Małkinie lies on the western shore of Lake Woszczelskie. The village can be described through three specific points of reference: a history that begins in 1473, the landscape around the lake, and the Święto Ziemniaka celebrated at the anniversary in 2023. Geography, history, and the occasion for the festival offer different points of orientation. When choosing a destination, you can weigh whether you would rather view Małkinie through its history or its landscape setting.
The lake and its protected-area landscape
The planned Natura 2000 protected area of Lake Woszczelskie includes the lake and its immediate surroundings. It covers 313.7 ha and includes parts of Małkinie. The area's catchment is predominantly characterized by marshes, meadows, and alder stands. The lake itself is mesotrophic and of the stonewort type.
These nature-related details refer to different levels: the ecological classification applies to the lake, while the description of marshes, meadows, and alder stands applies to the catchment. The scales also differ: the western-shore location describes Małkinie's geographical setting, while 313.7 ha is the area of the planned protected area. Together, these details help place the village by the water and within its broader landscape setting.
History and traces in the name
Małkinie's history begins in 1473, when Andrzej Świnko received a land grant from Procurator Walter von Kökeritz. The year marks a dated historical starting point; both names are associated with this event. Małkinie was settled by Polish settlers from Masovia. The land grant and the settlement history shed light on different aspects: the former is tied to a date, while the latter identifies the settlers' place of origin.
In the past, the village was known as “Melkin.” The village name derived from the lake's name at the time, which was Małkińskie or Melckinskie. The name forms can be distinguished: “Melkin” refers to the former name of the village, while Małkińskie and Melckinskie were the lake's names at the time. This connection is a separate point of reference for the history of the village name, alongside the dated land grant and settlement from Masovia.
Święto Ziemniaka during the 2023 anniversary year
The traditional Święto Ziemniaka was celebrated during Małkinie's 550th anniversary in 2023. The festival included a competition for the best potato dish. The anniversary connected the village's history with a specifically dated festival occasion; the competition was a separate item on the program. This event took place in 2023.
Getting your bearings in Małkinie for your trip
The historical details answer different questions: 1473 provides the point of reference in time, while “Melkin” and the two recorded lake names reveal the history of the name. The landscape details, in turn, use different spatial scales: the village's location on the shore, the planned protected area, and its catchment. This lets you view Małkinie through specific historical connections or through the location and nature of the lake area.
Discover more destinations: Rękusy, Regiel, Miluki, Laśmiady, Kalinowo, Nowa Wieś Ełcka, Stare Juchy, Gorlo
For the broader travel overview: Lyck.
