In the not so distant past, it was believed that the weather in this region was not the most suitable for most outdoor pursuits much of the year. However, that has been changing in recent years and the weather now does not constitute the same problem as it used to.
What are your options?
A good place to start is the area south of Elblag where there is a scenic bike route along the slipways of the Elblag Canal. You could begin your day-trip from the railway station in Zielonka Pasłęcka then head for Buczyniec to visit the museum and see how the unique ramps to transport ships over land work and they have been doing just that for 160 years. Later on ride your bike along the Elblag Canal on a comfortable technical road from Buczyniec to the last Slipway at Jelenie offering a view of Elbląg 100 metres below. On the way you can see the river Vistula Delta Żuławy Wiślane (a forestless plain, partly below sea level) , a swing bridge on the Dzierzgonka river , one of three in the region, and the internationally known bird reserve Lake Druzno as well. If you want to learn about some of the rich local history, check out the ’Mennonite Trail’ tourist route when you go from Jezioro onto visit Raczki Elbląskie – the lowest place in Poland which is 1,8 m below sea level. If you are not so tired ,take the longer route to Elbląg and visit Święty Gaj to see the assumed place of the arrival of St. Wojciech (St. Adalbert of Prague), Poland’s patron saint, in 997.
fot. arch. ŻOE
The Green Velo cycle route attracts lots of cyclists and tourists who can admire and learn about the area. History buffs should pop into the uniquely restored Old Town in Elbląg and visit an interesting exhibition in the Museum of Archeology and History in the town. The Green Velo Cycling Trail goes through Elbląg and in places winds along the same route as the Copernicus Trail. It runs through beautiful Kadyny village where you can make a stop for a bird’s eye view from the observation tower, nearby Tolkmicko fishing port also has a museum and a viewing tower worth visiting . Another quaint fishing village on the Vistula Lagoon is Frombork where Nicolaus Copernicus spent a lot of his life. Maybe you will have a chance to attend an organ concert in the cathedral there where one of the oldest and best organ festivals takes place in summer.
fot. M. Achtel
If you have the time, it is worth visiting the Copernicus museum, the Museum of the History of Medicine and admire the panorama of the Vistula Lagoon form the Radziejowski tower in Frombork too. From here you can see Braniewo, a town near the Russian border. If you go from Elblag, you must be prepared for a longer bike ride as passenger trains do not run to Braniewo due to repairs on the railway tracks. You need to remember that the distances are long and you have to rely only on your bike, strength and physical condition.
fot. arch. UMWWM
We recommend cycling along the whole Green Velo cycle route through Lidzbark Warmiński, Bartoszyce, Srokowo, Węgorzewo to reach Stańczyki. Those who reach Lidzbark Warmiński will have an opportunity to see an interesting exhibition in the Warmian Bishops’ castle, relax in the Warmia Thermae spa or take the Warmia Łynostrada that is being linked to Olsztyn.
fot. arch. UMWWM
If you go from Lidzbark Warmiński to Łaniewo, the cycle path runs along an old disused railway leading to Orneta situated only 18 km from Łaniewo (it is worth going there and back). Later on the Warmia Łynostrada leads down public roads but with little traffic and forest roads of good quality. You will have a chance to admire unique landscapes and soak up the peace and quiet. You will have a chance admire a baroque Palace in Smolajny and one kilometre from there is a separate gravel bike route leading to Dobre Miasto. A separate asphalt road will lead you to Swobodna village situated on the charming Lake Limajno. From Swobodna you reach Olsztyn riding along local roads.
Warmia Łynostrada runs close to the Łyna river so you can relax at the places prepared for kayakers in Łaniewo, Dobre Miasto, Kłodka near Cerkiewnik and Brąswałd. You can also take shelter in case of rain or pitch a tent.
It is easy to get around Olsztyn ,the capital city of Varmia and Masuria by bike. There are numerous cycle paths that will take you to the most attractive parts of the city. Łynostrada running throughout the city from north to south connecting Warmia Łynostrada with the City Forest is a novelty.
If you go from Lidzbark Warmiński to Łaniewo, the cycle path runs along an old disused railway route leading to Orneta situated only 18 km from Łaniewo so it worth going there and back. Later on, there are public roads but with little traffic and forest roads of good quality. You will have a chance to admire unique landscapes and soak up the peace and quiet. You will have a chance admire a baroque Palace in Smolajny and one kilometre from there is a separate bike route with little traffic leading to Dobre Miasto. A separate asphalt road will lead you to Swobodna village situated on the charming Lake Limajno. From Swobodna you reach Olsztyn riding along local roads.
Warmia Łynostrada runs close to the Łyna river so you can relax at the places prepared for kayakers in Łaniewo, Dobre Miasto, Kłodka near Cerkiewnik and Brąswałd. You can also take shelter in case of rain or pitch a tent.
It is easy to get around Olsztyn ,the capital city of Warmia and Masuria by bike. There are numerous cycle paths that will take you to the most attractive parts of the city. Łynostrada running throughout the city from north to south connecting Warmia Łynostrada with the City Forest is a novelty.
fot. arch UMWWM
Olsztyn is a city located at the edge of the biggest forest in the region totaling 1170 km2- the Napiwodzko-Ramucka Forest which is well worth visiting. Close to the southern limits of the city, in the area of old Łańsk Imperium (government resort) there are various asphalt roads in pristine Varmian Forests near Lake Jełguń, Lake Ustrych and Lake Łańskie. Those who are more persistent can ride to the source of the Łyna river. They can take the green walking trail (biking also possible) or the red trail ‘Gościniec Niborski’ to ride a bike. The Łyna Sources Reserve is in a steep ravine with the longest Warmian river flowing and cascading from the slopes. Important information is that there are railway stations in Dobrzyń, Bujaki and further in Nidzica where you can get on the train to Olsztyn if you want to.
Thanks to an accessible railway network ,you can plan a bike trip through second the biggest regional forest complex- Piska Forest , 1000 km2. You can start your trip from any railway station on the way from Olsztyn through Ruciane -Nida, Pisz and Ełk using walking trails and\or bike routes. We encourage you to plan your own trips via forest routes. There won’t be any big hills as you go across the Masurian plains so it’s less demanding cycling. The magic of places such as: Spychowo, Krutyń, Pranie and Popielono won’t disappoint you and probably stimulate your imagination .
The quality and quantity of great cycle routes is growing and improving. However, as you go further east there are fewer and fewer cycle paths in the east of the Masurian Lake District. Although, the paths in Węgorzewo and surroundings are interesting. The bike route from Giżycko to Wilkasy is nice but short. A trip around Lake Mamry is worth doing as you may visit the shelters of an old Nazi Headquarters of the Wermacht in Mamerki,a huge uncompleted canal locks in Leśniewo and a partially restored Palace in Sztynort. You will be impressed by the large boating marina in Sztynort and delighted by the view from the lake shore over the straits connecting Lake Kirsajty with Great Mamry Lake.
fot. arch UMWWM
We are glad to see the initiation of the development of the cycling route called the Masurian Route. At least we look forward to a connection from Węgorzewo to Giżycko, Giżycko with Pisz, Ruciane-Nida and Mikołajki. You will be able to go on a 300 km long ride around the Great Masurian Lakes to sample some of the various and numerous attractions of this beautiful region.
fot. M. Klimek
Finally, we will say a few words about the third Masurian forest -Romnicka Forest and its surroundings. We recommend a bike route ‘On the tracks of Romnicki deer’ for lovers of peace and quiet surrounded by fauna and flora Here you see beautiful forests and caesareans stones commemorating hunting trips painted by a Polish painter Julian Fałat who was commissioned to do them for the Court of the German Emperor. You will also see the some of the highest European railway bridges in Stańczyki and then you can top your day off relaxing in Gołdap spa. If that’s not enough, go to Szeskie hills. You can travel on a gravel road from Gołdap to Gołdap hill and then reach the highest located lake, the Lake on Tatar Hill and from there go over Szeska hill and down Cisowy ravine reserve. At this point on the route you can either can return to Gołdap or go on to Ełk or Olecko.
fot. M. Achtel
Warmia and Masuria offers you many opportunities to plan interesting bike trips for different levels of fitness from nice and easy laid back peddling to 100s of kilometer long trails for the more adventurous and prepared.
By Marian Jurak
