Smolany Dąb on Lake Gremzdy

Smolany Dąb lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Gremzdy. A natural monument, blacksmithing and cultural offerings complement its lakeside setting; an asphalt cycling path between Sejny and Suwałki also runs through the village. A local tradition about the village’s name also refers to Lake Gremzdy.

A protected lime tree

A small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) in Smolany Dąb is protected as a natural monument. Its trunk circumference is 490 cm, measured at a height of 1.3 m; the tree is 24 m tall. These measurements describe two different characteristics: the circumference of the trunk at a specified height and the height of the entire lime tree. This distinction makes it possible to tell the circumference figure apart from the tree’s height, rather than reading both as the same kind of measurement.

Local history and tradition

Several buildings made of wood and clay have been preserved, including an old blacksmith’s forge. The First World War soldiers’ cemetery is also part of the village’s historical landscape. It is the resting place of 412 soldiers: 95 members of the German army and 317 of the Russian army. The Russian group is therefore larger than the German one. Smolany Dąb also once had a tar distillery. According to a local tradition, settlers saw a burning oak tree by Lake Gremzdy, took it as a good omen and derived the name Smolany Dąb from it. The story connects the explanation of the name with a specific scene by the lake.

Blacksmithing and culture

At his forge at Smolany-Dąb 10A, Henryk Borowski gives demonstrations of artistic and functional blacksmithing for tour groups and individual visitors. Using traditional blacksmithing techniques, he makes furniture and lamps, railings and gates, as well as signs, logos and advertising lettering. His work thus includes both everyday objects and building components and visual signage.

Teatr Stodolany hosts numerous cultural initiatives, performances, workshops and gatherings on a range of topics. While the blacksmithing demonstrations focus on a specific craft, the theatre’s offerings encompass a variety of cultural formats and subjects.

Cycling path through the village

A 30-kilometre asphalt cycling path between Sejny and Suwałki runs through Smolany Dąb. The stated length refers to the route between the two towns, not just the section within the village. This distinction is useful when planning a route: the section through Smolany Dąb is part of a longer route between two endpoints.

Accommodation in Smolany Dąb

Agroturystyka u Oli in Smolany Dąb has five guest rooms. Each can accommodate two to three people and has its own bathroom. Since room details may change, it is advisable to confirm the current configuration before making a specific booking. Overnight guests can use the private beach and pier on Lake Gremzdy. A telescope is available for observing the night sky, particularly nebulae.

Overnight guests can also use a range of watercraft and boards: a boat, a fishing kayak, six touring kayaks, an Omega-class sailboat, SUP boards and a windsurfing board. The selection includes kayaks for touring and fishing, as well as options for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. Together with the beach and telescope, these are specific guest amenities at Agroturystyka u Oli; consider the room details and amenities as appropriate when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Frącki, Ogrodniki, Dusznica, Oszkinie, Tartaczysko, Sejny, Radziucie, Żubrówka Nowa

Return to the main travel overview: Sejny.