Best attractions and places to see around gmina Augustów include a diverse range of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The region features extensive forests, numerous deep lakes, and significant waterways like the Augustów Canal. Shaped by glaciation, the landscape offers opportunities for active recreation and exploration of its rich past.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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The ruins of Pac's palace in Dowspuda are one of the greatest attractions in the Suwałki region, recalling the splendor of the Pac family and the time of General Ludwik Michał Pac, a participant in the Napoleonic Wars. The neo-Gothic residence, built between 1820 and 1827 according to designs by Italian architects, was considered one of the most impressive in Poland, hence the saying "Pac's palace is worth it, Pac's palace." After the property was confiscated by the Tsarist authorities, the building began to fall into disrepair and was demolished in 1867. A monumental portico and the so-called stork tower remain, surrounded by the remains of a landscape park.
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The Sosnowo Lock on the Augustów Canal is a fascinating destination for tourists and water history enthusiasts. Originally built in 1835–1836, it was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1948. Today, it allows for locking over a height difference of nearly 3 meters, a major attraction for kayakers using this popular waterway. The area also encourages exploration of Biebrza National Park, teeming with birds and unique ecosystems, as well as walking and cycling along the nearby trails. It's a great place to combine active recreation with exploring the region's history and nature.
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It's a cult place, everyone knows the saying associated with this place
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Lake Studzieniczne in Augustów is a picturesque reservoir located in the heart of the Augustów Forest, which is part of the Augustów Canal trail. Surrounded mostly by pine forests and wetlands, it delights with its natural charm and varied coastline with several islands, including the Brzozowy Grąd reserve. On the southern shore is the famous Studzieniczna with the sanctuary of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, a popular place of pilgrimage and walks.
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The Holy Place can be reached by bike better from the direction of Rączki than from the direction of Janówka (a steep, sandy descent).
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The Holy Place is located on the banks of the Rospuda River next to the Jałówka River and Lake Jałowe. There is a chapel built in the fence from 1990 and several wooden and stone crosses, as well as a large wooden shrine. On one of the wooden crosses - which draws attention with its appearance - a copper plate is nailed with a text by Father Antoni Kochański, the deceased parish priest of Janówka. It informs that this cross was erected by the Yotvingians from the Skometa team after they were baptized in 1283, before going to Samland. The cross, supposedly burned and destroyed by pagans, miraculously survived and was re-erected by converted enemies. This place is surrounded by an aura of mystery and extraordinary. Miracles that have appeared here through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary have long been told. The first miracle is said to have occurred during the times of the Yotvingians, when a cross thrown into the water, instead of floating down, returned to the same place. The second miracle occurred when the Mother of God saved people surrounded by Tatars by covering them with an invisible cloak. Sometimes this extraordinary event is transferred to the times of the January Uprising. In fact, the sacred place is most likely located on the site of the former cemetery of the Orthodox church built by Bohdan Hrynkowicz Wołłowicz after receiving the grant of the forest - around 1514. It was patronized by St. John the Baptist - hence so many names related to the name of John in the area. Local people have been gathering in this place on June 24 for a long time. They prayed, ate a ritual meal, washed themselves in the nearby Jałówka river, made offerings under the crosses - money and food, and tied decorative towels on them. As ethnographers explain, these rites are characteristic of the Orthodox holiday of Jordan. Similar behaviors are seen in the Mińszczyzna region, where some of the population probably came from. Today, the holiday is officially sanctioned by the local parish priest. https://suwalszczyzna.com.pl/info/miejsca/uroczysko-swiete-miejsce
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The lock is very old, almost historic. Next to the lock, on the right as you look from the bridge, there is a beautiful historic building of the catchment board and in front of it the Museum of the Augustów Land.
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an extraordinary place, one-day trips often end here
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Gmina Augustów is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the vast Augustów Forest, known for its ancient trees and diverse wildlife, perfect for mushroom picking. The region is also famous for its deep, clean lakes like Necko Lake and Białe Lake, ideal for swimming and water sports. The picturesque Rospuda River is excellent for kayaking, and the nearby Biebrza National Park offers unique ecosystems and abundant birdlife.
Yes, gmina Augustów boasts several historical landmarks. A prominent one is the 19th-century Augustów Canal, an engineering marvel with historic locks like the Augustów Lock and Sosnowo Lock. You can also visit the Ruins of Pac Palace (Dowspuda), a historical site worth seeing if you're in the vicinity. The Zygmunt August Market Square, laid out in 1550, is surrounded by historic tenements and features a column of Sigismund II Augustus.
For cultural and religious insights, consider visiting the Święte Miejsce Sanctuary on the Rospuda River, a sacred place with a chapel and wooden shrines. The Church of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, with its chapel built on oak poles, is another significant religious site. You can also explore the Augustów Canal Museum, housed in the 'Prądzyński Manor House', which details the canal's history.
Gmina Augustów is perfect for active tourism. You can enjoy kayaking on the Rospuda, Czarna Hańcza, and Marycha Rivers, or explore the Augustów Canal by boat. The region offers numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. For specific routes, you can find options like the 'Augustów Lock – Koterbska Monument loop' for hiking, or 'Lake Białe Augustowskie – Gorczyca Lock loop' for road cycling and gravel biking. Discover more routes on the hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking guide pages.
Many attractions in gmina Augustów are suitable for families. The Augustów Canal, with its locks like the Augustów Lock, offers boat tours and opportunities for gentle walks. The Augustów Lakes (Necko, Białe) provide sandy beaches for swimming and various water sports. Exploring the Augustów Forest or visiting the Święte Miejsce Sanctuary can also be engaging for families.
The best time to visit gmina Augustów for outdoor activities is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers pleasant weather for swimming, kayaking, cycling, and hiking, allowing full enjoyment of the lakes, rivers, and forests. The region is also a recognized lowland spa center, making it appealing for relaxation during these times.
To experience the unique Old-Rite culture, you should visit Gabowe Grądy. This area offers a glimpse into the traditions of Old Believers, including their distinctive homesteads, traditional steam baths known as 'banie', an old cemetery, and a Molenna, which is a sacral monument specific to their faith.
Absolutely! Gmina Augustów is renowned for its excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities. The Rospuda River is particularly popular for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes. You can also paddle along the Augustów Canal, passing through its historic locks, or explore the Czarna Hańcza and Marycha Rivers for more scenic routes.
Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the Perkuć Nature Reserve, which protects unique spruce and pine forests, and the shallow Kruglak Lake. The Kuriańskie Bagno (Marsh) Nature Reserve in the southeastern Augustów Forest is another significant natural area. For a historical curiosity, seek out the Pre-Jaćwieź Burial Ground in Netta, dating back to the Roman Iron Age, offering insight into an ancient Baltic people.
Visitors particularly enjoy the Augustów Canal for its historical significance as a 19th-century engineering feat and its scenic beauty. Many appreciate the peaceful environment for walking or cycling along its banks, observing the historic locks like the Augustów Lock and Sosnowo Lock. Boat tours and kayaking are also popular ways to experience this unique waterway, offering a blend of history and nature.
Yes, gmina Augustów offers several hiking trails. A notable one is the yellow trail from Augustów to Mikaszówka, which guides you through various lakes and nature reserves. For shorter walks, consider the 'Koterbska Monument – Radio Trójka Pier loop' or the 'Błonia by the Netta, Augustów – Augustów Canal loop'. You can find more detailed hiking routes and their difficulties on the Hiking around gmina Augustów guide page.
The Augustów Forest is a haven for diverse wildlife. You can expect to see various protected plants and animals, including larger mammals like deer, elk, and beavers. The forest's extensive and varied ecosystem, which includes peat bogs and wet pine forests, supports a rich biodiversity, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.


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