the wandering spot

During yearly visits to Poland Piotr explores new regions with his family. This year easy going trip took him to many interesting places: old castles (Teutonic Knights) and basilicas with history going back to XIII century, Elbląg Canal, summer sailing vacation villages, largest lake in Poland (Śniardwy), Popielno Konik stud.

We learned that the old buildings went through many destruction-reconstruction-adaptation cycles. Some old stone-and brick-work remains, but their interiors were often destroyed or looted. Present day appearance gives a good idea of medieval architecture and how they looked over the years.

More than 1300 km and 20 hours of driving often on small and winding local roads. We stayed in small hotels: two nights in Elbląg and two nights in Mikołajki. Tried several restaurants serving polish food (restaurant food has become quite expensive). Weather was mostly dry, but unseasonably cold. There were surprisingly few tourists in most places.

Itinerary

May	6	Wed		Poznań – Kwidzyń Castle – Sztum Castle – Malbork Castle – Elbląg
	7	Thu		Elbląg – Buczyniec Elbląg Canal – Bażantarnia Park – Tolkmicko Port – Elbląg
	8	Fri		Elbląg – Frombork Basilica and Kopernik Residence– Lidzbark Warmiński Castle Museum – Mikołajki
	9	Sat		Mikołajki – Guzianka Lock Popielno Konik Stud – and Port – Mrągowo – Święta Lipka Sanctuary– Reszel Castle – Kętrzyn Castle – Ryn Castle Hotel – Mikołajki
	10	Sun		Mikołajki – Elbląg Canal Ostróda Lock– Poznań