Ostróda

Ostróda, also known as Osterode in Westpreußen, is a city located in northeastern Poland. It serves as the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, a region in the northern part of the country. As of the 2011 census, the city's population stands at approximately 31,567 people.

The city's name is derived from the Old Prussian word "astrudas", meaning "people of the river". Ostróda has a long and complex history, with its earliest settlements dating back to the Neolithic era. The city's strategic location on the Guber canal and the Frisches Haff (a shallow body of water connected to the Baltic Sea) made it an important center for trade and commerce during the Middle Ages.

In the 13th century, Ostróda became a significant center of the Teutonic Knights, a German military order that played a major role in the colonization of Prussia. Following the end of the Second World War, Ostróda became part of Poland, and it has since developed into a thriving industrial and cultural center. Today, the city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, scenic parks, and historic monuments.

Ostróda is also an important economic center for the region, with a range of industries including construction, manufacturing, and service sectors. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, including a railway station and a comprehensive network of public transportation. Visitors to Ostróda can explore the city's historic Old Town, featuring a number of reconstructed buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.