Augustow can be explored through several specific themes: water activities on Lake Necko, the history of the AugustĂłw Canal, and regional specialties. The city boulevards along the Netta River, Lake Necko and the Bystry Canal are also suitable for walking and Nordic walking. When planning, you can therefore decide whether water, activities on land, culture or cuisine is important for your stay.
Water and Walking Routes
Lake Necko has a 740-metre water-ski cableway, built in 1999. If you are planning to water-ski, check that it is currently operating before your visit. The 147-metre Molo Radiowej TrĂłjki pier is part of the city beach on Lake Necko. The lakes around Augustow are also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This gives you several options for activities on the water: water-skiing on the cableway, SUP on the lakes and the pier as part of the city beach. In total, Augustow has around 10 kilometres of urban paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The paths and boulevards offer a different focus from activities on the water.
Canal History and Memorials
The Museum of the History of the Augustów Canal is located in the so-called Prądzyński House, a reconstruction of the original 19th-century seat of the port authority. The building dates from the 1880s. The Bystry Canal is an artificial canal built in 1834–1835. It carries excess water from the Netta River’s reservoir and the lakes around Augustow to Lake Sajno. The construction history of the canal and its water-management function thus sit alongside the history of the port authority.
On a viewing terrace above Lake Necko, a sculpture and a multimedia bench commemorate singer Maria Koterbska. The bench plays her best-known songs for visitors. This memorial site offers a different focus from the museum: here, the subject is a singer and her music; there, it is the history of the AugustĂłw Canal. Educational boards along the paths beside the Netta River and Bystry Canal also provide information about ecosystem services and the work of beneficial animals. This also gives nature a place among the themes to explore on a walk.
Regional Specialties
Kartacze are a regional dish: large, oval potato dumplings made from raw and cooked potatoes and filled with seasoned minced meat. Another regional specialty is Augustowska Jagodzianka, a soft, fluffy yeast bun with a generous filling of fresh wild blueberries. It is included on the European Union’s list of traditional products. The two products therefore differ distinctly in their main ingredients: potato dumplings with a meat filling versus a yeast bun with a berry filling.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
These different interests offer a practical guide to planning your stay in Augustow.
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Return to the main travel overview: Augustowski.
