Welcome to my travel blog! Today, I’m taking you on an extraordinary journey to a place often primarily associated with low temperatures on the map of Poland – to the picturesque Suwałki region, specifically to its heart, the city of Suwałki. This former capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, nestled in a green bend of the Czarna Hańcza river, between two pearls of Polish nature – Wigry National Park and Suwałki Landscape Park – hides far more than just the reputation of being Poland’s pole of cold. Suwałki is a city with character, capable of enchanting visitors with its Classicist architecture, rich history, and numerous attractions for every traveller. If you’re wondering what to see in Suwałki and its charming surroundings, what’s worth seeing in the Suwałki region and the area around Suwałki, this guide to the tourist attractions of Suwałki and its vicinity is just for you. Suwałki and the surrounding area are truly waiting to be discovered! You’ll find attractions for children, for adults, and also attractions for couples.

Suwałki Old Town: Classicism and the charm of a small city

Walking around Suwałki, you’ll quickly notice that the city stands out from other towns of similar size. Its heart is the Classicist Old Town, whose current shape is largely the result of urban planning from the early 19th century, inspired by the visions of architects such as Piotr Christian Aigner, Antonio Corazzi, Henryk Marconi, and Karol Majerski. These plans, supported by the then Town Hall, led to the creation of harmonious buildings.

The history of this place is long, dating back to the 17th century when the area around Suwałki came under the rule of the Camaldolese hermits. It was within the monastery’s estates, at the junction of important trade routes, that the city began to develop. Although the first document granting town rights by Prior Ildefons was questioned (sounds familiar, doesn’t it?), in 1720, King August II officially approved them with a privilege. The city’s true flourishing occurred in the 19th century when, from 1816, Suwałki became the seat of the Augustów Voivodeship authorities and was the fourth most populous city in the Kingdom of Poland, alongside Warsaw, Łódź, and Lublin.

Unfortunately, the good streak ended after the January Uprising when the Russians bypassed Suwałki on the railway line connecting St. Petersburg and Warsaw. This was a significant blow to the city, but despite this, the Classicist architecture remained, giving it a unique character. Wandering through the streets, you can discover the charm of a small but history-rich city. Isn’t that what we look for in our travels?

A stroll along Chłodna Street: pedestrian zone, Blues Stars Alley, and atmospheric cafes – feel the Suwałki vibe

Chłodna Street is the true pedestrian heart of Suwałki, bustling with life and connecting the oldest part of the city with the 3rd May Constitution Park and the younger part with Maria Konopnicka Square. In fact, it’s here that you’ll feel that famous Suwałki microclimate – thanks to its location in the line of wind, even on hot days, there’s a pleasant coolness. Well, unless the wind isn’t blowing, then it can get hot.

Walking along Chłodna Street is an excellent way to start exploring Suwałki. You’ll find atmospheric cafes where you can stop for coffee or lunch. Chłodna Street is also home to the Blues Stars Alley – a lasting memento of the Suwałki Blues Festival. Plaques with the names of artists who have performed at this musical event are set into the pavement. This proves that Suwałki lives and breathes music and culture, and blues holds an honourable place here. Information about the Suwałki Blues Festival, including artists and past editions’ programmes, can be found in many places.

Classicist architecture: town hall, guardhouse, and tenement houses – the city’s elegant heart

Classicist architecture predominates in Suwałki, lending the city elegance and cohesion. Essential stops on any sightseeing map are the Classicist buildings in the city centre. The Town Hall, although no longer the seat of the Municipal Office, still impresses with its form. The Guardhouse, formerly quarters for the garrison guard and prisoners, is another example of architecture from the era. It’s worth paying attention to the harmonious tenement houses that line the streets and squares. Historical attractions in Suwałki are numerous and well-preserved.

The most valuable monument in Suwałki is the Co-Cathedral of St. Alexander, a temple from the early 19th century, notable for its two towers (unfortunately, blown up by the Nazis during World War II but rebuilt, thankfully!) and an impressive colonnade on its facade.

Another notable church is the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Suwałki, an impressive building that was originally an Orthodox church, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, built on the site of the former St. Bartholomew’s church. The Tourist Information Centre is located just behind this church; it’s worth popping in for a city map and leaflets. Tourist information in Suwałki is a good starting point for exploring the city’s attractions.

Suwałki cemetery complex: following the traces of multiculturalism – a place that makes you reflect

Suwałki is a city with a rich history and multicultural heritage, best evidenced by the extraordinary Complex of Cemeteries of Seven Denominations, located in Zarzecze. This place evokes deep reflection, bringing together burial grounds of seven different religious and ethnic groups in one area. Visiting this cemetery, you can literally walk in the footsteps of history, getting to know the complexity of the communities that co-created the city over the centuries. Local social activists, associations, churches, and religious unions care for the cemeteries, ensuring the memory of those who rest here is preserved. As a guide friend of mine says: “Every stone here whispers a different story.”

Complex of Seven Denominations Cemeteries: Catholics, Orthodox, Old Believers, Evangelicals, Jews, Muslims – a unique place in Poland

The Complex of Cemeteries of Seven Denominations in Suwałki is a unique place on a Polish scale. Side by side lie the burial grounds of: Catholics (in the largest Roman Catholic cemetery founded in 1820), Orthodox, Old Believers, Evangelicals (both Augsburg Confession, i.e., Lutherans, and Reformed, i.e., Calvinists), Jews, and Muslims. This is a living (although it’s a cemetery, which sounds a bit macabre) example of the history of Suwałki and the entire region, where different cultures and religions intertwined.

Each section has its specific character, and the tombstones and chapels reflect the traditions of the individual communities. It’s worth taking the time to walk through this fascinating complex of cemeteries. (Just remember that the key to the cemetery gate is available at the Town Hall – a minor inconvenience, but worth the effort). A map of the complex is available at the tourist information centre.

History and symbolism: tombstones, chapels, burial grounds – stories written in stone

In the Suwałki cemetery complex, every tombstone tells its story, if only we know how to listen. In the oldest part of the Roman Catholic cemetery stands the Chapel of the Transfiguration – a Neo-Gothic work by architect Karol Majerski, built of red brick and dressed stone. The tombstones in this cemetery are witnesses to bygone centuries.

The Evangelical cemetery holds the graves of Evangelicals who mainly came to these areas from Warmia and Masuria. In the centre of the Orthodox cemetery stands a wooden church dedicated to All Saints, in the Ruthenian-Byzantine style, built in 1891-92, which serves the Orthodox faithful living in the Suwałki region. Beyond the Orthodox cemetery is the cemetery of the Old Believers – a small and conservative religious group that broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church after Patriarch Nikon’s reforms and fled persecution from Russia, settling among other places in the Suwałki region. Suwałki and Wodziłki are important centres for the Old Believers, and the molenna is their place of prayer.

The Jewish cemetery, a large area, was unfortunately destroyed by the Nazi occupier in the years 1940-1945. Until the beginning of World War II, Jews constituted a significant part of Suwałki’s community. Entry to the cemetery is through an iron gate with a Star of David, and a lapidarium commemorates the Jews of Suwałki. The Muslim cemetery is a small area with the graves of Tatars who served as soldiers in the tsarist garrison stationed in Suwałki. All these places symbolise the multiculturalism that shaped this city over the centuries, and its traces are visible to this day.

Tourist trails: discover the charm of the Suwałki region – for active people and adventurers

The Suwałki region is a perfect land for lovers of active leisure. Its hilly, glacier-shaped landscape, full of lakes, rivers, and forests, encourages exploration on foot, by bike, or by kayak. Tourist trails in the Suwałki region are well-marked and lead through the most beautiful corners of the area, offering unforgettable natural and cultural experiences. The tourist attractions of the Suwałki region are diverse and will satisfy everyone.

Suwałki Fairy Tale Trail: in the land of Maria Konopnicka’s tales – for big and small dreamers

Since Suwałki is the birthplace of Maria Konopnicka, author of the well-known fairy tale “About the Dwarves and Orphan Mary”, the region inspired the creators of the Fairy Tale Trail in the Suwałki region. This unique route leads through picturesque corners of the region – the Czarna Hańcza, Rospuda, and Szeszupa valleys – and refers to the works of this famous daughter of Suwałki. Interestingly, along the trail, you’ll find stops that are also “Fairy Tale Villages,” dedicated to relaxation, education, and recreation. The trail offers attractions for children in the Suwałki region, engaging the whole family.

Stops include, among others:

• Dwarves’ Corner in Suwałki (next to the Maria Konopnicka Museum)
• Village of Happy Wanderers in Nowa Wieś
• Village of Forest Gifts in Kopiec
• Village of Two Masters in Puńsk
• Village of Forgotten Warriors in Bakałarzewo
• Adventure Valley on the Szeszupa in Rutka-Tartak (a village with a nature-education playground)
• Town of Secret Streets in Sejny

Exploring the trail is made easier by special Wanderer Cards – great stuff, especially for families!

Dwarf Trail: searching for magic figurines – a city game for the whole family

For families with children, Suwałki has prepared a special attraction – the city Dwarf Trail, also named after Maria Konopnicka. Walking around the city, you can have fun searching for ten bronze sculptures of dwarves, characters from the fairy tale “About the Dwarves and Orphan Mary”. It’s a great way to explore the city in a cheerful atmosphere, and frankly, it’s quite fun for adults too. The dwarf figurines are attractions for children in Suwałki that engage and entertain.

The dwarf figurines are located at various points in Suwałki. For example, Pietrzyk stands by the Aquapark (Jana Pawła II Street), Modraczek by the SOK (Suwałki Culture Centre, Jana Pawła II Street), Koszałek Opałek opposite one of the department stores, King Błystek and Kocie Oczko in Maria Konopnicka Square, Podziomek on Chłodna Street, Sikorek in the 3rd May Constitution Park, Pakuła and Mikuła by the museum, and Żagiewka at the football stadium. Searching for these magical characters is fun for both the youngest and for adults who remember the fairy tales from childhood. In fact, it’s a bit like geocaching, but for dwarves!

Museums and galleries: history, art, and culture – delving into Suwałki’s identity

Suwałki is not just beautiful landscapes and scenery but also places where you can delve into the history and culture of the region. The city has several interesting museums and galleries that allow a better understanding of the Suwałki region’s identity and appreciation of local art and heritage. Attractions in Suwałki in this category are well worth seeing. If you’re ready for a solid dose of historical knowledge, this place is for you. Where can you find information about events in Suwałki? It’s worth checking the city’s events calendar.

District Museum: a journey through the ages of the Suwałki region – from the Yotvingians to modern times

An essential stop for anyone who wants to learn about the history of the Suwałki region is the District Museum in Suwałki, located in the former Citizens’ Resource Centre (Resursa Obywatelska) on Kościuszki Street. The museum presents a rich exhibition on the history of the region, dating back to the Stone Age, through the times of the Yotvingians (a mysterious Baltic people who inhabited the lands of the former Yatvyngia), up to the communist era.

Here you can see artefacts found in excavations, including from the Yotvingian burial ground located in Suwałki Switzerland (podsuwalska Szwajcaria – a local nickname for a hilly area near Suwałki). The District Museum illuminates the history of the city and its surroundings, telling of times of prosperity, the decline after the January Uprising, the struggles between Poles and Lithuanians at the beginning of the 20th century (it’s worth remembering the Sejny Uprising, in which the Poles were victorious, after which the Lithuanians withdrew to the Foch Line drawn by European powers, and Polish-Lithuanian struggles ended in 1920), the horror of World War II, and the difficult period of communism after 1944. But the Museum also has a rich collection of works by Alfred Wierusz Kowalski, a famous painter born in Suwałki. In front of the building stands an obelisk by Rafał Strumiłło, commemorating Knut Olof Falk, a Swedish researcher of the Suwałki region. The District Museum also organises regular events, such as historical shows, the Yotvingian Archaeological Festival “Szwajcaria”, and the Cavalry Picnic. It’s a vibrant cultural spot, which I personally really like. Information about the District Museum and its collections is widely available.

Maria Konopnicka Museum: in the home of the famous poet – feel the atmosphere of the era

At 31 Kościuszki Street in Suwałki is the Maria Konopnicka Museum, a branch of the District Museum. This is the house where Maria Konopnicka, one of the most outstanding Polish writers and poets, author of numerous short stories and novellas for children and adults, was born in 1842. Visiting this place, you can travel back in time and feel the atmosphere of the era in which the artist lived and created. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know the life and work of this famous daughter of Suwałki, Maria Konopnicka. The Maria Konopnicka Museum was established in her honour and is part of the Suwałki Fairy Tale Trail – everything connects beautifully.

Gallery of a Single Painting: modern art in the city’s heart – an intimate encounter with art

For lovers of contemporary art, Suwałki offers the Gallery of a Single Painting. This small but intriguing space is housed in a little building on the corner of Tadeusz Kościuszki Street and Józef Piłsudski Square. As the name suggests, only one carefully selected painting is always displayed here. It’s a place where you can admire works by both local and foreign artists, in a focused and intimate atmosphere. Art galleries are open to the public. So, it’s an interesting suggestion for those looking for less obvious cultural experiences, and a quick visit won’t take much time.

Active leisure: cycling around the Suwałki region – for two-wheel enthusiasts

Suwałki and the Suwałki region are a true paradise for lovers of active outdoor pursuits. The picturesque landscape, shaped by the glacier, encourages hiking, kayaking, and, particularly popular in the region, cycling trips. Suwałki is an excellent base for exploring the surroundings by bike, which are incredibly rewarding for cyclists. Attractions in Suwałki and the surrounding area offer a lot for active visitors. Although I must admit, sometimes the hills can be a real challenge!

Greenvelo: cycle trail through Podlasie – the eastern cycle trail awaits

The Green Velo Eastern Cycle Trail is one of the biggest attractions for cyclists in Poland, and its Podlasie section runs right through the Suwałki region. Cycling this trail from Suwałki to Białystok, you can see as many as three national parks and pass through part of the Augustów Forest. It’s a route that allows you to discover the extraordinary landscapes of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

But the Suwałki region offers many more cycling routes, no less stunning. Equally beautiful landscapes can be found along the border with Lithuania in the Sejny area (Sejneńszczyzna), around Puńsk and Sejny, the distinctive capitals of Polish Lithuanians. You can also continue the journey along the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast and touch upon the Romincka Forest, reaching Gołdap. Just a dozen or so kilometres separate Suwałki from the most beautiful corners of the Suwałki Landscape Park, which are also worth exploring on two wheels. Experienced cyclists can reach Gołdap from Suwałki “in one go”, fully immersing themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. A map of the Green Velo trail and a map of Suwałki region attractions are available to help plan your trip. But it’s a challenge!

Kayaking trips: Czarna Hańcza and other rivers – adventure on the water

The Suwałki region is famous for its picturesque rivers, perfect for kayaking trips. The longest river in the region, the Czarna Hańcza, known as the Black Ribbon of the Suwałki Region, has its sources in Jegliniszki and flows through Suwałki and Lake Wigry. The Czarna Hańcza is primarily associated with wild, multi-day trips, but even on shorter sections, it provides unforgettable experiences.

In Suwałki, elegant boulevards have been built along the Czarna Hańcza, providing a pleasant place for walks and relaxation by the water. Access to the boulevards is from Mickiewicza Street and 24 Sierpnia Street. The boulevards are close to the Maria Konopnicka Museum and the Arkadia Reservoir. Besides the Czarna Hańcza, other rivers in the region, such as the Marycha or Rospuda, are also suitable for kayaking trips. Discovering the Suwałki region from a kayak’s perspective is an experience that allows you to commune with wild nature and silence. Frankly, there’s no better way to reset.

Nature of the Suwałki region: lakes, parks, and forests – a land shaped by a glacier

Nature is undoubtedly the greatest treasure of the Suwałki region. It’s a land that owes its unique character to the last glaciation, which shaped the hilly landscape, numerous lakes, and valleys. True natural wonders have settled around Suwałki, delighting visitors in every season. The Suwałki region has an interesting topography and is called the Polish pole of cold due to low winter temperatures, but in summer, it tempts with sun and greenery. Suwałki and the Suwałki region also offer attractions in winter. Nevertheless, winter can be truly severe!

Wigry National Park: Lake Wigry and wild nature – a gem of the region

A jewel of the Suwałki area is Wigry National Park, established in 1989, one of the largest in Poland. It is characterised by numerous water bodies – there are over 40 natural lakes within its area, and the heart of the park is the vast Lake Wigry, one of the most famous Polish lakes. Lake Wigry and other Suwałki lakes create a unique landscape. Lake Wigry lies within the boundaries of Wigry National Park, and a green trail leads around it. On the peninsula of the lake, the Camaldolese monastery in Wigry rises, a historic complex that adds a picturesque character to the place.

The park protects a wealth of flora and fauna, with special protection given to the beaver population and fish species such as vendace, whitefish, pike, and trout. Educational trails with different themes have been marked out in the park (e.g., “Forest”, “Suchary”, “Amphibians”, “Lakes”, and “Forest”), allowing visitors to learn about its nature. Could you imagine a better place for contact with nature?

Suwałki Landscape Park: eskers, kames, and moraines – a geological wonder of Poland

To the north of Suwałki stretches the Suwałki Landscape Park, the oldest landscape park in Poland, established in 1976. It is located in an area that once encompassed the Szeszupa valley and the areas next to Lake Hańcza. Its landscape is a land of hills, mounds, valleys, and glacial channels. The Suwałki Landscape Park is characterised by unique post-glacial forms, such as eskers (long, narrow, winding ridges), kames (conical hills), and moraines (hills formed from material carried by the glacier).

Here you can admire vast fields and meadows, scattered erratic boulders. And it is thanks to “Mr Glacier” that we have so many hills here and the 108.5-metre-deep Lake Hańcza, the deepest in Poland, surrounded by the park’s areas. The Suwałki Landscape Park even won the title of “Seventh Wonder of Poland” in a plebiscite by a geographical organisation. It’s worth seeing attractions in the Suwałki Landscape Park such as Castle Hill (associated with the history of the Yotvingians), Rutka Nature Reserve, Cisowa Hill (an excellent viewpoint), or the Bachanowo Erratic Boulder Field on the Czarna Hańcza. An absolutely unique place.

Augustów Forest: mysterious woodland – wild thickets right next door

Although its heart beats around Augustów, part of the Augustów Forest is also located in the Suwałki region, extending across Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus. This vast forest complex hides many secrets and wild corners, making it an ideal place for long walks among the trees. It’s worth visiting the Rospuda Valley, a bog of unique natural value, home to rare plant species such as slender sedge, globular sedge, or helmet orchid. Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead through the Augustów Forest. And the Wigry Narrow-Gauge Railway runs through it, operating along Lake Wigry, providing unforgettable experiences. A bit like stepping back in time.

Culture and entertainment: festivals, concerts, and events – Suwałki is alive with art and music

Suwałki, as the capital of the Suwałki region, is not just history and nature, but also a vibrant cultural centre. Throughout the year, numerous events take place in the city and its surroundings, attracting tourists and residents. Suwałki offers a variety of attractions and entertainment. It’s worth checking the events calendar before you arrive, as there’s always something interesting happening (though, of course, not always exactly what you fancy). Where can you find information about events in Suwałki? Official city websites and culture centres are good sources.

Suwałki Blues Festival: a musical celebration – Europe’s blues capital in July

The largest and most famous cultural event in Suwałki is the Suwałki Blues Festival. It’s the biggest open-air blues festival in Poland, held every year in July. Blues fans from all over Poland and the world flock to this musical celebration to listen to both Polish stars and artists from abroad. For a few days, the city transforms into the capital of blues, with concerts and jam sessions taking place on outdoor stages and in clubs. The programme for Suwałki Blues Festival 2024 was incredibly rich, presenting numerous line-ups of performers. Information about tickets for the 2024 festival was available in advance. It’s worth seeing photos from previous editions, e.g., from Suwałki Blues Festival 2023. One of the venues where concerts took place was Rozmarino Suwałki Blues Festival 2024. Suwalki Blues Festival – Poland attracts crowds of fans.

The memory of the festival is cultivated by the Blues Stars Alley on Chłodna Street. It’s worth following information about upcoming editions, e.g., Suwałki Blues Festival 2025, as it’s an event not to be missed if you love blues.

Recurring events: Teatr-Akcje and Źródliska – more than just blues

The Suwałki Culture Centre and the Town Hall are responsible for organising many other recurring events that enrich the city’s cultural offering. It’s worth mentioning Teatr-Akcje, a festival of street and outdoor theatre that animates the city space. Another interesting event is Źródliska, presenting the richness of traditional and folk music. Larger concerts and cultural events often take place in the modern Suwałki Arena. The city also has local pubs and music clubs, like those where Polish stars and local artists showcase their talents, providing entertainment in the evenings after a full day of sightseeing. So, there’s plenty to do!

Gastronomy in Suwałki: flavours of the region and beyond – a culinary journey through cultures

Every journey is also about discovering new flavours, and the Suwałki region, with its multicultural history, has a lot to offer in this field. In Suwałki, you’ll find places where you can try traditional regional dishes, as well as discover the influences of the cuisines of national minorities who co-created this region over centuries. Ready for a culinary adventure?

Tatar cuisine: traditional dishes – flavours from the East

The influences of Tatar culture are visible in the Suwałki region, especially around Kruszyniany, considered the Tatar capital of Poland. In Suwałki, you can also try authentic Tatar delicacies. There’s a well-known restaurant serving Tatar dishes, located by the Arkadia Reservoir, whose owner, Mr Alik, comes from Kruszyniany in Podlasie. It’s worth ordering a “Tatar platter” to try a variety of characteristic Tatar dishes. It’s a culinary journey that perfectly complements learning about the region’s history, and it’s simply delicious!

Local breweries and pubs – where to relax after a day of sightseeing?

After a day full of experiences, it’s worth relaxing in one of Suwałki’s establishments. The city boasts a craft brewery that produces its own beers, including the dark beer “Jaćwing”. Visiting such a place is an excellent opportunity to try local brews and feel the city’s atmosphere, and that’s what travel is all about, isn’t it? Numerous pubs in Suwałki offer a wide selection of beers and other drinks, and often organise concerts and cultural events, which we mentioned earlier. These are ideal places for evening meetings and sharing travel impressions, which in my opinion, is just as important as the sightseeing itself. Suwałki’s attractions in the form of nightlife and entertainment are also worth noting.

The Suwałki Region: more than just Suwałki – discover the whole area

Although Suwałki is the heart of the region and a great base, the Suwałki region is a much wider area, full of attractive towns and places worth visiting. The Suwałki region stretches across Poland (mainly in the Podlasie Voivodeship), Lithuania, and Belarus. Exploring the area around Suwałki, you have the chance to experience diverse landscapes and unique cultures. The Suwałki region offers not only attractions but also varied accommodation, including numerous agritourism options (farm stays). The Suwałki region is a true treasure trove of tourist attractions in the Suwałki region and Podlasie. Wondering what to see in the Suwałki region beyond the city itself? A map of the Suwałki region will help you plan your trip. It’s worth getting a map of the Suwałki region and a map of the city of Suwałki. Attractions in the Suwałki region in winter can also be captivating. In fact, travelling around the region is an adventure in itself.

Augustów: city by the lakes and the Augustów Canal – Podlasie’s water attractions

Not far from Suwałki is Augustów, a beautiful city situated between lakes, which became the subject of Maria Koterbska’s song “Augustowskie Noce” and also appeared in Janusz Laskowski’s song “Beata z Albatrosa” (there’s even a statue of Beata in front of the “Albatros” club). Augustów is a popular holiday destination due to its location by lakes (including Sajno, Niecko, Białe Augustowskie, Studzieniczne). The main attraction here is the Augustów Canal, which connects the Narew tributary and the Biebrza with the Niemen river. It was built in the first half of the 19th century to bypass Prussian customs chambers and enable the transport of grain to Gdańsk. The canal includes, among others, the lock in Przewięź. The rest of the Augustów Canal is currently within the borders of Belarus. In Augustów and the surrounding area, you can take boat trips, admire Beata’s bench, the “Radio Three” Pier, St. Onuphrius’ Hermitage, or simply relax on the city beach.

Puńsk: capital of Polish Lithuanians – feel the Lithuanian atmosphere in Poland

Puńsk, located about 30 km from Suwałki, is an extraordinary place called the capital of Lithuanians in Poland. The majority of residents are Lithuanians, and the minority are Poles. Bilingual street names, shops with Lithuanian products, and above all, the nurturing of Lithuanian culture and language make Puńsk a place with a unique character. It’s worth visiting the Ethnographic Museum or the Lithuanian Village Skansen (open-air museum) with traditional farmsteads. The Neo-Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also an interesting monument. Puńsk is also one of the stops on the Suwałki Fairy Tale Trail – another place worth seeing in the Suwałki region.

Suwałki: memories and impressions after the trip – why is it worth coming here?

Suwałki and the surrounding Suwałki region is a region that can surprise and enchant. After visiting the capital of Poland’s pole of cold, many memories and impressions remain. From walks along the Classicist Chłodna Street, through discovering multiculturalism at the Complex of Seven Denominations Cemeteries, to searching for Maria Konopnicka’s dwarves and admiring Suwałki’s murals commemorating local figures and events – the city offers a wealth of experiences. The tourist attractions of Suwałki and its surroundings are truly diverse. Suwałki and the surrounding area offer tourist attractions for children, including the Dwarf Trail.

It’s worth seeing the murals in Suwałki dedicated to famous people from Suwałki, such as Aleksandra Piłsudska (commemorated at the intersection of Kościuszki and Dwernickiego Streets) or Alfred Wierusz-Kowalski (mural on Wierusza-Kowalskiego Street), as well as fairy tale characters (Reksio mural on Emilii Plater Street, a girl mural on Noniewicza Street, “Sunny Suwałki” and “Forest Creatures” murals on Teofila Noniewicza Street). You’ll also find the Suwałki Blues Festival mural (on Noniewicza Street), a mural commemorating Marian Piekarski nom de guerre “Ryś” (on Kościuszki Street 97), and a patriotic mural “Suwałki for Independence” (on 24 Sierpnia Street). The history of Yatvyngia and the activities of the Camaldolese order, which you’ll learn about at the District Museum, including discoveries from Castle Hill in Szurpiły, shed new light on the region’s beginnings.

It’s pleasing that the City of Suwałki cherishes the memory of its famous residents and creators, such as Maria Konopnicka (her museum and Dwarf Corner), Andrzej Wajda, Alfred Wierusz Kowalski, Lechosław Marszałek (creator of Reksio, whose mural you’ll also find in the city), Leszek Aleksander Moczulski, and Edward Szczepanik. Even Lake Hańcza and the landscape of the Suwałki Landscape Park, shaped by the glacier, leave an indelible impression. The city of Suwałki is an excellent base for discovering the beauty of the entire Suwałki region, its lakes, landscape and national parks (Wigry National Park, Suwałki Landscape Park, a fragment of Biebrza National Park), forests (Augustów, Romincka), rivers (Czarna Hańcza, Rospuda, Szeszupa), and lesser-known attractions, such as the viaducts in Stańczyki (built in 1917–1918, resembling Roman aqueducts) or the remnants of the Molotov Line (Soviet fortifications from 1939). At the end of the day, you can relax by the Arkadia Reservoir, a blue eye in the bend of the Czarna Hańcza, with an island and water birds, close to the city centre, or sample Tatar delicacies in the restaurant by the water, whose owner, Alik, comes from Kruszyniany. Suwałki invites you, and I guarantee you won’t regret this discovery, I certainly don’t regret it one bit! We invite you to Suwałki and the Suwałki region!