Things To Do
in Lubawa
Lubawa is a small historic town in northern Poland known for its medieval roots and quiet charm. Set among lakes and green forests, it makes a calm base for exploring the Warmian-Masurian countryside. The town center features medieval streets, a historic church, and a handful of old town houses.
Visitors can enjoy local markets, friendly hospitality, and easy day trips to nearby lakes and forests.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lubawa and settle into your accommodation, enjoying breakfast at a local café. Take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs and familiarize yourself with the quaint streets of the town. Visit the historic St. Nicholas Church to admire its stunning architecture and learn about its significance.
After lunch, explore the Lubawa Market Square, where you can shop for local crafts and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the nearby parks, taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings and perhaps enjoying a picnic. End the afternoon with a visit to the Castle of the Lubawski family, where you can delve into the town's rich history.
Dine at a traditional Polish restaurant, sampling regional dishes such as pierogi and bigos. After dinner, take a romantic walk along the banks of the river, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the evening. Wind down with a drink at a local pub, mingling with locals and sharing stories.
Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a trip to the beautiful Lake Jeziorak. Enjoy a sunrise hike around the lake's perimeter, taking in the stunning views and wildlife. Capture the serene moments with photographs as the sun begins to rise higher in the sky.
Pack a lunch and set off for a kayaking adventure on the lake. Experience the tranquility of paddling through the lush surroundings and spot various bird species. Return to Lubawa in the late afternoon and relax at a coffee shop while reflecting on your nature-filled day.
Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, relishing fresh fish dishes accompanied by local wines. After your meal, take a stroll along the lakeshore, where you can admire the sunset and perhaps join a bonfire organized by locals. End the night with a cozy marshmallow roast by the lakeside.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic items for a few days) | $15-30 |
| 🚆One-way local transport | $0.80-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-75 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Good value for money and relaxed pace
- Compact town center easy to explore on foot
- Beautiful natural surroundings with lakes and forests
- Friendly local hospitality
- Limited nightlife and international dining options
- Public transport may be sparse outside the town
- Smaller selection of large-city amenities
- Some sites and services may require short drives to nearby towns
- "Dzień dobry" - Hello/Good day
- "Proszę" - Please
- "Dziękuję" - Thank you
- "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much is this?
- "Mówię po angielsku" - I speak English
Places to Visit in Lubawa
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque historic square with colorful facades and traditional townhouses; excellent in the golden hours for street photography.
A Gothic-influenced church with stone arches and architectural details that photograph well, especially from the surrounding streets.
Remnants of medieval defenses and narrow lanes provide atmospheric compositions and textures for architectural photography.
A quiet vantage along the nearby lake shores offering reflective water scenes at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Lubawa
Lubawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Filled with potato and cheese or farmers’ cheese and herbs; widely available at local restaurants and bakeries.
Must-Try!
A robust hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, cabbage, and a mix of meats; common on traditional menus.
A sour rye soup often served with sausage or hard-boiled egg; a comforting starter in colder months.
Potato dumplings often served with butter, breadcrumbs, or sweet toppings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where you can find seasonal produce, bakery goods, dairy, and locally prepared foods; great for sampling fresh regional specialties.
Seasonal berries, smoked fish, and pastries are commonly available from family-run stalls around town centers and at markets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is typical when meeting someone; address people with Mr./Ms. and their surname; maintain polite conversation and avoid discussing sensitive topics in initial meetings.
Poles value orderly queues and punctuality; wait your turn in line and be on time for appointments or gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Lubawa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Poland, tipping is common but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% for good service is appreciated; for smaller venues, rounding the bill is common. Cash and card payments are widely accepted, and contactless options are common in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and active outdoor life; great for lake visits and alfresco dining. Bring light layers and sun protection; expect occasional showers.
Mild days with colorful foliage and harvest markets; ideal for countryside walks and photography of autumn scenery.
Cold temperatures with possible snowfall; cozy cafés and winter landscapes offer a quiet charm. Dress in layers and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Pleasant temperatures and budding trees; good for outdoor activities and less crowded attractions. Rain gear is handy during early spring showers.
Lubawa at Night
Hiking in Lubawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic route around nearby lakes and through pine forests, suitable for a pleasant day hike.
Gentle climbs and viewpoints over the countryside, ideal for a peaceful outdoor walk.
Airports
How to reach Lubawa by plane.
Nearest regional airport, approximately 60-90 km from Lubawa; serves domestic and some European routes; accessible by bus or taxi.
Larger international hub about 180-250 km away; broad connections and onward travel by rail or road.
Major international gateway roughly 210-260 km away; well-connected by rail, road, and frequent services to central Poland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families with children; community events and schools are central to town life.
A notable elderly population with active clubs and regular social activities.
Nearby towns and regional centers provide schools and study opportunities; some students visit Lubawa for day trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular at local clubs and school teams; local matches can be enjoyed in season.
Common in schools and community centers; often played in gymnasiums and local clubs.
Winter sport that takes advantage of snow-covered forests and fields in the surrounding region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lubawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most places; look for dumplings, mushroom dishes, soups like żurek without meat, and cheese-based pastas. When in doubt, ask for vegetarian versions or vegetable plates, and request meat-free broths.