22 km from Poza Zgiełkiem lies Giżycko – Masuria's largest tourist city, famous for its 19th-century Boyen Fortress and Poland's only working rotating bridge. This city buzzes with life around the clock in summer.
Boyen Fortress – the Military Heritage of Prussia
Boyen Fortress is one of the largest and best-preserved 19th-century fortresses in Europe. Built between 1844 and 1859, it served as a military hub protecting East Prussia. Its mighty red brick walls, moats and bastions form an impressive labyrinth that can be explored independently or with a guide. Every summer the fortress grounds host historical re-enactments and fairs that attract thousands of tourists from Poland and abroad.
Poland's Only Rotating Bridge
The symbol of Giżycko is the rotating bridge over the Łuczański Canal – the only such working structure in Poland. Built by the Germans in 1889, it still operates on its original mechanism. Several times a day the bridge rotates 90 degrees to let sailing boats and motorboats through on the Great Masurian Lakes route. The spectacle attracts crowds – be sure to check the rotation schedule posted on the board by the bridge and get a good viewing spot in advance.
Marina and City Centre
Giżycko is one of the largest water sports centres in Poland. On Lake Niegocin there is a huge marina with hundreds of mooring spots. The city centre offers dozens of restaurants and cafés. The lakeside promenade is the perfect place for an evening stroll with a view of the Masurian sunset. Nearby is a rope park and the Wodnik water park for families with children.
Visitor Tip
The rotating bridge usually turns several times a day – the schedule is posted on site. Admission to Boyen Fortress is charged. In the summer holidays Giżycko can be crowded – it is worth arriving in the morning. Giżycko is the largest [[sailing centre in Masuria|zeglowanie-mazury]] – yacht charter directly at the harbour. How to get to Masuria? Our [[practical travel guide|dojazd-na-mazury]] has all routes.th arriving early.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
