giżycko, poland is a subtle city with a very interesting history. i say it is subtle because it seems like many polish cities, but the first time you see it you feel a different sort of undercurrent.

the obvious reason for this is the sailing nature of the inhabitants; giżycko is located in mazury, the huge lake region in the north east part of poland. more subtle is the presence of the german undertones, this was and still is a favourite vacationing spot for german tourists. in world war ii, a major german stronghold, the boyen, was built here and many of the germans who were stationed there stayed after the war.