Lyck: by the lake, on the trails and aboard the narrow-gauge railway

Lyck (Ełk) can be explored through a range of experiences: by Lake Ełk, along various routes and aboard the tourist narrow-gauge railway. There is also an educational park and historic architecture in the city centre. You can plan your time around different interests – from activities on the water to longer routes.

Lakeside paths and activities on Lake Ełk

The nearly 7 km-long promenade along Lake Ełk is a walking and cycling path that can also be used for inline skating. There are two swimming beaches directly alongside the promenade. The lakeshore therefore offers various ways to get around on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates, with the beaches adding to the range of activities by the water.

The lake, located in the centre of Ełk, offers opportunities for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. Providers and specific availability may change, so check current offers before making plans. The climbing park is also located directly on the lakeshore. It has three courses of varying difficulty, adapted to the age of users. The lakeside paths and courses offer different kinds of activities, so you are not limited to just one option.

Getting around by train or along the routes

The Ełk narrow-gauge railway currently offers tourist passenger services on trains hauled by a diesel locomotive. The route runs from Ełk to Sypitki and back; trains run according to a timetable or by request. If you would like to include a ride in your plans, check the timetable or booking options in advance.

Ełk railway station and bus station are right next to each other. The railway station is at 16 Dąbrowskiego Street, and the bus station is at number 1. National roads 16 and 65 pass through Ełk; the city is also served by railway lines 38, 41, 219 and 223.

There are several named cycling and hiking routes to choose from, with different lengths. The blue “Morenowe Wzgórza” (Morainic Hills) Trail is 30 km long and runs from Ełk via Straduny, Piaski, Malinówka, Królowa Wola, Czerwonka and Grabnik to Chrzanowo and back to Ełk. The Michał Kajka Trail also starts in Ełk and runs 37 km to Skomack Wielki. The 19 km Tatar Trail runs from Ełk via Szyba, Tatar Hill, Chochołki and Ostrykół to Prostki and Bogusze.

Another option is the 15 km MTB Trail of Ełk County. It runs through the area around Tatar Hill and Tatar Lake along the Ełk–Wiśniowo Ełckie route. The routes range from 15 km for the MTB Trail, to 19 km for the Tatar Trail and 30 km for “Morenowe Wzgórza”, up to 37 km for the Michał Kajka Trail. The individual sections of the Papal Trail can be covered year-round on foot or by bicycle, and in winter on skis.

City history and places to learn

The Papal Trail begins at the place where Saint John Paul II celebrated the Eucharist on 8 June 1999. This historic connection gives the route its own cultural significance. The city centre is also home to a complex of 19th-century tenement houses with Art Nouveau and eclectic elements – offering a different perspective on Lyck from the lake’s paths and activities.

Kopernika Park is on ul. Wojska Polskiego, near the mouth of the Ełk River. Its design is based on a planetary system; the educational park introduces children and young people to astronomy and physics through play. Together with the climbing park, it offers young visitors a place to learn, while giving them a different kind of experience.

If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Lyck, you can plan around these different interests: the lakeshore and water sports, a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, city history or routes with specified distances.

Discover more destinations:

Chrzanowo, Sajzy, Lepaki Wielkie, Szeligi, Kalinowo, Zdunki, Laśmiady, Rękusy, Straduny, Bajtkowo, Gorlo, Miluki, Mrozy Wielkie, Ruska Wies, Sikory Juskie, Woszczele, Stare Juchy, Golubie, Bartosze, Małkinie, Bogusze, Ełk, Nowa Wieś Ełcka, Guty Rożyńskie, Zawady Ełckie, Orzechowo, Regiel

Go to the main travel overview: Warmia-Masuria.