Sailors should try the main water trail, leading from Ruciane-Nida through Mikolajki, Gizycko and Ryn. Numerous lakes offer innumerable possibilities both for experienced sailors and those just starting out. The largest lake, Sniardwy, can be dangerous due to shallow water and changeable weather. There are numerous yacht and boat rentals all around Masuria.

The most picturesque places can be visited by canoeing down the Krutynia River (about 100 km long), starting in Krutynskie Lake and ending in Guzianka and Ruciane-Nida (but you can start earlier, in Sorkwity – see Western Masuria). Krutyn village is a small and charming tourist-oriented place. There are numerous other water trails as well. The many available equipment rental places make planning your holiday simple.

Many trails are accessible for both bikers and hikers. You can choose among easier and shorter paths, or the more challenging. Picturesque views can be found everywhere. Wandering through Piska Forest or along the edges of lakes you can find many charming and hidden places to picnic.

There are horse studs in Zelwagi, Wejsuny and Orzysz, plus other stables in Gizycko, Kosewo, Wilkasy and other places.

In winter, the frozen surfaces of the lakes attract enthusiasts to come ice sailing. Schools and equipment rentals can be found in Mikolajki, Ogonki, Ryn and Gizycko. This sport has become fashionable again recently, but back in the 1920s there were ice sailing competitions organised on Lake Swiecajty.

Not only can water sports enthusiasts sail on the lakes, but there are also opportunities to see regattas organised in Mikolajki or Gizycko.

Lake Luknajno is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to mute swans and about 175 other species of wild birds. Nature lovers can visit also the Deer Farm in Kosewo and the private park of wild animals in Kadzidlowo, where you can come eye to eye with wolves, deer, stags and beavers, to name but a few. In Popielno you can find four herds of Polish horses (or konik), descendants of the Tarpan wild horse. South of Lake Sniardwy spreads Piska forest, a great area to hike and cycle in. You can see many rare plants and animals there, including beaver, heron and crane.

The marina in Mikolajki is abundant with festivals and happenings all summer long, including the Festival of Sailors’ Songs “Shanties in Mikojaki”. Every day you can enjoy shanties in pubs, popular among boaters from all Masuria. An active nightlife is provided in Gizycko and Sztynort, as well.

Popular resorts like Mikolajki offer a lot of shops selling jewellery and souvenirs. When you have had enough of this, it is a good idea to take a break and try some of the delicious fresh local fish.

Boyen Fortress in Gizycko is a real “must”, but you can also explore other historical sights in the area: the Teutonic castle in Ryn, the Baroque palace of the Lehndorff family in Sztynort (during WWII Joachim von Ribbentrop lived there) or the bunkers dating from WWII around Mamerki and Pozedrze.

In Pranie you can find the house of Polish poet Konstanty Ildefons Galczynski, now home to a museum (it is easiest to get there from Ruciane-Nida on the blue trail, only about 7 km) while in Pierslawek there is a museum in the former house of Ernst Wiechert, a famous German writer.

One of the most exotic places around Masuria is Zelwagi – a former Mormon village that still attracts Mormons from all over Europe, though the last Mormons left in the 1980s. Wojnowo (a small village on the Krutynia trail) has long been home to Old Believers. You can see their picturesque small houses, Orthodox church and monastery.

For those in need of adrenaline rush, sightseeing balloon trips are available.