masurian Lakes. Before you cast off, visit the 19th-century Boyen Fortress and walk across the manually operated swing bridge over the Łuczański Canal – a local curiosity worth seeing in action.

Once on the water, head north to Lake Kisajno, where you’ll almost always catch a favorable wind. Important: all islands on Lakes Kisajno and Mamry are protected areas – no mooring or camping is allowed.

Continue to Lake Dargin, then turn towards Lake Dobskie. This is a designated quiet zone – a perfect place to turn off the engine, enjoy the silence, and admire the natural surroundings. On Wysoki Ostrów Island, you’ll find a nesting colony of cormorants and grey herons. It’s a nature reserve – keep a respectful distance.

Your main destination is Sztynort – the largest yacht port in Masuria. Here you’ll find 450 berths, charter options, dining, service facilities, accommodations, and a scenic bridge connecting Lakes Dargin and Kirsajty (part of Lake Mamry). Sztynort in the evening is full of life – concerts, open-air cinema, and late-night conversations. A must-see? The former von Lehndorff family estate – palace, park, and an ancient oak alley will leave a lasting impression.

Still up for adventure? Head toward Mamerki, where you’ll find the best-preserved World War II bunker complex in the region.

Route: Ryn — Lake Rynskie — Lake Talty — Mikolajki — Lake Mikolajskie — Lake Sniardwy (Devil’s Island, Wide Island) — Lake Mikolajskie — Mikołajki — Lake Talty — Lake Rynskie — Ryn

Start in Ryn – a small, atmospheric town featuring a 14th-century Teutonic castle. Today, it houses a hotel, but the rich history is still very much alive. Nearby, there’s a modern, eco-friendly marina.

Sail into Lake Talty – deep, calm, and diverse. Don’t miss the Połwysep Modliszek (Praying Mantis Peninsula), named after the rare praying mantises that live here under strict protection. They’re not dangerous – just fascinating

In Mikolajki, you have two main choices: the Sailor’s Village or the Ekomarina. Both are bustling in the summer. You’ll also find the tall ship “Chopin” here – the largest inland sailing vessel in Poland (over 40 meters long). Don’t miss Freedom Square and the fountain with the legendary King of the Vendace, the mythical guardian of the Masurian lakes.

Next, sail onto Sniardwy – the largest lake in Poland, also known as the Masurian Sea. This body of water is challenging: strong winds, shallow areas, and underwater boulders can surprise even the experienced sailors. Stop at Szeroki Ostrow Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. And in the evening, relax and take in a breathtaking sunset.

The most famous island on Sniardwy is Czarci Ostrow Island (Devil’s Island). According to the legend, the devil tried to drown all the fishermen here, but was defeated by the King of the Vendace.

Masuria means freedom, felt with every wave. Set out on a water trail, sail through nature reserves, visit historic ports, listen to the wind, and discover places the guidebooks don’t mention.

Before departure, check your yacht’s condition – especially the sails, mast, and onboard systems. Sail only during the day. Be careful in ports – practice maneuvers and don't panic.

Remember to keep the waters clean – no littering, no loud noise, and always respect nature. Engines are forbidden in quiet zones. And if you don’t feel confident, sail with an experienced skipper.