Augustow is situated in the western part of the Augustow Forest. Between WW I & WW II the town was dubbed „The Venice of the North”. Augustow owes its picturesque landscape to Augustow’s primeval forest and the surrounding lakes.
Most of the lakes are interconnected by the Augustow Canal forming the well – known water route. Total length of the Canal is 101,2 km. It consists of 18 water locks, fourteen of which are in Poland, one on the border and three in Belarus. The Canal is a monument and is intended to soon be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
An additional attraction of the Augustow Canal is the Pope’s Trail, which begins at the “Pacyfik” Rest Centre and ends at the Gorczyca lock. The pearl of the trail is Studzieniczna Sanctuary where the Pope prayed before the miraculous image in the chapel which is picturesquely set among trees. The visit at Studzieniczna was commemorated with a monument of John Paul II situated on the shore of Studzieniczne Lake.
Sailors, kayakers, rowers, water skiers and motor boaters – all come here in the summer time to indulge in their hobbies and appreciate the nature. Cruises on the White Fleet boats are very popular, those who prefer a smaller means of transportation may enjoy a trip on a gondola.
The scenic trails in Augustow Forest provide an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. The trump card of the trails is the fact that they can be taken by both cyclists and hikers.
One of the greatest Augustow attractions is the first professional water ski lift in Poland. It is located on Lake Necko. The lift is designed for 8 skiers to ski simultaneously up to 58 kilometers per hour.
The town’s recreation-sport centre boasts a swimming pool, bath tubs for hydro massage, 92 – meter water slide.