Situated in north-eastern Poland and flanked by three scenic lakes, Augustow is one of the winners of Swiss Tourism Awards for destinations which make outstanding use of their natural, historical, cultural and other attractions.
The jury of the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition, which has just ended in Lugano, gave Augustow the top place in the Water City category.
The city can now officially call itself Venice of the North. The organizers were impressed by its efforts to promote its natural attractions - lakes, rivers as well as Augustow Forest – which offer ideal conditions for water sports and other forms of rest and recreation.
The city prides itself on also on the Augustow Canal, a feat of 19th century water engineering, which won the Golden Certificate of the Polish Tourist Organization this year.
The prestigious Lugano fair attracted participants from almost all countries of the world. Alongside Augustow, Poland was represented by the historic city of Krakow, Olsztyn and Lodz. (kk)
see the Augustow web site here