Bike the land of a thousand lakes

Explore Poland's region of Masuria on this unique supported bike tour by day, and enjoy upscale and boutique accommodations by night. This region is commonly referred to as the "land of the thousand lakes". The exact number can vary depending on the criteria used to define a lake, but the region is characterized by a multitude of interconnected lakes, both large and small.

The breathtaking landscapes, dotted with numerous fortresses, castles, nineteenth-century palaces, and manors are waiting to be explored. The scars left by WWII can still be seen and will never fade away.

You begin in bustling Warsaw, with its rich and often tragic history and end in coastal Gdańsk. The beautifully restored Hanseatic center here speaks through the ages of its days of power, prestige, and wealth.

As you cycle, your itinerary includes all the most important cultural and natural landmarks of Masuria, such as the medieval fortress in Malbork - once the seat of the Teutonic Knights Order - Hitler's Wolfs Lair, and much more. You are supported by a minivan and driver who provides assistance and direction whenever you may need. If you prefer a cycling guide, you may request this as well.

Enhance your experience with canoeing on the Krutyn River, a hot air balloon ride over the Masurian Lakes, or a sailing excursion in Giżycko.

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Highlights

• Boutique and upscale accommodations
• History, culture, and cuisine
• Bustling and historic Warsaw
• Masurian capital: Giżycko
• WW II history and Hitler's Wolf's Lair
• Reszel
• Basilica and pilgrimage of Święta Lipka
• Krutyń
• Full van support

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival to Warsaw
Arrive in Warsaw, settle in to your hotel, and relax! Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a modern economic powerhouse. Yet the bustling streets, lovely river waterfront beaches and promenades, and towering modern architecture cloak its tragic history. You will want to spend extra nights here so that you can explore this city and its history thoroughly.

Visit the Warsaw Rising Museum, dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 during which the underground resistance mounted an attack on the Nazi occupiers. In retaliation, Hitler and Heinrich Himmler ordered that “the city must disappear entirely from the face of the Earth”. After the ensuing bombings and fires, only 15% of the city remained. The Museum of the History of Polish Jews, a modern and interactive museum is also well worth a visit.

On this first official day of your tour, you will be met by a tour representative at an agreed-upon time and a guided tour of the Old Town of Warsaw is on the agenda. Carefully restored after almost complete destruction, it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Warsaw

Day 2: Pisz - Krutyń (25 miles/40 km)
After breakfast, a 200 km van transfer will take you from Warsaw to the extremely picturesque town of Pisz, the gateway to the Masurian Lake District. This van will accompany you all along the way, providing support and assistance as you may need. It will also serve as luggage transfer vehicle so your luggage will always arrive when you do.

In Pisz, you will have a bike fitting, followed by a pleasant bike ride to your day's destination, Krutyń, surrounded by dense forests. Your accommodation this evening is situated on the banks of the Krutynia River.
Overnight: Krutyń

Day 3: Canoeing on the Krutyn River or cycling the surrounding area (16 miles/26 km, elevation gain 97m)
Today you can have a rest from cycling, or, if you prefer, have a short ride in the nearby towns of Ruciane-Nida, Wygryny, and Ukta. Afterward, canoeing on the Krutynia River awaits! At the end of your day, you can return to the hotel by bike or bus and enjoy a bonfire and barbeque.
Overnight: Krutyń

Day 4. Krutyń – Wejsuny – Wierzba ferry - Mikołajki– ship to Giżycko (20 miles/32 km, elevation gain 136 - 148m)
After cycling to Wejsuny, on the banks of Lake Belvedan, you take a cable ferry to the other side of the lake. It is the only crossing of this type in Masuria. In Mikolajiki, you board a ship for a two-hour cruise to Giżycko, featuring the lakes and canals of Lakeland as Masuria is sometimes called. The cruise lasts about 2 hours. Your accommodation this evening is in the 4-star spa hotel, St Bruno. Located on the Luczański Canal, with 700 years of tradition, you will enjoy the proximity of the forest, the bicycle, and walking paths as well as the availability of the spa with a wide range of services.
Overnight: Giżycko

Day 5. Free day in Giżycko, optional sailing or balloon flight over the lakes
Today is yours to spend as you like. Enjoy the walking or cycling trails around your historic hotel. Enjoy the spa services and pool. Perhaps touring the Boyen Fortress and walking along the promenade fits the bill. You could also reserve a balloon flight over the Masurian Lakes, rent a sailboat, or book a cruise on Lake Niegocin.
Overnight: Giżycko

Day 6. Giżycko – Gierłoż (Wolf’s Liar) – Reszel (25 miles/ 40 km + transfer)
Cycling along Kisajno, Dargin, and Mamry Lakes, you will pass the ports in Harsz, Kirsajty, and Sztynort. In Sztynort, your route leads right past the Lehndorff family manor. Once you reach Hitler’s headquarters from WW II, you will enjoy a guided visit of the complex.

You are then transferred to Święta Lipka Sanctuary, a Roman Catholic basilica that serves as a pilgrimage site and a holy shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Built during the late 17th century, the basilica is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Poland and the world. It is also famous for its moving pipe organ, possibly the finest church instrument ever constructed. You can pause here and listen to the free organ concert. After, passing numerous chapels you will reach your destination, Reszel. Reszel is referred to as the gem of Warmia owing to its beautiful location and well-preserved old town, towered by the imposing gothic castle. Time stands still here, and a walk through its streets is a trip to another time. Be sure to walk the historic old town. Accommodation in a hotel Reszel Castle.
Overnight: Reszel

Day 7. Transfer to Malbork – cycling toward Gdańsk (25 miles/40 km)
After breakfast, transfer to Malbork, where a guided tour of The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is planned. You then cycle towards the Baltic Sea and Gdańsk for your last official overnight. After a break for swimming in the sea, transfer to the hotel in Gdańsk. Gdańsk is a pearl of bourgeois architecture, boasting beautiful houses and a unique market. It is a world of cozy streets and historical churches. These are also perfectly preserved fortifications, ranked among the biggest in Europe, and interesting harbor architecture. Accommodation in a hotel in Gdansk.
Overnight: Gdansk

Day 8. Morning sightseeing of Gdańsk – end of the trip
On your last official day of the tour, a guided tour of Gdańsk is on the agenda. You will want to extend your stay as Gdańsk is quite beautiful

Surface and terrain

This fully supported tour primarily takes place on smooth asphalt roads and bike paths, ensuring a comfortable riding experience. Additionally, around 20% of the route comprises well-maintained forest trails. Throughout the tour, a minivan accompanies the cyclists. The skilled driver takes care of luggage transfers, assists with any issues that may arise due to inclement weather or road problems, and ensures a hassle-free journey. Moreover, the driver waits at prearranged locations to offer water and ensure the smooth progress of the tour.

Hotels

The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.

Hotel will range from a restored Prussian manor house in Krutyń to a unique castle accommodation in Reszel (mostly a mix of 4- and 5-star hotels).

Warsaw: Polonia Palace Hotel

Krutyń: Pensjonat Mazur Syrenka

Giżycko: Hotel St. Bruno

Reszel: Zamek Reszel

Gdansk: Hotel Gdansk or Hotel Hanza

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start/tour end

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)

The average journey time from Gdansk Central back to Warsaw at the end of your tour by train is 2 hours 49 minutes. There are frequent train departures throughout the day. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Warsaw.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights accommodations
• Breakfast each day
• 7 x dinners
• Luggage transfers
• Trekking bike rental (7-gear) including bike delivery and pick up
• Detailed route descriptions and tourist information
• GPS tracks
• Van support with driver (provides any assistance needed)
• All transfers as in the trip description
• Guided tours: Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wolf’s Lair, Malbork
• Paddling tour on the Krutynia River
• Bonfire and barbeque in Krutyn
• Ship cruise from Mikołajki to Giżycko
• Wine tasting in Winnica Sandomierska

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking)

• 7-speed unisex trekking bike (included in pricing)
• 7- speed unisex electric pedelec bike (supplement, see pricing)

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

• Bike lock
• Bike pannier
• Pump
• Spare tire
• Repair set/1 for 2 people

Tour Company