Warmia and Mazury – historically these are two regions in the north-east of Poland, one of the most attractive tourist and cultural destinations in the country.

The area of voivodeship is 24 thousand km², which is 7,7% of the total area of Poland. It is the fourth in row when it comes to the area. The northern part borders with Kaliningrad District of Russian Federation. Therefore, there are 8 border checkpoints: road ones in Bezledy, Gronowo, Gołdap, rail ones in Braniewo, Bartoszyce, Skandawa, and sea ones in Elbląg and Frombork.

The region is inhabited by 1,4 mln people, which constitutes  3,8 % of Polish population. A small number of inhabitants combined with a vast area result in a low population density, twice smaller than the country average. The landscape is diverse, with many lakes, forests,  numerous natural reserves and rich historic heritage. It is called ‘A land of thousand lakes’ however in reality there are many more app.2000 of the area bigger than 1 ha. Among these there is the biggest one in Poland – Śniardwy lake with beautiful little tourist towns and villages  Mikołajki, Giżycko, Węgorzewo, Ruciane –Nida or Stare Jabłonki. One of the greatest attractions of the region is an interesting system of lakes and rivers creating many-kilometers long water routes e.g. Ostróda-Elbląg Canal, Canoeing Route along Krutynia River, Great Masurian Lake Route.

The attractiveness of the region is furthermore increased by the values of nature, which are  unique in Europe. Those who love nature can admire beauty of the landscape during tourist hikes. There are large forested complexes, including Piska Forest, Borecka Forest and partly Romnicka Forest.

Warmia and Mazury is a paradise for canoeists who can use numerous attractive canoe routes on Krutynia, Ukta or Wel rivers. In wintertime skiers can develop their skills among picturesque landscapes on slopes in Gołdap, Mrągowo or Kartasiówka in Ruś near Olsztyn.

The region may also pride itself on many historic monuments. There are many well-preserved Teutonic Knights’ castles – in Olsztyn, Nidzica and Lidzbark Warmiński, among others. Some castles have been adapted to hotels –Ryn Castle Hotel in Ryn or Krasicki Hotel in Lidzbark Warmiński. There are also many Gothic churches (e.g. in Frombork) or other beautiful sacral monuments, e.g. Sanctuaries in Święta Lipka or Gietrzwałd.
Mikołaj Kopernik, the greatest Polish astronomer, was associated with the region – he lived here for almost 40 years. Ignacy Krasicki, Warmia bishop and well-known Polish writer, worked and lived in Lidzbark Warmiński.
Visitors interested in relaxing or using offers of numerous SPA resorts have a wide variety of choices; they can rest actively or enjoy total leisure in beautiful Wzgórza Dylewskie SPA, Pacółtowo Palace SPA and stables, Młyn Klekotki Hotel or many other enchanting places.

About the University

University of Warmia and Mazury is the only state university in the region. It is the biggest educational institution and provides the widest educational offer. There is also a branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences in the region and Police Academy in Szczytno. More information about the University can be found on this site http://www.uwm.edu.pl/en
A map of the University campus http://www.uwm.edu.pl/uniwersytet/mapa-kortowa