Wigry National Park

Mazovia & Podlasie


On the northern edge of Augustów Forest, Wigry National Park is home to a Podlasie highlight: Lake Wigry. At 21 sq km, the lake is the largest in the region and one of the deepest, reaching 73m at its greatest depth. Its shoreline is richly filigreed, forming numerous bays and peninsulas, and there are over a dozen islands on the lake. The national park's dense forest and many smaller lakes make it popular among for kayakers, cyclists and hikers.

A park highlight is the Camaldolese Monastery, which has a commanding position on the lake. The Czarna Hańcza River flows through the park, connecting with the Augustów Canal further downstream.

Access is easiest from the Suwałki–Sejny road, which crosses the northern part of the park. The park headquarters are on this road in Krzywe, which is 5km from Suwałki. If you have limited time, there is an excellent looping nature trail which begins at the office.

There are more ambitious marked trails throughout the park, leading to some truly remote corners. The Wigierski Park Narodowy map (available at the park headquarters for 10zł) shows all the necessary detail.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mazovia & Podlasie attractions

1. Wigry Museum

0.09 MILES

This large museum has exhibitions on the flora and fauna to be found in the park and lake. It's near a public beach and pier with fine views of the…

2. Camaldolese Monastery

0.54 MILES

Spectacularly located on a peninsula of the lake is this former Camaldolese monastery, built by the death-obsessed Camaldolese monks soon after they were…

3. Cemetery

6.63 MILES

One way to get a flavour of the town's former ethnic mix is to visit the sprawling cemetery about 1km west of the tourist office. It comprises several…

4. Church of St Mary

11.23 MILES

The proud two-towered silhouette of this church dominates the town from its northern end. It dates from the 1610s, but the facade was thoroughly…

5. Suwałki Landscape Park

14.88 MILES

The Suwałki Landscape Park is a cluster of pristine lakes and rugged hills that's worth a detour. Covering some 63 sq km, the park encompasses land that…

6. Regional Museum

16.34 MILES

Augustów's regional museum is housed in two locations. The most interesting collection is dedicated to the history of the Augustów Canal and is housed in…