Węgorzewo

Węgorzewo, formerly known as Węgobork, is a town located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, serving as the seat of the Gmina Węgorzewo. It covers an area of 11 km² and has a population of approximately 11,438 (as of January 2018). Historically, the town lies in the region of Lower Prussia and Galindia, with its origins dating back to the 13th century when these lands were inhabited by the Galindians. Węgorzewo was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, who built Angerburg Castle in 1312. The town received its city rights in 1412, but due to wars and epidemics, it did not develop significantly for many years. After wartime destruction and a plague epidemic in the 18th century, the town began to rebuild. The mid-19th century brought development thanks to shipping and the railway line. In 1945, after World War II, Węgorzewo was incorporated into Poland, changing its name from Węgobork to Węgorzewo, and the German population was replaced by Polish expatriates. Architecturally, Węgorzewo is characterized by various monuments, including the Teutonic Castle from 1398, which was rebuilt in the 18th century, and the late Gothic St. Peter and Paul Church from the 17th century. The town also features a 19th-century town hall and numerous tenement houses and palaces. Culturally, Węgorzewo is active, organizing numerous events such as the Days of Węgorzewo and the International Festival of Children's and Youth Folk Groups. The town is also home to the Węgorzewo Cultural Center and museums: the Museum of Railway Tradition and the Museum of Folk Culture. Węgorzewo is a garrison town, and one of its sporting symbols is the football club "Vęgoria." The town also has a thriving student e-sports club. Węgorzewo engages in international cooperation with cities such as Leffrinckoucke in France and Rottenburg in Germany. Interestingly, Węgorzewo was a hub for fishing—the State Fish Farm operates here, and the proximity of lakes makes the town an attractive tourist center. In terms of transport, Węgorzewo no longer has active railway connections but is well-served by bus services.