Travel

Full-time dev, part-time debugger of my own bad decisions. Still lovely, allegedly!

Masuria in Poland is not just about lakes and yachts. So what else is there to see?

 1. Wolf’s Lair
 2. Boyen Fortress
 3. Wildlife Park in Kadzidłowo
 4. Basilica in Święta Lipka
 5. Castle in Reszel
 6. Palace in Sztynort

More in the comments.👇

1. Wolf’s Lair

The complex covered an area of approximately 250 hectares and included around 80 reinforced concrete bunkers.
The largest bunkers had walls up to 6 meters thick and ceilings up to 8 meters thick.

It served as the main headquarters of Hitler and the High Command of the German Armed Forces during the years 1941–1944.

On July 20, 1944, an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Hitler was carried out here by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg. As a result, Hitler was only slightly injured.
Today, visitors can see the ruins of bunkers, shelters, and administrative buildings.

2. Boyen Fortress

Boyen Fortress is a well preserved 19th-century defensive complex located in Giżycko.
It was built between 1844 and 1856 by order of Prussian King Frederick William IV. It is named after General Hermann von Boyen, one of the initiators of its construction.

The fortress has the shape of an irregular six pointed star and consists of six bastions.
Within the fortress grounds are numerous buildings including barracks, warehouses, granaries, gunpowder laboratories, workshops, and more.

During World War I, it played a significant role in defense against Russian forces, and during World War II it housed the German intelligence headquarters.

3. Wildlife Park in Kadzidłowo

As an interesting change from bricks, walls, ruins, and other historical landmarks, one can visit the Wildlife Park in Kadzidłowo.

Spread over a fairly large area, the park is home to many animals such as deer, wolves, lynxes, and birds of prey.
Tours are conducted in small groups with a guide.

Many of the animals are tame and can be observed up close — some can even be fed.

4. Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Święta Lipka

This basilica is one of the most important and best known Marian shrines in Poland, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Baroque” or the “Czestochowa of the North.”

The interior is stunning with its rich Baroque decoration: frescoes, sculptures, paintings, goldsmith and blacksmith artistry.

The basilica is famous for its unique Baroque pipe organ with moving figurines, built in 1721.
When the organ is played during concerts or liturgical services, numerous figurines of angels, saints, and other characters move, creating a remarkable spectacle combining music and motion.