Just 2 km from Poza Zgiełkiem lies one of the most peaceful lakes in Masuria – Lake Rydzówka. Spanning nearly 500 hectares, surrounded by forests and inaccessible islands, it is a sanctuary for waterbirds and a place where time flows differently. This is a lake for those seeking true, undiscovered Masuria – away from the crowds, close to nature.
Bird Reserve – Cormorants, Herons and Wild Geese
The islands and peninsulas of Lake Rydzówka form a natural reserve for waterbirds and migratory birds. Long Island is home to nesting cormorants, forming one of the largest colonies in the region – the sight of hundreds of them returning over the lake surface at sunset is an unforgettable spectacle. The Small Peninsula Island is home to grey herons, which can be observed throughout the day. In spring and autumn Rydzówka is an important stopover for wild geese and ducks migrating through Masuria. For birdwatching enthusiasts this is an absolutely unmissable place.
The Masurian Canal – History Begins Here
From the northern part of Lake Rydzówka begins the legendary Masurian Canal – one of the most fascinating unfinished engineering works in Europe. Built by the Prussians between 1911 and 1942, it was meant to connect Masuria with Königsberg but was never completed. The difference in water level between Rydzówka and Lake Mamry is as much as 33 metres, requiring the construction of two massive locks – today unfinished and swallowed by the forest. A walk along the canal from the shores of Rydzówka is a journey back in time: concrete giants draped in moss, silence broken only by birdsong and the whisper of pine trees.
Kayaking, Fishing and Absolute Peace
Lake Rydzówka, with an average depth of 6.2 m and a maximum of 16.7 m, is a paradise for anglers – pike, perch, bream and eel all live here. The calm, little-visited waters invite kayakers wishing to explore hidden bays and paddle close to islands where cormorants sleep. The lake shores are largely natural and undeveloped – the rustle of reeds, the scent of pine forest and the absence of crowds guarantee authentic rest. At dawn, when mist rises over the water and the first rays of sun wake the birds on the islands, Rydzówka is an absolutely magical place.
Visitor Tip
Access to the lake is via the village of Rydzówka, 4 km from Węgorzewo. Kayaks can be rented in Węgorzewo or borrowed from Poza Zgiełkiem. The best time for birdwatching is early morning or evening. Rydzówka is also a great spot for [[anglers|wedkowanie-mazury]]. You can reach it [[by bike from Węgorzewo|wegorzewo-rowerowa-stolica]] in just a few minutes.rom Poza Zgiełkiem. The best time for birdwatching is early morning or evening. Bring binoculars – the cormorant colony on Long Island is a sight you will never forget.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Janericloebe / Public Domain
