Goldap County

Gołdap County, established in 2002 in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, has its seat in Gołdap—a town with a rich history and regional significance. The county borders the Kaliningrad Oblast to the north, Suwałki County to the east, and Olecko, Giżycko, and Węgorzewo Counties on the remaining sides. It comprises both urban-rural and rural municipalities, the largest of which is Gołdap, followed by Banie Mazurskie and Dubeninki. Demographically, the population stood at 26,689 in 2019, with a slight decrease recorded in 2020. The county has a deep historical heritage dating back to the post-war years: in 1946, it was home to 15,800 people, a number that grew steadily over the decades, reaching 27,181 by 2002. The local economy is centered around agriculture and tourism, thanks to the area’s scenic natural landscapes and the presence of an international border crossing with Russia. A notable attraction is the Szeskie Hills, home to the "Piękna Góra" Sports and Recreation Center—the only facility in northern Poland with a chairlift, making Gołdap a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In 2019, the unemployment rate in the county was 8.8%, reflecting a relatively stable labor market. Gołdap County successfully blends local traditions with tourism development, making it both an interesting place to visit and a pleasant area to live in.