Augustów

Augustów is a picturesque town located in northeastern Poland, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, full of rich history and tourist attractions. It received its town rights in 1557, and its development was linked to the Augustów Canal, whose construction began in 1825. The town is famous for its beautiful lakes and the Augustów Primeval Forest, making it a popular tourist and spa destination. Augustów is home to numerous historical sites, such as the Augustów Canal, the Old Post Office, the Port Authority building, and many townhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries. In 2010, the town ranked 147th in Poland in terms of population, and by the end of 2017, it had around 30,000 inhabitants. Augustów is also a cultural center, hosting numerous events, music festivals, and sports competitions, such as the Polish Championships in "Swimming on Anything That Floats." It is the seat of the Augustów Cultural Institutions, the Municipal Cultural Center, and the Augustów Land Museum, which showcase the richness of local culture and history. The town cooperates with partner cities in Europe, including Druskininkai in Lithuania and Porto Ceresio in Italy. Interestingly, Augustów lies close to the borders with Lithuania, Belarus, and Russia, making it an important transportation hub. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, Augustów also attracts water sports and sailing enthusiasts, thanks to the availability of equipment and scenic water routes. The spa focuses on treating orthopedic and rheumatic diseases, and its rich peat deposits attract tourists seeking health-related stays.