Discover Gawrych-Ruda: Nature Trails and History

• Each of the two beach piers has a “Tropy zwierząt” (Animal Tracks) nature trail, with animal tracks set into the planks; the piers were completed in 2022.
• The “Jeziora” (Lakes) nature trail is in the nearby area and covers nature, lake and art topics.
• According to its route description, “Wokół Wigier” climbs up to the church in Gawrych Ruda; another cycling route is described in the nearby area.
• In 1668, the Ruda na Hrudzie ironworks belonged to the Suchocki family; in 2005, an obelisk was unveiled in honour of Pope John Paul II.

Each of the two beach piers has the “Tropy zwierząt” (Animal Tracks) nature trail. The tracks set into the planks give each pier a distinct theme: one features a grey heron, a swan and a mallard, while the other shows a wolf, a beaver and a Eurasian otter from Wigry National Park. The displays range from bird tracks to those of mammals and are integrated into the piers.

Nearby, the “Jeziora” (Lakes) nature trail offers a broader mix of nature and educational topics. Visitors can learn about forest and bog habitats, discover the history of Lake Wigry and differences between lake types, and observe cormorants and other birds. The trail also features lichens, local plant and animal species, and sculptures from an international art symposium. Unlike the specific animal tracks on the piers, this trail brings together habitats, lake-related topics and art.

According to the route description, after it was converted into a cycling route in 2020, “Wokół Wigier” climbs the hill in Gawrych Ruda up to the church, where it turns towards Bryzgiel.

The “Do Gawrych Rudy przez dolinę Czarnej Hańczy” cycling route is in the nearby area. After a small beach and a landing stage, it heads downhill to the left onto an unpaved road. It then runs close to the lakeshore between holiday resorts and summer houses; from there, views open up over Lake Wigry and the opposite shore. Check the route conditions before setting out.

One specific link to the area's earlier history is the Ruda na Hrudzie ironworks (Gawrych Ruda). In 1668, it belonged to the Suchocki family of ironmasters, who came from Masovia.

Another historical landmark is the obelisk near the Church of St Maximilian Maria Kolbe. It was unveiled on 16 October 2005 in honour of Pope John Paul II, on the 27th anniversary of his pontificate. The ironworks is part of the area's ironworking history; the obelisk commemorates Pope John Paul II.

For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between places in Gawrych-Ruda and attractions in the nearby area. The beach piers are in the village, and the “Wokół Wigier” climb also leads up to the church there. “Jeziora” and the “Do Gawrych Rudy przez dolinę Czarnej Hańczy” cycling route are located in the nearby area. If a particular visit is a deciding factor in your choice, check the hotel's location in relation to that destination and plan your route accordingly.

For your travel planning, you can also compare information about Raczki, Bród Stary, Kaletnik and Jalowo. If you would like to explore more destinations, also find out about Burniszki, Suwałki, Bakaniuk and Smolniki.

Which animal tracks are shown on the beach piers?

One nature trail shows a grey heron, a swan and a mallard; the other shows a wolf, a beaver and a Eurasian otter from Wigry National Park.

Which cycling route leads up to the church?

The description of “Wokół Wigier” says that it climbs the hill in Gawrych Ruda up to the church and then continues towards Bryzgiel.

When was the obelisk unveiled?

The obelisk near the Church of St Maximilian Maria Kolbe was unveiled on 16 October 2005, on the 27th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's pontificate.

For the broader travel overview: Suwalski.