Travel Guide
Lakes, a canal, forest, and a small town you'll want to come back to. A few ideas for spending your time during your stay at Złote Noce.
A few words about the town
Augustów was founded in 1557 by King Sigismund II Augustus, the last of the Jagiellonian dynasty — the town takes its name from him, and his initials still appear in the town's coat of arms today. Legend has it that the king fell in love with the local forests and lakes while out hunting and decided to found a settlement here.
Real prosperity came with the construction of the Augustów Canal between 1824 and 1839 — an impressive feat of water engineering connecting the Vistula and Neman rivers, and still one of Poland's most valuable technical monuments today. In 1999, Augustów gained another point of pride: Poland's first water-ski lift was built here, and it still operates on Lake Necko.
Today Augustów is the oldest town in the Suwałki region, surrounded by forest on three sides and set between four lakes — Necko, Białe, Studzieniczne and Sajno. An ideal base for both water activities and exploring the depths of the Augustów Primeval Forest.
Augustów's spiritual side
The region's most important pilgrimage site, picturesquely set on Lake Studzieniczne and reached via a causeway lined with centuries-old oak trees. The 1872 chapel houses the image of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, crowned in 1995, and nearby is a well whose water has been considered healing for generations. Pope John Paul II visited in 1999. It can be reached on foot, by bike, or by boat cruise from the port in Augustów.
A baroque monastery complex built in the 17th century by the Camaldolese order on a peninsula on Lake Wigry. Rebuilt after 20th-century destruction, it today features a church and a reconstructed hermitage — the Hermit's House, where monks lived in seclusion following the rule of "ora et labora". A remarkable place for those seeking silence, history and sacred architecture.
Water is the heart of the town
Straight from sand to water
The largest and best-known beach in town — sandy, lifeguard-supervised, with full food and drink facilities, sunbed rental and a volleyball court. Right next to the water-ski lift and rope park.
Sandy shores and crystal-clear water that takes on a greenish tint on sunny days. A quieter alternative to the city beach, favoured by those seeking peace and by anglers.
The largest of the Augustów lakes, surrounded by the forests of the Augustów Primeval Forest and covered by a quiet zone — no crowds, just views of high, wooded shores. A good choice when you want a moment of peace away from the main beaches, though the facilities here are more modest.
A wild, scenic lake — a favourite training spot for Augustów's kayakers. On the peninsula with the intriguing name Goła Zośka ("Naked Zośka") stands a statue of a girl from local legend — or rather several legends, since there are quite a few versions, and everyone picks their favourite. Nearby you'll find a wild swimming spot and a campsite.
On your own two feet
Two wheels
The international Green Velo route runs through Augustów. The most popular loop — Necko–Białe–Studzieniczna (25–35 km) — follows the lakes and forest, with a stop at the sanctuary. A more demanding route along the locks of the Augustów Canal (Przewięź–Swoboda) covers 40–55 km. Several bike rental shops operate in town — equipment for children and adults, often alongside kayaks and other water gear in the same place.
Hungry after a day on the water?
A cosy spot with a pleasant garden, valued for its family atmosphere — one of the most frequently recommended choices for lunch or dinner in town.
One of the highest-rated venues in Augustów — a gastropub and steakhouse for those looking for something beyond traditional regional cuisine.
Signature cuisine with an emphasis on fish dishes and Mediterranean flavours — a great choice after a day spent by the lake.
A very well-rated bistro in the town centre — generous portions, home-style breakfasts and a cosy interior, popular from morning till evening.
An iconic spot on Augustów's culinary map, known in part from the song "Beata" by Janusz Laskowski. Kartacze (potato dumplings), a pork cutlet and fish soup right in the heart of town, with a view of the main street.
This list is based on ratings and reviews publicly available online — it's worth checking current opening hours and reservations before visiting.
Worth the detour
A baroque monastery complex on Lake Wigry, today part of the Wigry National Park. A perfect blend of history, sacred architecture and the wild nature of the Suwałki region.
The regional capital, founded in the 18th century by the Camaldolese monks of Wigry. Worth seeing for its historic urban layout and museums dedicated to the region's history.
A multicultural town on the Polish-Lithuanian border, with a historic synagogue, the baroque Basilica of the Visitation, and a Dominican monastery. Known as the capital of Lithuanians in Poland.
A 19th-century tsarist fortress amid the marshes of the Biebrza valley, nicknamed the "Polish Verdun" — it was never captured. In the national park around it: wooden boardwalks, observation towers, and a chance to spot a moose or a beaver.
A convenient base for exploring Augustów and the surrounding area.
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