Masurian Lake District

Masurian Lake District
Pojezierze Mazurskie
Śniardwy, the largest lake in Poland, with Pajęcza and Czarci Ostrów Islands
Śniardwy, the largest lake in Poland, with Pajęcza and Czarci Ostrów Islands
Location of Masurian Lake District in Poland
Location of Masurian Lake District in Poland
Coordinates: 54°00′N 22°00′E / 54.000°N 22.000°E / 54.000; 22.000
CountryPoland
Area
 • Total52,000 km2 (20,000 sq mi)
Websitemazury.info.pl/atrakcje

The Masurian Lake District or Masurian Lake Land (Polish: Pojezierze Mazurskie) is a lake district in northeastern Poland within the geographical region of Masuria, in the past inhabited by Masurians who spoke the Masurian dialects. It contains more than 2,000 lakes. The district had been elected as one of the 28 finalists of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.[1]

The Lakeland extends roughly 290 km (180 mi) eastwards from the lower Vistula to the Poland–Russia border, and occupies an area of roughly 52,000 square kilometres (20,000 sq mi). Administratively, the Lake District lies within the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. Small parts of the district lie within the Masovian and Podlaskie Voivodeships.[1]

The lakes are well connected by rivers and canals, forming an extensive system of waterways. The 18th-century Masurian Canal links this system to the Baltic Sea. The whole area is a prime tourist destination, frequented by boating enthusiasts, canoeists, anglers, hikers, bikers and nature-lovers. It is one of the most famous lake districts in Central Europe and a popular vacation spot, with a high number of visitors every year.[1]

  1. ^ a b c "Pojezierze Mazurskie". Najpiękniejsze miejsca w Polsce. VC. Travelling Polska. 2009. Archived from the original (Internet Archive) on August 20, 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2014.