Rutka-Tartak

Rutka-Tartak is a rural municipality located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within the Suwałki County, with its administrative seat in the village of the same name. The municipality is primarily agricultural and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, which fosters the development of tourism. The Szeszupa River flows through its territory, and there are numerous lakes, including Lake Pobondzie, making this area attractive to nature enthusiasts. The Rutka-Tartak municipality was established on January 1, 1973, but due to administrative reorganizations, it was abolished and reestablished twice. In the past, its territories were incorporated into neighboring municipalities, and the number of village districts (sołectwa) was altered. The municipality returned to Poland's administrative map on January 1, 1984, but with new borders. In 2010, its area was expanded to include several villages that previously belonged to the Wiżajny municipality. The municipality covers an area of 92.32 km², most of which is agricultural land (68%) and forests (24%). According to demographic data, in 2017, the municipality was inhabited by 2,382 people. It comprises multiple village districts, including Baranowo, Bondziszki, Ejszeryszki, Folusz, and Rutka-Tartak. It borders the municipalities of Jeleniewo, Szypliszki, and Wiżajny, as well as Lithuania to the north, adding an international dimension. In the villages of the municipality, one can admire traditional architecture and take advantage of cultural offerings related to local communities. An interesting fact is that despite its small population, the municipality has a rich history and diverse traditions that are cultivated by its residents.