The Polish resort was a hit during the Polish People’s Republic. It was made famous by “Beata z Albatrosa”
Augustów was one of the most fashionable resorts during the Polish People’s Republic. It attracted people with its beaches, dances and water sports, and the famous song perpetuated its holiday image.
Nine lakes, the Augustów Forest and an over a hundred-year-old canal make Augustów one of the most recognizable holiday resorts in north-eastern Poland. However, the city’s greatest prosperity began before the war, and in the times of the Polish People’s Republic the resort became synonymous with summer recreation.
Augustów attracted politicians and the elite of the Second Polish Republic
In the interwar period, Augustów transformed from a small town into a resort with a nationwide reputation. This was helped by a direct railway connection with Warsaw and the emerging recreation centers.
President Ignacy Mościcki, Minister of Foreign Affairs Józef Beck and Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły, among others, rested in the city. One of the symbols of pre-war development was the Tourist House on Lake Necko, designed by Maciej Nowicki – later co-author of the UN headquarters complex in New York.
The building was destroyed during the war and then rebuilt in 1948. Currently, it operates as Zajazd Hetman and still reminds us of the times when Augustów was building its position as an elegant summer resort.
“Beata z Albatrosa” made Augustów famous
After the war, more recreation centers were built in the city. Augustów attracted not only its lakes and forests, but also its entertainment. One of the most important places on the resort’s map was the Albatros restaurant, opened on July 22, 1962.
It was in this place that Janusz Laskowski met a girl who inspired him to write the song “Beata z Albatrosa”. The song was written after the musician’s visit to Augustów in the summer of 1965 and quickly became a hit sung throughout Poland.
Albatros was famous for dancing and was a substitute for luxury at a time when trips abroad were beyond the reach of most Poles. The restaurant still operates today, and in front of the building since 2017 there has been a bronze bench depicting the heroine of the song.
During the period of the Polish People’s Republic, the spa function of the city was also developed. In 1970, Augustów received partial health resort rights, and it obtained full status in 1993. Lake Necko has become a popular place for water sports.
What is worth seeing in Augustów?
The biggest attraction of the area is the Augustów Canal, built in the 19th century. The trail, which is over 100 km long, connects lakes, rivers and artificial ditches. In 2007 it was declared a Historic Monument.
Tourists can explore the canal on boat cruises or kayaking trips. It is also worth seeing the historic locks, the Augustów market square, the pre-war Tourist House and the Albatros restaurant. In summer, the city beach and the pier on Lake Necko are popular, and the Augustowska Forest offers an extensive network of bicycle routes.
