Augustów Travel Guide

Discover Augustów, a charming town in Podlaskie, Poland. Explore natural attractions, outdoor activities, local culture, and delicious cuisine with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Augustów

Nestled in the heart of Podlaskie, Poland, Augustów is a charming, scenic town that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, pristine lakes, and serpentine rivers, Augustów is a popular summer destination, attracting nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts alike.

From hiking and biking to fishing and boating, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Augustów. Additionally, the town boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, monuments, and historical sites to explore. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Augustów is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with lasting memories.

List of Places to Visit in Augustów

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Augustów Canal Museum
  • Augustów Municipal Museum
  • The Ruins of the Augustinian Monastery
  • The Chapel of St. Anna
  • The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • The Monument to Partisans and Soldiers

Natural Attractions of Augustów: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wigry National Park
  • Rajgrodzkie Lake
  • Biebrza National Park
  • Sajno Lake
  • Augustów Primeval Forest
  • Rospuda Valley

Hiking/Biking Routes of Augustów

  • Augustów Primeval Forest Trail
  • Green Velo Eastern Bicycle Route
  • Around Rajgrodzkie Lake Trail
  • Via Podlasica Trail
  • Wigry Bike Trail

Best Things to Do in Augustów: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking on the Augustów Canal
  • Fishing in Rajgrodzkie Lake
  • Sunset boat trips on Netta River
  • Horseback riding in the Augustów Primeval Forest
  • Visit to Wigry Monastery
  • Sightseeing bus tour of the town and its surroundings

Week-Long Itinerary for Augustów

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, check-in, and orientation
Day 2 Hike or bike through Augustów Primeval Forest, visit Pilgrimage Place, and relax in Rajgrodzkie Lake
Day 3 Visit Augustów Canal Museum, take a kayaking tour, and explore the town’s historical sites
Day 4 Discover the Rajgrodzkie Lake, relax on the beach, and try local fish dishes
Day 5 Embark on a scenic boat tour in the evening on Netta River and watch the sunset
Day 6 Horseback ride through the Augustów Primeval Forest and visit Wigry Monastery
Day 7 Departure from Augustów

Food and Drink Scene of Augustów

Must-Try Dishes

  • Zander fillet with asparagus puree
  • Smoked eel served on a bed of regional potatoes
  • Fish soup (zuppa rybna)
  • Kotlet schabowy (Polish pork cutlet)
  • Wild mushroom soup (zupa grzybowa)

Local Beverages

  • Żubrówka vodka with bison grass
  • Beer from Augustowski Brewery
  • Kwaśnica (sour rye soup) with vodka

Where to Stay in Augustów: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Warszawa
  • Sanatorium Uzdrowiskowe Augustów
  • Hotel Polonia
  • Villa Martini
  • Hotel Nad Netta

What to Buy in Augustów: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Regional handicrafts made by local artisans
  • Traditional Polish food products (such as smoked cheeses)
  • Handmade jewelry using pearls from the nearby lakes
  • Local beer or vodka

Local Culture and Customs of Augustów

Augustów is rich in traditional Polish customs and folklore. From local music and dance festivals to crafts and traditional costumes, this culture can be experienced through local festivals, museums, and historical sites.

Best Time to Visit Augustów

The best time to visit Augustów is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, the town is full of life and energy, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, the shoulder season months of April, October, and November can provide a quieter and more serene visit with beautiful fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Augustów

Do:

  • Try traditional Polish cuisine
  • Take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings by hiking, biking, or boating
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Damage or litter in natural areas
  • Assume that everyone speaks English, although many of them do

Safety and Health

Safety in Augustów

Augustów is a generally safe town, with low levels of crime and few safety concerns. However, it is always best to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and guard your belongings while travelling.

Health in Augustów

Augustów has a range of medical facilities and services, including emergency care and pharmacies. It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Augustów: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Augustów

  • Olsztyn-Mazury Airport
  • Kaunas Airport
  • Vilnius Airport

Bus Stations Near Augustów

  • Augustów Bus Station
  • Rajgród Bus Station
  • Białystok Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train (via Białystok)
  • Car rental

How to Get Around in Augustów

The easiest way to get around Augustów is by car, bike, or on foot, though public transportation options are available such as buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Augustów: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Suwałki Landscape Park

Located just 50 km from Augustów, Suwałki Landscape Park is a scenic nature reserve with diverse wildlife and beautiful natural scenery.

Białowieża Forest

Home to the last remaining population of European bison, Białowieża Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 120 km from Augustów.

Conclusion

Augustów is a stunning and charming town that boasts a wealth of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine. From hiking and biking to kayaking and fishing, there is something for everyone in this idyllic Polish town. We hope this guide has helped inspire you to visit Augustów and experience the beauty and richness of this hidden gem in Podlaskie!

Augustów Canal Augustów Canal