Kuty on Lake Czarna Kuta

Kuty lies on Lake Czarna Kuta, on the border between the East Masurian Lake District and the Great Masurian Lakes region. The village is also located in the Kraina Wielkich Jezior landscape protection area and within a Natura 2000 area. The smaller lakes Głęboka Kuta, Wilkus, Brząs, Biała Kuta, Mszar (Kacze), Krzywa Kuta, Piłackie, Smolak, Piecek, Pozezdrze, and Rominty lie in the area around Kuty. For geographical clarity, it is helpful to distinguish between them: Czarna Kuta is the lake by the village, while the other lakes listed are nearby.

Church History and Historical Traces

The church in Kuty was first mentioned in 1567 and was Lutheran at the time. It was destroyed in the second half of the 17th century and rebuilt in 1887. The Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Kuty was burned down in 1945 and rebuilt in 1973–1974. The dates therefore range from an early mention to a reconstruction in the second half of the 20th century, marking several historical turning points.

The Church of St. Maximilian Kolbe contains a Baroque sculpture of the Madonna and Child. The church in Kuty also has a Gothic crucifix dating from the 15th century. Baroque and Gothic refer to different art-historical classifications; the crucifix also has a specific date. The church also has lamps decorated with the horns of animals killed by local hunters, who donated them. There is also a former Evangelical cemetery in Kuty.

Historic Walk and Cycling Route

Before the First World War, Mieczysław Orłowicz described a walk from the church in Kuty to Lake Wilkus and then on to a mill in a picturesque setting. The route passed through Przerwanki and by Lake Gołdopiwo, continued through the forest to Jakunówko, and returned to Kuty along the main road. The route described before the First World War also included a beautiful view of Lake Krzywa Kuta, surrounded by forest. Do not assume without checking that this historic walk is a route available today.

A separate route listing describes the 102-kilometre “Szlakiem mazurskich legend i opowieści” cycling route, which passes through Kuty. The two descriptions differ in timeframe and scale: one is a walk described before the First World War, while the other is a cycling route with a stated length. If you plan to ride the cycling route, check its current condition first.

Legends in Kuty

At the legends trail stops in Kuty, visitors can learn, among other things, the legend of Mateusz and Celestyn Myślęta, the story of a sunken bell, and tales about the Queen and Prince of Kut. Alongside the church building and historical works of art, local stories offer another distinct way to explore the village.

Discover more destinations: Wesołowo, Ogonki, Pawłowo, Pozezdrze, Kolonia Rybacka, Harsz, Trygort, Węgorzewo

Go to the main travel overview: Węgorzewski.