The best cycling routes around Augustów

Probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the Suwałki region. Paid parking, a swimming area, a small beach, all well-maintained.

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.

Gravel road along the canal

The Holy Place can be reached by bike better from the direction of Rączki than from the direction of Janówka (a steep, sandy descent).

The Augustów Canal is one of the most interesting bike routes in Podlasie, combining beautiful forest landscapes, lakes and historic locks. The route along the canal is well-prepared, partly asphalt and partly gravel, so a trekking bike will be perfect here. Along the way, you can stop at historic locks, such as in Przewięź or Paniewo, and in the summer take a swim in the nearby lakes. It is worth taking a helmet and lights, because parts of the route lead through forests, where it can be dark even during the day. This is a great place for a quiet ride away from traffic and crowds.

Lake Sajno, located right next to Augustów, is a large, clean body of water surrounded by forests, ideal for cyclists looking for a quiet place to relax close to the city. The lake has a well-developed shoreline with several wild beaches where you can take a break, and the water encourages swimming in the summer. There are forest roads and gravel roads around it, which are good for trekking bikes, although they can be muddy in places after rain. In the season, it is worth having mosquito repellent and a supply of water, because the nearest shops are only in Augustów.

Lake Necko is a popular body of water located in Augustów, ideal for cyclists looking for a relaxing break by the water. There are picturesque trails around the lake that connect with the Augustów Forest and other trails, allowing for longer trips in a peaceful, forested environment. On site, you can use the city beach, rent a kayak or water bike, and relax in one of the many pubs on the shore. It is worth taking a padlock with you to secure your bike if you plan to stay by the water for a longer period.

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