The Piska Forest is the biggest of three primeval forests in Masuria. It is also one of the largest woodland areas in Poland (about 1000 km2). The Piska Forest is mostly grown with pine trees, although it has not always been like that. Traditionally, the history of Polish primeval forests is inextricably bound with numerous stories of thugs and robbers, who found a perfect hide in thick forests, among bogs and lakes. Such inhabitants of the Piska Forest originated mainly from the south, i.e. from the region of Kurpie. The forest guards where empowered to kill any robber they came across. Moreover, a guard who killed a robber could expect a reward. Understandably, in such circumstances it was not uncommon for an abuse of the law to occur. Such a situation arose in 1708, when 13 forest guards captured an innocent nobleman Lemański and killed him with cold blood. When it was made clear they had made a mistake, the oldest of the guards were condemned to death and the rest were made forced workers. However, thugs did not stop haunting the Piska Forest until the 19th century. At present, the Piska Forest is full of absolutely magic places. Poetry lovers will find numerous attractions in the forester’s lodge Pranie, as it has become a Masurian centre of spectacular cultural events, such as concerts, meetings with writers and poets, as well as performances. The most renowned resident of Pranie, who lived and created his greatest works here in the 1940s and 1950s, was Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński. The spirit of inspiration, the same which made the famous resident of Pranie such a prolific poet, is still prevailing and almost tangible here. Kadzidłowo, a little town founded by Old Orthodox Church followers in the beginning of the 19th century is now famous for the Wild Animals Park, where you can admire major animal and bird species, characteristic for the region of Masuria. The largest clearing of the Piska Forest, intersected by the river Krutynia, makes a picturesque location of the village of Wojnowo. It was built by Old Orthodox Church followers, frequently referred to as Philipones. They came here as Russian religious emigrants between 1828-1932. What is worth noticing in the vicinity is definitely the building of the convent from the 19th century and the Orthodox church from the 20th century. The essence of Masurian beauty - the village of Krutyń - is situated among lush forests, by the picturesque river Krutynia. It has always been popular with visitors. As early as 500 years ago hunters established here a special hunting station, which is now a seat of the Masurian Landscape Park. Tourist will find here many attractions – they can pay a visit to the nature museum, take a pleasant stroll in the reserve Zakręt, hike or bike along the marked routes of the Masurian Landscape Park or, last but not least, go canoeing down the beautiful river Krutynia.

Worth seeing
Pisz – the Neo-Gothic townhall from 1901, at present the seat of the Piska Land Museum; near the townhall the characteristic for the whole region statue of a Prussian woman.
Popielno – the breeding station of the Polish little horse; the nature museum in the historic building of a former granary. tel. +48 87 423 15 19, www.popielno.pl
The Forester’s Lodge Pranie – the K. I. Gałczyński Museum. tel. +48 87 425 62 48, www.lesniczowkapranie.art.pl
Wojnowo – the Orthodox church and a building of a former monastery of Old Orthodox Church followers with a molenna. tel. +48 87 425 70 30, www.klasztor.com.pl
Kadzidłowo – the Wild Animals Park tel. +48 87 425 73 65 (01.05-31.10) tel. +48 87 425 73 66 (01.05-31.10), www.kadzidlowo.pl
Ogródek – the biographic museum of the Masurian folk poet – Michał Kajka tel. +48 87 423 74 26, www.lesniczowkapranie.art.pl/muzka.html