Lake Mamry

Mamry is the second-largest lake in Poland: the whole complex of six connected lakes covers about 100 km² and holds 33 islands. They were once separate lakes linked by streams – only in the 16th and 17th centuries did the water rise by several metres, flooding roads, villages and cemeteries. At the northern end of the Great Masurian Lakes, between Węgorzewo and Giżycko, it is one of the best areas in the region for sailing and birdwatching.

Six lakes under one name

The name Mamry covers Mamry Północne (Mamry proper), Kirsajty, Kisajno, Dargin, Święcajty and Dobskie. Officially, Mamry refers only to the northern part, but guidebooks and sailing charts usually describe the whole complex. The maximum depth reaches 43.8 m, the average about 10 m. The Węgorapa river flows out of the lake. The Polish name was made official in 1949, replacing the German Mauersee.

A drowned landscape

People caused the water level to rise: banks were reinforced around Węgorzewo, and a dam was built on the Węgorapa to strengthen the defences of the Teutonic Knights' castle and to power a mill. Among the places lost under water were the old road from Kal to the church in Węgielsztyn, several settlements and Prussian cemeteries. In 1765–1772 the Łuczański Canal was dug, linking Lake Kisajno with Lake Niegocin and opening a waterway to the south.

The islands

Together the islands cover about 213 hectares. The largest, Upałty (67 ha), is the biggest island in the entire Great Masurian Lakes district. From the mid-16th to the mid-20th century it belonged to the Lehndorff family of nearby Sztynort; before 1939 it had a restaurant and holiday cottages. In 1941–1944 a unit guarding the German army high command headquarters at nearby Mamerki was stationed here, and a wooden bridge – burned in 1945 – linked the island to the shore. On a tiny islet south of Upałty, Count Ernst von Lehndorff built a stone pyramid 40 feet high in 1793; the waves eventually washed it away. Some of the islands on Mamry and Kisajno form a bird reserve that is closed to visitors.

On the water and on shore

A shipping route runs across the lake from Węgorzewo via Giżycko and Mikołajki to Pisz and Ruciane-Nida. A boat cruise is the easiest way to see the wide open waters and islands; your own boat, kayak or paddleboard gives you more freedom. On the western shore, at Mamerki, a complex of about 30 German Second World War bunkers survives, with an observation tower. On Lake Dargin lies Sztynort, with the Lehndorff palace and a large marina.

Tripto tip

Mamry has large open stretches of water, and the wind can change within minutes – check the forecast and sailing notices before you set out. Keep well away from the reserve islands and don't land on them; watch the birds from the water with binoculars. Węgorzewo is the most convenient base. Half a day is enough for a first look (harbour, beach, short cruise), but with Mamerki and Sztynort it easily becomes a full day. Check cruise timetables and prices before you travel – in summer, boats and marinas are at their busiest.