The north-eastern Polandis called the Green Lungs of Europe is the Warmia and Masuria Region with its capital in Olsztyn. Forests and lakes dominate this scarcely populated area. The western part, comprising mostly the Great Masurian Lake District, is intensely frequented by tourists. Territories situated further to the east, among which there are the Marshlands of Biebrza and the Białowieża Forest, attract nature-lovers in the first place. Warmia, with it assortment of old castles and worship places is, historically speaking, a most interesting region.
The bathing conditions in the region are excellent. Main tourist resorts are those of Giżycko, Mikołajki and Węgorzewo. Giżycko is situated in picturesque surroundings on the isthmus separating lakes Niegocin and Kisajno. Here is the meeting place of water sports enthusiasts, and in winter, of ice boating lovers if the lakes are sufficiently frozen. Mikołajki is located between the Śniardwy and Tałty Lakes. There is a large marina here with many hotels, pensions, bungalows, camping sites, restaurants, cafés and shops. The Łuknajno Lake situated nearby is the largest European reserve of mute swan. In Mikołajki there is also a Museum of Reformation.