Ełk

The municipality of Ełk, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, in Ełk County, is an area with a rich demographic and natural structure. The seat of the municipal office is Ełk, which between 1975 and 1998 belonged to the Suwałki Voivodeship. According to data from 2019, the municipality is inhabited by 11,820 people, showing a slow population growth. The municipality covers an area of 378.61 km², dominated by agricultural land (54%) and forests (25%), and its territory constitutes 34.05% of the county's area. In terms of nature conservation, the municipality boasts the Bartosze Beaver Sanctuary Nature Reserve and numerous natural monuments. It also includes Natura 2000 areas – Lake Woszczelskie and the Grasslands of the Ełk Lakeland. Part of it is covered by the Protected Landscape Areas of the Ełk Lakeland and the Orzysz Lakes, which highlights the region's high ecological value. The municipality consists of numerous village districts, such as Bajtkowo, Chrzanowo, and Talusy, as well as smaller localities, including Białojany and Zalesie. Within the municipality, visitors can discover many natural and architectural attractions that draw tourists and nature enthusiasts. Its proximity to municipalities such as Biała Piska, Olecko, and Orzysz ensures that Ełk is well-connected and suited for the development of local cultural and social initiatives. This region, intertwined with a rich history, offers residents and tourists a unique atmosphere and opportunities for active leisure.