Swan lake - Łuknajno

What direction is ideal for an ornithologist trip? It's simple - a reserve with bird habitats. You don't have to travel far abroad to find areas inhabited by various species of birds. Ba! You don't have to go abroad at all.

In Poland, we will find at least a few national parks where the enthusiast of observing bird life will lose track of time. One of such places is the Łuknajno Lake in the Masurian Landscape Park. Despite the fact that it remains in the shadow of famous kin (Mamry, Śniardwy), it fully deserves the attention and attention - not only of ornithology fans. It is worth getting to know them, the more that it is located just a few kilometers from Mikołajki.

When wandering around the reserve, you should stick to strictly designated routes . Visiting in group tours is possible only with the consent of the director of the Park.

Where white-tailed eagles live

The Masurian Landscape Park, where Łuknajno is located, was created in an absolutely magical area - in the Piska Forest . Nature lovers will be captivated by the views they find here. They will see meadows suspended in time and space, shrouded in damp mist, the Krutynia River winding among them, as well as forest lakes telling their own story. During canoeing trips, they can learn about rare species of fauna and flora.

The "Łuknajno Lake" reserve is an invaluable natural place on the map of the Great Masurian Lakes Region. It is known not only in Poland - it is one of the most important refuges for waterfowl in Europe, with particular emphasis on the mute swan. The dignified birds, famous for their faithfulness, have habitats here. In the past, during the moulting period, up to 2 thousand of them came to the lake. pieces, today, unfortunately, the number of long-necked beauties has decreased. The American mink, feeding on their nests, the disappearance of charcoins (food for swans) and, unfortunately, feeding the birds by tourists contributed to this.

In addition to the swans, Łuknajno has numerous species such as mustache, heron, grebe and moose. You can also see coots, marsh and bitterns here. Due to the abundance of fish, the lake is often eaten by white-tailed eagles, cormorants, ospreys and black terns. Ornithologists (both professionals and amateurs) can observe their diving from the fringes of the reserves, where lookout towers stand. Please note that fishing and sailing are not allowed on Łuknajno.

There are also several species of mammals in the reserve, including the raccoon dog, the aquatic grubber (water rat) and the river thistle. The lucky ones can sometimes see the silhouette of a moose.

Łuknajno - biosphere reserve

The shores of the lake are densely overgrown with reed beds, which makes them inaccessible, and the reservoir itself is surrounded by swamps and vast meadows. They are connected with the largest Polish lake, Śniardwy, by a narrow channel 500 meters long.

Since 1983, Łuknajno has been covered by the international RAMSAR convention, which protects wetlands and muddy areas. It is an ornithological nature reserve and a biosphere reserve entered on the list of natural heritage of the world. We can be proud of our national pearl, appreciated by UNESCO.

Night at the reserve - where to stay?

People who would like to find accommodation as close to the reserve as possible can stay at Folwark Łuknajno Gościniec Pod Łabędziem , located on the other side of the canal connecting lakes Łuknajno and Śniardwy. It offers single, double and triple rooms and a studio for 4 people, and there is also a campsite on the premises. You can come here with a dog or a cat (PLN 25 / day).

Guests of the Folwark have access to the observation tower and pier, they can use deckchairs, grill and arrange bonfires. They can also rest by fishing, and if they are successful, the hosts will fry them for dinner. In addition, they can explore the area by bike, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the Lugan forest, take long walks, and listen to stories about the reserve and the Masurian Landscape Park.

For families with children, such a trip is a great opportunity to show children the beauty and richness of nature.