WarmiaMasuria

WarmiaMasuria, also known as the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, is a province in northern Poland. Its capital and largest city is Olsztyn. The name reflects two historic regions, Warmia (Ermland) and Masuria (Masuren), whose cultural heritage shapes the area’s identity. The voivodeship was created in 1999 during Poland’s administrative reform by combining several former units.

Geography and environment are defining features. The region sits in the northern part of the country and is renowned for the Masurian Lake District, which contains thousands of lakes and extensive forests. This landscape supports a thriving tourism sector focused on boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and cycling. The area is dotted with historic towns and natural parks, including sites along the lake-rich hinterland that attract visitors year-round. The coastline along the Vistula Lagoon and Baltic influences adds maritime aspects to the regional character.

Economy and society are diversified. Tourism is a major economic driver, leveraging lake culture, nature reserves, and historical sites. Forestry and agriculture also contribute, along with light industry and services in urban centers. The population is around 1.4 million, concentrated in the cities of Olsztyn, Giżycko, Ełk, Mrągowo, Ostróda, and surrounding municipalities. The region has a mixed architectural heritage reflecting its complex history, with Gothic churches, castles, and Lutheran influences that echo its German-Polish past.

Notable places include Olsztyn’s medieval castle, Frombork Cathedral linked to Nicolaus Copernicus, and the broader network of lakes and waterways that define WarmiaMasuria as a premier central-northern Polish destination for outdoor recreation and heritage tourism.