Our tour of Gizycko's sights begins with the town's most impressive attraction - the Boyen Fortress. This 19th-century fortification, named after Prussian general Hermann von Boyen, is a true gem of military architecture and one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in Poland.

Boyen Fortress is located at 1 Turystyczna Street in Gizycko. To reach it, it is best to head from the city center toward Lake Niegocin - the fortress is located on an isthmus between Lakes Niegocin and Kisajno. You can walk from the train station in about 20 minutes or use public transportation.

The facility is open to the public all year round, but opening hours vary depending on the season. In summer (May-September) the fortress is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while in winter (October-April) from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the main entrance - prices range from 15 to 25 zlotys, depending on the tour chosen. Children under the age of 7 enter for free.

Boyen Fortress is the perfect place for a family outing. It offers three tour routes of varying difficulty, allowing you to adapt the tour to the age and abilities of your children. The youngest are sure to enjoy exploring the mysterious corridors and towers. For older children and teenagers, there are interactive expositions presenting the history of the fortress and the daily life of soldiers.

During the tour, it is worth noting the impressive defensive walls that surround the fortress and the preserved barracks buildings. Of particular interest is the Barracks Gallery, where you can see exhibitions on the history of the region. Also not to be missed is the Gunpowder Laboratory, which takes a closer look at the secrets of 19th-century military technology.

For families with children, we recommend taking comfortable shoes, headgear and a supply of water - the tour can last up to several hours. It's also worth getting a flashlight, which will come in handy when exploring the darker corners of the fortress.

Near the Boyen Fortress there are several other points of interest worth visiting. One of them is the Squirrel Rope Park, offering attractions for the whole family. Also nearby is the city beach on Lake Niegocin, ideal for relaxing after sightseeing.

The Boyen Fortress is not only a history lesson, but also hosts a variety of cultural events and historical reenactments. It's worth checking the calendar of events before you arrive - you may be able to catch a fascinating show or workshop for children.

Keep in mind that the Boyen Fortress is a vast site that requires a lot of walking. For those with limited mobility or families with small children, we recommend taking a shorter tour or going on a guided tour that will adjust the pace to suit the group's abilities.

Visiting the Boyen Fortress is an unforgettable adventure that will allow the whole family to travel back in time and feel the atmosphere of a 19th century fortress. It's a place where history comes to life, and every corner hides fascinating stories waiting to be discovered.

Continuing our tour of Gizycko's sights, we can't miss two of the city's landmarks - the historic water tower and the picturesque pier. Both of these places offer not only interesting experiences, but also breathtaking views of the city and surrounding lakes.

The water tower, located at 37 Warszawska Street, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Giżycko. Erected in 1900, this brick structure has been transformed into a tourist attraction in recent years, while retaining its historic character. To reach the tower from the city center, it only takes a 10-minute walk or a short trip on public transportation.

The tower is open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the summer season (May-September) and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during the other months. The entrance ticket costs about 20 zlotys for an adult, children under 7 enter for free. It is worth noting that the facility is fully accessible for the disabled - it has an elevator to reach the observation deck.

Visiting the tower is a fascinating journey through the history of the city. On successive floors there are interactive exhibitions depicting the history of Gizycko and the Mazurian region. Special educational stations have been prepared for children, where they can learn about local culture and nature through play. The biggest attraction, however, is the observation deck at the top of the tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city and surrounding lakes.

After visiting the water tower, it's worth heading to Gizycko's pier, which is located on Kolejowa Street. It's just a 15-minute walk from the tower, during which you can admire the charming streets of the old town.

The Gizycko pier, which is one of the longest on the Polish lakes, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Masurian scenery. Admission to the pier is free and available 24 hours a day. Walking on the wooden pier, you can feel the real atmosphere of a Masurian resort. For children, watching the mooring boats and sailboats will be an additional attraction.

At the end of the pier is the marina of the Mazurian Sailing, from where you can go on a cruise on the surrounding lakes. This is an excellent opportunity to see Gizycko from a completely different perspective. Cruises are organized during the summer season, with prices starting at about 30 PLN per person.

Both by the water tower and in the area around the pier there are many cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local specialties. For families with children, we recommend bringing snacks and drinks - a picnic overlooking Lake Niegocin is an unforgettable experience.

It is worth remembering that the area around the pier and water tower are places where local events and festivals are often held. It's worth checking the calendar of events before you arrive - you may be able to catch an interesting concert or fireworks show on the lake.

For families with small children, we recommend bringing a stroller - walking on the pier and exploring the water tower area can be quite long. It's also worth remembering to wear sunscreen and headgear, especially on sunny days when out in the open space of the pier.

A visit to the water tower and a walk on the pier is a great way to experience Gizycko from different perspectives. These two places not only offer beautiful views, but also allow you to immerse yourself in the history and atmosphere of this charming Masurian city. These are the perfect points to start or end a fun-filled day in Gizycko.

Our tour of Gizycko's sights would not be complete without a visit to the St. Bruno of Kverfurt Cross. This impressive monument, erected on a hill above Lake Niegocin, is not only an important landmark of the city, but also a testament to the rich history and spiritual heritage of the region.

The St. Bruno Cross is located on St. Bruno Street, on the hill known as St. Bruno Hill. To reach it from downtown Gizycko, head south of the city - it's about a 20-minute walk or a short trip on public transportation. Free parking is available for motorized tourists at the foot of the hill.

The site is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, without paying an entrance fee. However, it is worth remembering that it is best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the panorama of the city and Lake Niegocin, which stretches from the hill.

The St. Bruno Cross was erected in 1910 to commemorate the martyrdom of missionary Bruno of Kwerfurt, who died in this area in 1009 while attempting to Christianize the pagan Prussians. The monument is 25 meters high and can be seen from many points in the city, forming a distinctive part of Gizycko's landscape.

For families with children, a visit to St. Bruno's Cross can be not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity for active outdoor activities. Climbing the hill requires some effort, but it is not particularly difficult - even younger children will find it an enjoyable adventure. At the top, a reward awaits in the form of breathtaking views of Lake Niegocin and the city skyline.

It's worth planning your visit so as to hit the sunset - the view from this spot is then particularly picturesque and remains in your memory for a long time. For photography lovers, this is an ideal opportunity to take exceptional photos.

Near the Cross there are benches and picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. It is worth taking snacks and drinks with you, especially on warm days. For children, we recommend bringing binoculars - watching the ships on the lake from this perspective can be a fascinating experience.

St. Bruno's Hill is not only a memorial, but also a popular place for walking and recreation for Gizycko residents. There are walking and biking paths in the area for further exploration of the surroundings. For families with children, we recommend combining a visit to the Cross with a bike ride around Lake Niegocin - bike rentals are available in the city center.

It is worth remembering that St. Bruno Hill is a place of religious and historical significance, so be sure to maintain proper respect and silence during your visit. This is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about the history of the region and the importance of religious tolerance.

For those interested in learning more about the history of St. Bruno and his mission, we recommend a visit to the nearby Gizycko Promotion and Tourist Information Center (2 Genała Józefa Zajączka St.), where additional information and educational materials can be obtained.

St. Bruno's Cross is not only a monument, but also a symbol of the spiritual heritage of Gizycko and the entire Mazurian region. A visit to this place allows you not only to admire the beautiful views, but also to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the area, combining elements of different cultures and traditions. It is an ideal place for reflection and relaxation after a busy city tour, offering a moment of respite and contact with nature in the heart of the Masurian countryside.