Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The Masurian Lakes in northeastern Poland are a vast lake landscape with boating, resorts, marinas and canals connecting the lakes. We travelled here by motorhome, using Mikołajki as a base. From there we set off on a long boat trip through the lake system to Giżycko – a perfect introduction to one of Poland’s most popular summer holiday destinations.
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Masurian Lakes – a large lake landscape in northeastern Poland
Masuria is known for its many lakes and waterways. The area is home to thousands of larger and smaller lakes, many of which are connected by natural straits and man-made canals. This makes the region particularly popular for sailing, motorboating, kayaking and various types of passenger boats.
The part that is usually called Great Masurian Lake District is the center of much of the boating scene. Here are the resort towns of Mikołajki and Giżycko, and during the summer the harbors are filled with both private boats and excursion ships.
Mikołajki – resort on the Masurian Lakes
Mikołajki is one of the most famous resorts in Masuria, located in the middle of the lake system. Much here revolves around the water: marina, boat trips, sailing, restaurants and walks along the quays.
The town is small enough to explore on foot, but lively in the summer, with plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as various opportunities to rent a boat or join organized tours.
Camping Wagabunda in Mikołajki
During our visit we stayed at Camping Wagabunda, which still exists and is located in a quiet part of Mikołajki, close to both the lake and the city center. The campsite has places for motorhomes, caravans and tents, as well as cottages, and describes the service buildings as modern. It is a few minutes' walk to the swimming area and pier and about ten minutes to the center of Mikołajki.
When we stayed here, we especially appreciated the convenient location – we could leave the camper and walk into town and the harbor.
Take a boat trip from Mikołajki
Getting out on the water is almost a must if you want to understand the Masurian Lakes. From Mikołajki, various boat trips go through the lake system, and we chose a longer trip to Giżycko.
The boat moved at a leisurely pace across open lakes and through narrower channels. On some stretches it became clear how well-connected the area is – large lakes turn into narrow passages and then the next body of water opens up.
It was a full-day excursion and a very good way to experience the landscape without having to drive a boat yourself.
One of the first things that happened after departure was that the staff went around offering little nibbles – even though it was only half past ten in the morning. A bit unexpected from a Swedish perspective, but definitely a detail we remember from the trip!
Through canals and over open lakes
The beauty of the trip was the variety. Sometimes we glided through narrow canals where oncoming boats had to share space, and sometimes large expanses of water opened up in front of us.
Along the way we passed marinas, sailboats, holiday homes and lots of pleasure boats. This is truly an area where life in the summer revolves around the water.
Visit Gizycko
Giżycko is another of the major resorts in Masuria and is often called one of the sailing capitals of the region. The city is located between several large lakes and has a strategic location in the middle of waterways.
During our boat trip we made a stop in Giżycko. We had time to walk along the water for a while and sit down at a restaurant before it was time to travel back to Mikołajki.
More things to do at the Masurian Lakes
If you want to stay longer, there is much more than just passenger boats. You can sail, rent a motorboat or kayak, cycle, swim and take excursions between small towns and natural environments.
The area is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a holiday that combines boating and swimming with restaurants and small towns. Mikołajki and Giżycko are two natural bases, but there are many smaller towns around the lakes.
Video from the Masurian Lakes
Peter has put together a film from our boat trip between Mikołajki and Giżycko. Here you can follow along through the canals and out over the open lakes.
More to see and do in Polem
There is of course much more to see and experience around lovely Poland, starting from the Masurian Lakes. Below you will find a report with tips and inspiration.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Masurian Lakes
Where are the Masurian Lakes located?
The Masurian Lakes are located in northeastern Poland, in the Masuria region. The area lies east of Gdańsk and north of Warsaw, and covers a large part of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.
What are the Masurian Lakes famous for?
The area is primarily known for its many lakes, canals and extensive boating. Sailing, motorboating, kayaking and swimming are popular during the summer.
Is Mikolajki worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you want to experience the Masurian Lakes. Mikołajki is a lively resort with a port, restaurants and many opportunities to go out on the lakes.
Is it possible to take boat trips from Mikołajki?
Yes. From Mikołajki there are various tours on the lakes and through the canals. The range and timetables vary depending on the season, so check the current departures on site or before your trip.
Is it possible to travel between Mikołajki and Giżycko by boat?
There are longer trips and lines between the resorts in the lake system, but the arrangements and timetables can change between seasons. We did a trip ourselves from Mikołajki to Giżycko and back.
Can you camp at the Masurian Lakes?
Yes, there are many campsites and holiday resorts around the lakes. We stayed at Camping Wagabunda in Mikołajki, which is still in operation in 2026 and has both campsites and cottages.
When is the best time to visit the Masurian Lakes?
Summer is best for those who want to sail, swim and experience holiday life in the resorts around the lakes. Early summer and early autumn can be quieter alternatives if you mainly want to enjoy nature and boating without the most intense high season.
How many days do you need in Masuria?
A couple of days are enough for Mikołajki and a boat trip, but if you want to discover several lakes and resorts, you can easily stay a week or longer.
You might also like:
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A motorhome holiday in Poland - golf, cities and history
Things to do in Poland - 30 sights and experiences
Malmö-Świnoujście with Finnlines – our experiences with the ferry
The Valley of Palaces and Gardens at Jelenia Góra in Poland
English (UK) 
Svenska
Lennart says:
Great pictures!
10 July 2017 - 7:15
Henny says:
You can really "sniff out" gems. We passed the area when travelling by camper van around the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea but had no idea about those lakes. It's great to know more thanks to you. Just waiting for the next gem.
10 July 2017 - 7:35
Helena says:
Haha, don't know if we can promise to find pearls 😉 But these lakes are very nice! Motorhome around the Bay of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea sounds like an interesting route!
10 July 2017 - 13:11
Kenneth Risberg says:
Really exotic with a boat trip in the canals and being offered nubs, will probably be a turn at some point.
10 July 2017 - 7:45
Helena says:
The nubs in particular felt very un-Swedish in that context.
10 July 2017 - 13:12
Steve says:
Thank you for that trip with all the great pictures and film.
As so often when travelling with you, I also learned a lot of new things. I had never heard of the Masurian Lakes before.
10 July 2017 - 8:17
Helena says:
Those lakes don't seem very well known in Sweden, but the Poles seem to love holidaying there. And there were also plenty of Germans and some other foreign tourists.
10 July 2017 - 13:14
Ama de casa says:
No, I had no idea that those lakes exist. On the other hand, the whole of Poland is like a white spot on the map for me. But it really looks super nice! One day we really have to check out both the Czech Republic and Poland. But not today 🙂
Keep up the good work!
10 July 2017 - 9:57
Helena says:
Czech Republic and Poland are great destinations 🙂 Have fun!
10 July 2017 - 13:15
Ditte says:
What a nice place you found and the combination of lakes and boats is liked and if there are also beautiful surroundings, like where you are, it is even better.
I am not well versed in Poland, but there are many "diamonds" to experience and see.
Nice pictures and film from a nice area.
10 July 2017 - 10:54
Helena says:
Poland is a big country and there is a lot to see! We like water, so sea and lakes are often favourites! 🙂
10 July 2017 - 13:24
Ruth i Virginia says:
This whole trip in Poland has been an experience.
Rarely, if ever, do you read about that country in the travel supplements of
the newspapers here; nor in any of the thousands of travel magazines
which publishes every month. As I wrote, I had no idea
of Poland. The last post was, for me, probably the best. Didn't think you
could outdo yourselves, but you did.
The header today is fantastic.
10 July 2017 - 14:30
Helena says:
It may be true that there is not much written about Poland in the travel magazines. Maybe a little more in Sweden than in the US, but still not very much. And if it is written, it is often the same places it is about ... Fun if we could highlight some new! We think Poland is a very nice country to travel in and have had many great experiences here!
11 July 2017 - 7:25
Netti Starby says:
What a wonderful boat trip and so many exciting things to discover! 😀 Hugs
10 July 2017 - 14:49
Helena says:
It's always a bit exciting when travelling in areas that you haven't read much about, then it feels a bit adventurous 😉.
11 July 2017 - 7:26
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Another such area with canals. We found a similar one in France.
10 July 2017 - 15:54
Helena says:
Yes, I can imagine that! We've seen some canals in France and also read about boat trips on canals there.
11 July 2017 - 7:28
Lena & Jan says:
Interesting area in Poland, seems to keep up with the rest of the EU in terms of the price of a campsite 😉 We had no idea about the lakes, were there mosquitoes in that area?
10 July 2017 - 16:41
Helena says:
We think it is cheap to camp in Poland. Prices are often around 170 SEK per night including electricity and many times free WiFi is included in it. We did not notice any mosquitoes.
11 July 2017 - 7:29
Matts Torebring says:
I know I would love it there. Poland is much more amazing than the beaches along the Baltic Sea. Is our car too big to get around? It's only nine metres. Enjoy!
10 July 2017 - 19:18
Helena says:
Your motorhome is definitely not too big for travelling in Poland. The streets are not as narrow as in Italy and there are big buses everywhere. Occasional campsites can be crowded, but for the most part there are no problems at the campsites. However, if you're driving a car over 3.5 tonnes, you have to get a box that you put on the windscreen and pay per mile. It's called something like "toll". I'll write a post about travelling with a motorhome in Poland when we get home and I'll check this out properly. Another thing is that there are some roads that are bad. New roads are super nice and modern, but sometimes you end up on some old crappy and repaired road, where you can't drive so fast 😉.
11 July 2017 - 7:35
Matts Torebring says:
Thank you, thank you, thank you, it was good to know about the weight. I had certainly not thought about that before, I would think. Then I look forward to new facts posts. Thank you & Bock in advance!
11 July 2017 - 18:35
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Most of Poland has been a big white spot for me, have spent a few days in Poznan, that's all. Now it feels more and more like it is something we want to change as soon as possible!
Thanks for another great post!
10 July 2017 - 20:10
Helena says:
Great if we could inspire to Poland! We think that this country has a lot to offer 🙂.
11 July 2017 - 7:36
BP says:
Blogglandia is amazing! Had never heard of the Masurian lakes until now. Oh soooooooo cosy (apart from the weather then). The drone picture at the top is an absolute highlight and really shows how nice it is there.
Then I started drooling of course - I haven't eaten the Zurek soup for a long time. It is sooooo good!!!!
The campsite also seems great (and cheap). And it has a website in English - just one of those things. You're not necessarily spoilt with that in Poland.
Poland is at least as nice as the countries on the Mediterranean, I think, often even more beautiful - if it wasn't for the weather then....
10 July 2017 - 21:17
Helena says:
These lakes are not well known in Sweden, which is funny considering how beautiful they are! The campsites are generally reasonably priced and are often around 170 SEK/day including electricity. If there is WiFi (often but not always), it seems to be almost always included in the price, which is nice. It is also true that there are not always websites in English, but on larger and more modern campsites it is not entirely uncommon.
11 July 2017 - 7:40