Olsztyński: Pilgrimage Sites, Routes and Nature

Routes of varying lengths and layouts

The hiking trail Do źródeł Łyny is 49.9 km long. It runs from Olsztyn, or the Wysoka Brama, via Obrońców Tobruku, Jaroty, Bartążek and Kielary to the Łyna, then continues via Ruś, the Lalka peninsula, Kurki PKS, Brzeźno Łyńskie and Łyna to Dobrzyń. The listed stops give an idea of its route; for your own planning, the total distance and the sequence of places are particularly relevant.

At 130 km, the Olsztyn–Lipowiec section of the Way of St James is a considerably longer route. From Olsztyn, it runs via Łupstych, Gietrzwałd, Parwółki, Stare Jabłonki, Ostróda, Frednowy, Tynwałd, Szałkowo, Iława, Radomno and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie to Lipowiec, and then continues to Toruń. The 40.8 km Napoleonic Route connects Barkweda and Konradowo via Gutkowo, Mątki, Jonkowo, Łomy, Pupki, Gołogóra, Skolity and Dąbrówka. The length and endpoints help distinguish these routes from shorter or differently focused activities.

The 21.9 km educational nature trail through the forest, Jezioro Kośno, starts at the bridge over the Kośna on the eastern shore of Lake Kośno. It runs via Łajsy and the lake’s western shore before returning to the bridge. For cycling, the 40.7 km Gościniec Niborski is described: from Olsztyn (Stary Dwór) via Bartąg, Lake Łańskie and Kurki to Napiwoda. If you are looking for a route on the water, there is a 14 km canoe trail from Słupy via Lake Wadąg and the Wadąg River to the Łyna power station. The Bałdy horse-riding trail runs 9.7 km from Bałdy to Lake Gim and back. The different modes of transport and distances provide concrete points of reference for tailoring your trip to your own activities.

Gietrzwałd: Pilgrimage history and religious sites

Gietrzwałd is the only place in Poland where the Catholic Church has officially recognised Marian apparitions. The Kapliczka Objawień marks the site of the apparitions, which took place from 27 June to 16 September 1877. This makes it possible to focus a stay in Gietrzwałd specifically on the history of this religious site. The Cudowne Źródełko is supplied with water through a stone well surround featuring marble reliefs.

The main indulgence celebration on 8 September includes a procession with the miraculous image and a mass on the Gietrzwałd Błonia. These specific elements give the occasion particular religious significance.

Forest and cultural landscapes

The Las Warmiński nature reserve lies in the municipalities of Purda and Stawiguda. Established in 1982, it covers 1,798.2 ha. It protects forest and aquatic communities characteristic of Warmia, with a diverse range of plant, animal and bird life. This gives the area a clear focus on nature and landscape. In the municipality of Olsztynek, the areas “Rzeka Drwęca” and “Ostoja bobrów na rzece Pasłęce” are also mentioned in connection with nature reserves and natural monuments.

Olsztynek also offers points of interest in cultural history. Its open-air museum was moved there from Królewiec in 1940 and is one of the oldest museums in Poland. The Multimedialne Muzeum Obozu Jenieckiego Stalag IB i Historii Olsztynka presents the history of Olsztynek as well as that of the First and Second World Wars, with a particular focus on Stalag IB Hohenstein. In Barczewo, the Powiatowe Atelier Kultury SYNAGOGA is housed in a former synagogue. Together, these places showcase various cultural and historical themes that you can weigh differently when choosing your destinations.

Other places featured on this page include Naterki, Swaderki, Klebark Wielki, Klewki, Siła, Tumiany, Dorotowo, Myki, Giławy, Nowe Kawkowo, Wadąg, Pluski, Łajs, Rzeck, Włodowo and Biesal.

For the broader travel overview: Warmia-Masuria.