The soul of Poland lives between countless lakes and a varied history awaits discovery. Masuria is also a country where nature is still untouched, natural, multifaceted and full of differences, where relaxation and enjoyment away from city life, hectic and stress are possible.
Masuria is a wonderland
Many lakes, small rivers and canals, huge forests and an incomparable flora and fauna invite you to get to know each other. With its Eastern European climate, cold snowy winters and very hot sunny summers, it offers changing forests and fields all year round. ATARAXIA is the ideal place to start your daily activities.
- Water sports
- Cycling tours
- Photo safaris
- Swimming and bathing,
- Forest bathing
- Picking mushrooms
- Kayaking
- Hikes
- Boat tours
- Snowshoe walking
- Cross-country skiing
- Ice-skating on the lakes
- … and much more
The surrounding cities and towns also offer a variety of shopping trips as well as visits to the museums and old town centers.
The city of Morag is only a few kilometers away from us. It is the birthplace of the famous philosopher Johann Gottfried von Herder. But the city is much older: in the last quarter of the 13th century, the German order of knights presumably took over a Prussian castle, protected on three sides by water and made of wood, on a peninsula of Lake Scherting. Follow the traces of the past of a city that invites you to enjoy the Polish lifestyle with us.
Ostróda is a city in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. During the Battle of Tannenberg in World War I, Hindenburg had its headquarters here in a school. Originating from the Ost-Rock Festiwal, which was held from 2001 to 2003, the annual World Festival of Reggae has been held here since 2004. The Polish reggae scene primarily presents itself there, but foreign bands are always represented in the line-up.
Malbork is the county seat of Powiat Malborski in the Polish Pomeranian Voivodeship, known for the Marienburg (polish: Zamek w Malborku), which is considered the largest work of brick Gothic. From 1309 to 1457 the castle complex was the seat of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order and thus their main house and center of power. Other sights include a neo-Gothic water tower, the station building and a monument to Casimir IV Andreas, called the Jagiellone, who moved into the castle as the new royal seat on 1457 as King of Poland.
In Frombork you can visit the tomb of the famous astronomer Nicholas Copernicus, who lived here until 1543. The city borders on the fresh lagoon on the Baltic Sea.
You will also meet wild storks everywhere in Masuria, because half of all storks in Europe are at home here and greet you with a loud rattling concert.
The city of Olsztyn can even be reached by bike from Ataraxia. A visual and relaxing delight along the lakes and forests. Founded in the middle of the 14th century, the metropolis with the Allenstein Castle and its round tower, the battlements and the striking brick buildings have a real attraction. Here is also the statue of Copernicus, who was born in Olsztyn. Those who like to go out will find the right localities here.
Don’t forget to include a day in Gdansk, because Gdansk is only about ninety minutes from Ataraxia. A wonderful day trip that offers something for every dish.
How about a trip to Elblag, a city that is thousands of years old. Window shopping, and a cozy coffee in one of the street cafes. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, which the Anglo-Saxon traveler Wulfstan mentioned in 890 as a trading center on the Ilfing River, you can find information in the Archaeological Museum. Legend has it that a baker’s boy prevented Elblag from being taken over by the Knights of the Order after 1521. For a souvenir photo, he stands as a statue on a street corner.
Wolf’s Liar (Wolfsschanze) was the code name for a military center of the German Armed Forces’ headquarters. It was one of the Führer’s headquarters during World War II and was located near Rastenburg (now Kętrzyn) near the village of Görlitz (Gierłoż) in East Prussia, today Poland. During the war, the most important decisions of the German war machine were made. Here, the Barbarossa Operation was monitored, and this was where Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg’s bold, albeit unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the life of the Führer took place.
The Polish Baltic Sea coast can also be reached in an hour and a half, where you can relax and return to Ataraxia’s home after a sunny day of swimming.
Joanna will be happy to give you tips and advice on where to go.
Activities in the hotel
In the hotel we offer a variety of activities:
- In-house sauna and jacuzzi
- Aroma room with light
- Small library in four languages (German, Polish, Dutch, English)
- Board games
- Possible for BBQ and campfire on the hotel’s premises
- Retreats for painting, writing and enjoying
Arrival: The journey to Masuria is easy with your own car or via the well-developed bus and train network. There is no direct motorway to Masuria, but there are some expressways. Those who prefer to travel to Ataraxia by plane should fly to Gdansk. The Polish hospitality and the delicious, original food also make Masuria a culinary experience in Poland. GOOGLE MAPS