Many may not have heard of the Great Masurian Lakes.  Poland’s Great Masurian Lakes are a huge system of lakes in the north east of Poland.  It consists of 45 lakes, 12 canals and 8 rivers and is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

It is a beautiful landscape of hills and forests with farms and lakes, making up Europe’s largest stretch of water.

If you are looking for an active holiday somewhere different and that will not cost the earth, this area is incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike for sailing, caoeing, biking, hiking and fishing.

The largest lake in the system, indeed in the whole of Poland, is Lake Sniardwy, covering 100 sq km (42 sq miles).  As you can imagine in a system of this size, it is home to a huge range of animals and plants and other wildlife and several nature reserves are established in the region.  One of the reserves is home to the largest breeding ground for mute swans.  You can see bitterns, herons, rare black storks, raptors and kites.

A good place to stay is the nearby town of Augustow as its close to three of the lakes.  All the local towns get very busy in the summer.  If you do not want to sail, you can hire a local pleasure boat to travel the lakes or you can take a trip on the Elblag canal, over 150 years old and a peaceful trip for those who want to enjoy the ambience.