Attractions and Places To See around Augustów - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Augustów include its picturesque lakes, lush forests, and the historic Augustów Canal. This city in northeastern Poland is surrounded by numerous glacial lakes such as Necko, Białe, and Studzieniczne, offering various water sports. The vast Augustów Forest provides opportunities for hiking and cycling, while the 19th-century Augustów Canal is an engineering marvel used for boat cruises and other activities. The region combines natural beauty with cultural sites, making it a diverse destination for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Augustów
- The most popular attractions is Lake Studzieniczne, a lake located in the Augustów Forest and part of the Augustów Canal trail. It features islands and is home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Studzieniczna.
- Another must-see spot is Augustów Lock, an other man-made structure and interesting hydrotechnical building from a century ago. It is one of several locks along the historic Augustów Canal, offering a glimpse into 19th-century engineering.
- Visitors also love Święte Miejsce Sanctuary on the Rospuda River, a religious building and historical pilgrimage site. This holy place features a chapel and various wooden and stone crosses, located next to the Jałówka River and Lake Jałowe.
- Augustów is known for its extensive network of lakes, the historic Augustów Canal, and vast forests. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to historical sites.
- The attractions around Augustów are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 highlights and over 170 upvotes.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Augustów Lock
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Święte Miejsce Sanctuary on the Rospuda River
Highlight • Religious Site
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 in the nearby Jałówka River, made offerings under the crosses - money and food, and tied decorative towels on them. As ethnographers explain, these rituals 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 priest.
suwalszczyzna.com.pl/info/miejsca/uroczysko-swiete-miejsce
I will only add that this is where most kayakers often end their trip down the Rospuda River, some continue on to Goła Zośka (a beach and a statue on Lake Rospuda).
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Church in Studzieniczna
Highlight • Religious Site
The first historical mention of Studzieniczna dates back to 1740 and is connected with the cult of the image of Our Lady. The first hermit is anonymous. A more famous figure is Wincenty Morawski, who built the first wooden chapel around 1770. In 1847, the current church was built. In 1872, the current Chapel of Our Lady was built on 64 oak poles. Initially, the parish belonged to the parish in Szczebrze. In 1873, the Bishop of Sejny, Fr. Bishop Piotr Paweł Wierzbowski establishes it as an independent parish. On September 17, 1995, the image of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, Mother of the Church, is coronated. The act of coronation was performed by Fr. Cardinal Józef Glemp – Primate of Poland with the participation of Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk – Apostolic Nuncio, Fr. Archbishop Edmund Piszcz - Metropolitan of Warmia, priest. Bishop Juliusz Paec - Bishop of Łomża, Fr. Bishop Juozas Żemartis from Mariampol, Fr. Bishop Wojciech Ziemba - Bishop of Ełk and Fr. Bishop Edward Samsel – Auxiliary Bishop of Ełk.
Indulgences: Descent of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady of the Scapular - July 16, St. Anne – July 26, Coronation anniversary – September 17
Holy Masses:
9:00; 11:00 church
1:00 p.m. (chapel in Płaska)
17.00 September (Sanctuary)
7:00 p.m. May – August (Sanctuary)
Weekdays: church 5 p.m. (October-April); Sanctuary 12.00 and 19.00 (May - August); 12.00 and 17.00 (September)
diecezjaelk.pl/parafie_diecezji/studzieniczna-parafia-p-w-matki-bozej-szkaplerznej
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Lake Studzieniczne
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Białobrzegi Lock
Highlight • Monument
When Prussia introduced unusually high customs duties for the transit of Polish goods through Prussian territory in 1821, the water route across the Vistula to the Baltic Sea was virtually cut off for Poland, so it was forced to look for alternatives. The Polish Minister of Economy Franciszek Ksawery Drucki-Lubecki brought up the idea of opening a new trade route that would connect Poland with the port of Ventspils (Windau), bypassing Prussian territory in the north (Wikipedia).
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Tips from the Community
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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Nearby there is a cemetery of Polish soldiers murdered by the Russians and the MOR.
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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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Studzieniczna – Parish of Our Lady of the Scapular The first historical mention of Studzieniczna dates back to 1740 and is connected with the cult of the image of Our Lady. The first hermit is anonymous. A more famous figure is Wincenty Morawski, who erected the first wooden chapel around 1770. The current Church was built in 1847. In 1872, the current Chapel of Our Lady was built on 64 oak piles. Initially, the parish belonged to the parish in Szczebrze. In 1873, the Bishop of Sejny, Bishop Piotr Paweł Wierzbowski, established it as an independent parish. On September 17, 1995, the act of coronation of the image of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, Mother of the Church, took place. The act of coronation was performed by Cardinal Józef Glemp – Primate of Poland, with the participation of Archbishop Józef Kowalczyk – Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Edmund Piszcz – Metropolitan of Warmia, Bishop Juliusz Paec – Bishop of Łomża, Bishop Juozas Żemartis of Mariampol, Bishop Wojciech Ziemba – Bishop of Ełk and Bishop Edward Samsel – Auxiliary Bishop of Ełk. Indulgences: Descent of the Holy Spirit, Our Lady of the Scapular – July 16, St. Anne – July 26, Coronation Anniversary – September 17 Holy Masses: 9:00; 11:00 church 13:00 (Płaska chapel) 17:00 September (Sanctuary) 19:00 May-August (Sanctuary) Weekdays: church 17:00 (October-April); Sanctuary 12:00 and 19:00 (May-August); 12:00 and 17:00 (September)
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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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A water canal connecting the tributaries of the Vistula with the Baltic Sea via the Niemen tributaries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Augustów?
Augustów is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the vast Lake Studzieniczne, which is part of the Augustów Forest and the Augustów Canal trail. The region is surrounded by numerous glacial lakes like Necko, Białe, and Rospuda, offering clean waters and scenic views. The Augustów Forest itself provides extensive opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Augustów?
Yes, Augustów has several significant historical and cultural sites. The Augustów Lock is an interesting 19th-century hydrotechnical building on the historic Augustów Canal. Another notable site is the Święte Miejsce Sanctuary on the Rospuda River, a historical pilgrimage site with a chapel and various crosses. You can also visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Studzieniczna, located on an island on Lake Studzieniczne, which is a significant pilgrimage destination.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Augustów's attractions?
The Augustów area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The Augustów Canal and its connecting lakes are ideal for boat cruises and water sports. For specific routes, explore options like the 'Palace on the Bałkowski Bridge – Koterbska Monument loop' or the 'Augustów Lock – Koterbska Monument loop'. Find more details on various outdoor activities in the Hiking around Augustów guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Augustów?
Many attractions in Augustów are suitable for families. The lakes, such as Lake Necko with its city beach and water ski lift, offer recreational activities for all ages. Exploring the Augustów Canal by boat or kayak is also a popular family activity. Natural sites like Lake Studzieniczne and the Augustów Forest provide gentle trails and scenic spots for family outings.
What are the best ways to explore the Augustów Canal?
The Augustów Canal is best explored by boat or kayak. The Augustów Shipping Company's 'White Fleet' offers catamaran cruises, providing scenic views of the canal and its locks. Kayaking is also a highly recommended way to experience the canal and its connecting lakes, allowing for a more intimate exploration of this engineering marvel.
Can I go hiking or cycling around Augustów?
Absolutely! The Augustów Forest and the areas around the lakes offer numerous picturesque trails for hiking and cycling. You can find easy to moderate routes, such as the 'Błonia by the Netta, Augustów – Augustów Canal loop' for hiking, or the 'Lake Necko – Lake Studzieniczne loop' for cycling. More hiking options are available in the Hiking around Augustów guide, and cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Augustów guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Augustów?
Visitors frequently praise Augustów for its tranquil natural environment, particularly the serene lakes and the historic Augustów Canal. Many appreciate the opportunity for peaceful walks or cycling along the canal, enjoying the singing of birds and the idyllic landscapes. The blend of natural beauty with historical engineering, like the Augustów Lock, is also a highlight.
Are there any specific locks on the Augustów Canal worth visiting?
Yes, several locks along the Augustów Canal are points of interest. The Augustów Lock is a notable example, showcasing 19th-century engineering. Another interesting one is the Białobrzegi Lock, which was notably dismantled and rebuilt 150 meters further using original art. These locks offer a glimpse into the canal's rich history and function.
What is the best time of year to visit Augustów for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Augustów for outdoor activities is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and enjoying the lakes. The Augustów Forest is also vibrant during this period, offering ideal conditions for nature exploration.
Where can I find information about the history of the Augustów Canal?
For detailed information on the history of the Augustów Canal, you can visit the Augustów Canal Museum, which is a branch of the Augustów History Museum. It is housed in the reconstructed Prądzyński Manor House and focuses specifically on the canal's development and significance.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners near Augustów?
Yes, Augustów offers several easy hiking trails. For instance, the 'Błonia by the Netta, Augustów – Augustów Canal loop' is an easy 3.8 km route. Another accessible option is the 'Koterbska Monument – Radio Trójka Pier loop from Augustów Port', which is also considered easy. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Augustów guide.
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