Self-Guided Lakes of Masuria Bike Tour
This itinerary is a relaxed cycling journey through Poland’s beautiful Masurian Lake District, often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes. Over eight days, you ride mostly flat, easy routes that take you past quiet lakes, dense forests, and small countryside villages where life moves at a slower pace. Each day brings a new stretch of scenic cycling, with distances that are manageable even if you are not a hardcore rider.
Along the way, you stop in charming towns like Mrągowo, Giżycko, and Węgorzewo, with time to explore local culture, history, and food. The trip is not just about biking. It also includes highlights like a peaceful boat cruise and the option to go canoeing on the Krutynia River. Comfortable accommodations and well planned routes make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Warsaw
Warsaw
easy to moderate
39 km / 24 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 12
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Highlights

Scenic Cycling in the Land of a Thousand Lakes
Ride through one of Poland’s most beautiful regions, where quiet roads wind past sparkling lakes, dense forests, and open meadows. The landscape changes gently each day, keeping the rides fresh and visually rewarding.

Charming Towns and Local Culture
Stop in small towns like Giżycko and Mrągowo, explore historic sites, and get a feel for everyday life in rural Poland. There is plenty of time to enjoy local food and lakeside cafés.

Relaxed, Beginner Friendly Routes
The mostly flat terrain and manageable daily distances make this tour accessible and enjoyable, even if you are new to multi day cycling. You can focus on the scenery rather than the effort.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Warsaw | ibis Warszawa Centrum | |||
| DAY 2 | Mrągowo | Hotel Panoramic Oscar | B | 31 km / 19 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Kętrzyn | Hotel Wanda | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Węgorzewo | Pensjonat Nautic (B&B only) | B | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Giżycko | Hotel Mazury | B | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Krutyń | Pensjonat Magda | B | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Warsaw | ibis Warszawa Centrum | B | 15 km / 9 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Depature | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Warsaw
You arrive in Warsaw and make your way to your hotel, where you check in and settle after your journey. The rest of the day is free, giving you time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Warsaw offers a mix of modern life and history, with options to walk around the Old Town or along the Vistula River. There is no cycling planned today, making it a gentle start to the trip.

Day 2: Mrągowo
After breakfast, you transfer from Warsaw to the village of Babięta, where the cycling portion begins. The journey takes around 3 hous.
You receive your bikes, route information, and have time to prepare before setting off. Today’s ride is short and easy, passing through quiet countryside and forests. The peaceful landscape makes it a perfect introduction to cycling in Masuria.
You finish the day in the lakeside town of Mrągowo, known for its relaxed atmosphere.

Day 3: Kętrzyn
Today you cycle through classic Masurian scenery with rolling fields, lakes, and small villages. Along the way, you visit Reszel, a charming medieval town with a well-preserved old center. A highlight of the day is the baroque pilgrimage site of Święta Lipka, famous for its ornate church. The ride remains comfortable and unhurried, allowing plenty of time for stops.
You arrive in Kętrzyn, a historic town with a Teutonic castle.

Day 4: Węgorzewo
Leaving Kętrzyn, you cycle past open countryside and forested stretches. A major stop today is Wolf’s Lair (Wolfschanze), Adolf Hitler’s former World War II headquarters hidden in the woods. After the visit, the route continues toward Lake Mamry, one of the largest lakes in the region. The ride is scenic and peaceful, with long lakeside sections. You end the day in the small harbor town of Węgorzewo.

Day 5: Giżycko
You can choose between a shorter cycling route or a longer ride through the beautiful Borecka Forest, known for its wildlife and quiet roads. Both options offer flat terrain and rewarding scenery. If you prefer a lighter day, you can also take a boat transfer instead of cycling part of the route. The destination is Giżycko, one of Masuria’s most popular lake towns.
In the evening, you can walk along the waterfront or explore the town center.

Day 6: Krutyń
The day begins with a relaxing boat cruise through the Masurian lakes to Mikołajki, offering great views from the water. After arriving, you continue cycling through forests and nature reserves toward Popielno. The route is calm and rich in wildlife, ideal for nature lovers. You then ride to Krutyń, a small village surrounded by forests and rivers. The atmosphere here is quiet and very close to nature.

Day 7: Warsaw
In the morning, you can choose a short local bike ride or take part in a canoe trip on the Krutynia River, one of the most beautiful canoe routes in Poland. The slow-moving river allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding forests and wildlife. After the activity, you transfer back to Warsaw in the afternoon. The evening is free for final sightseeing or relaxation.

Day 8: Depature
After breakfast, your tour officially ends. You check out of the hotel and depart for the airport or continue your travels independently.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Single Supplement
From US $250
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $150
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Lady's bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Men's bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Kalkhoff ebike or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival and Departure
Your tour starts and ends in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The most convenient arrival airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). From the airport, you can reach your hotel in the city center by taxi, ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, or airport trains. Taxis are available directly outside the arrivals terminal and usually take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Weather
The best weather for this Masurian cycling tour is late spring to early autumn, when days are mild, green, and comfortable for long rides. From May to September, temperatures usually range between 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), which is ideal for relaxed cycling without heat stress. June, July, and August are the warmest and sunniest, though July can feel slightly humid.
May and September are especially pleasant with cooler air, fewer tourists, and beautiful landscapes. Early spring and late autumn are cooler and less predictable, while winter is cold and unsuitable for cycling due to snow and freezing temperatures.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Mixed
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Good
September
Best
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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