2. The Great Masurian Lakes We would like to present one of the most beautiful Polish regions which has entered the last round of the contest 7 Wonders of Nature

3. The Great Masurian Lakes are located in the very heart of Mazury, in the northeastern part of Poland, and comprise more than 2,000 lakes. The largest among them are the Śniardwy Lake (113,8 km 2 ) and the Mamry Lake (105 km 2 ), the longest are the Jeziorak Lake ( 27 km ), and others. Łódź

5. In order to keep silence, many lakes are closed to motor boats. Some of the lakes, for example the Łukajno Lake, especially valuable as regards to nature prevention, are nature reserves.

9. Tourists can encounter here cormorants, swans, grebes, black storks, various eagles, including golden eagles, black kites, as well as wood grouse, lynx, wolf, turtle, moose, numerous bat and insect species. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful forests, full of mushroom, especially boletus, agaric, edible fungus and other mushroom.

11. ON TH LEFT -GREBES ON THE RIGHT – WHITE STORKS. A QUARTER OF THE WORLD`S ENTIRE POPULATION OF WHITE STORKS BREED IN POLAND

12. On the territory of the Great Masurian Lakes there are: bisons reserve in Wolisko, wild animal park in Kadzidłowo, the Masurian landscape park (40 000 ha) comprising among others the Mamry and Śniardwy lakes, as well as areas of landscape protection, numerous areas of Natura 2000, and over a hundred reserves and thousands of monuments of nature.

14. Anglers can enjoy clear waters of Masurian lakes and rivers, abounding in various fish, mainly salmon, catfish, and lavaret

18. Canoeists and paddlers roam numerous beautiful ducts, leading through rivers, lakes and canals. The most beautiful is the Krutynia River rally, where one can admire untouched nature, rampant flora, and rare animals.

24. Numerous rivers and canals connect them all into a unified system of area equalling to 500 km 2. This region constitutes a true paradise to sailors and motor boat owners, who may enjoy visiting numerous cosy ports, such as Mikołajki, Giżycko, Sztynort, and Ruciane-Nida.

26. The uniqueness of the Great Masurian Lakes stems from the fact, that this region especially overflows with riches of nature and culture, and at the same time is utilised as a tourist area.

27. The Swiss foundation New 7 Wonders organises a worldwide contest for 7 wonders of nature. The Great Masurian Lakes entered this contest in category A – landscape and post-glacial forms. In July 2009 panel of experts, leaded by the former UNESCO General Director prof. Federico Mayor, have qualified 28 the most interesting places to the final. The Great Masurian Lakes entered the last round. The final results will be known in November 2011, and 7 wonders will be selected by internauts.