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Iława

Ilawa, Warminsko-Mazurskie, Poland

Iława, a charming town situated in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region of Poland, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists seeking a mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor activities. One of t…

#Iława#Warmińsko-Mazurskie#Poland#Lake District#Historic Town

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Iława.

Top Hotels in Iława

Top Flights to Iława

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Iława.

Tours

Explore Iława Old Town

Visit the charming old town of Iława, known for its historic buildings and scenic views.

Historic Canal Boat Tour

Cruise along the historic canals of Iława, learning about its history and scenic landscapes.

Cultural Visit to the Municipal Cultural Center

Engage with local culture through exhibitions and performances at Iława's Cultural Center.

Shopping

Shop at Iława Promenade

Explore numerous local shops and boutiques along Iława's promenade.

Taste Iława's Local Cuisine

Experience traditional Polish dishes in Iława’s local eateries.

Outdoor

Kayaking on Jeziorak Lake

Experience the longest lake in Poland by kayak, enjoying crystal clear waters and natural beauty.

Visit Iława City Park

A large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and relaxation.

Cycle around Jeziorak Lake

Take a cycling tour around Jeziorak Lake to discover its stunning natural beauty.

Bird Watching at Iława Lake District

Discover a variety of bird species in the Iława Lake District.

Fishing at Jeziorak Lake

Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing at Jeziorak Lake.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Iława.

Currency

zł | PLN | Polish Złoty

Population

32664.0

Languages

Polish, Polish

Average weather

Iława

Jan

-1°-6°

Feb

0°-5°

Mar

4°-2°

Apr

11°2°

May

17°7°

Jun

21°11°

Jul

23°13°

Aug

23°12°

Sep

18°9°

Oct

12°5°

Nov

5°1°

Dec

1°-3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Iława.

What people love

Iława, located in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region of Poland, offers several attractions and benefits for travelers. Some of the pros of traveling to Iława include:

Natural beauty: Iława is situated in a picturesque area surrounded by forests, lakes, and green landscapes. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to explore the beautiful scenery, go hiking, cycling, or enjoy water activities on the lakes.
Outdoor activities: The region offers a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a boat trip on the nearby lakes or go bird-watching in the surrounding nature reserves.
Historical sites: Iława has a rich history, and visitors can explore historical sites such as the 14th-century Gothic church of St. Jacob, the ruins of the Teutonic Knights' castle, and the Museum of Warmia and Mazury.
Cultural experiences: Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting traditional festivals, craft markets, and art exhibitions. The region is also known for its traditional cuisine, offering a chance to sample local dishes and delicacies.
Relaxation and wellness: Iława is a peaceful and quiet destination, ideal for those looking to relax and unwind. Visitors can indulge in spa treatments, wellness activities, and outdoor yoga sessions to rejuvenate mind and body.

Overall, traveling to Iława offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and relaxation opportunities, making it a great destination for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and tranquility.

What to know

Iława, located in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region of Poland, is a charming town known for its picturesque lakes and natural beauty. However, there are some potential cons to traveling to Iława that visitors should be aware of:

Limited public transportation: Iława is a relatively small town, and public transportation options within the town and surrounding areas may be limited. Visitors may find it challenging to get around without a car, so it's important to plan transportation in advance.
Language barrier: While many people in Iława may speak some English, the predominant language in the region is Polish. Travelers who do not speak Polish may encounter difficulties communicating with locals, which could make navigating the town and accessing services more challenging.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Iława is not as well-known as some other tourist destinations in Poland, so the tourist infrastructure may be less developed. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist amenities compared to more popular destinations.
Weather considerations: Iława experiences cold winters and mild summers, which may not be ideal for all travelers. Visitors should be prepared for potentially chilly weather, especially if traveling during the winter months.

Overall, while Iława offers natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges such as limited public transportation, a language barrier, and less developed tourist infrastructure.

Iława, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship of Poland, has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. Here is a detailed historical account of Iława:

Early History

Foundation: Iława was established in 1305 by the Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders. Initially, it was named "Deutsch Eylau" (German Eylau).
Charter: The town received its town charter in 1317, based on the Lübeck law, which allowed for self-governance and development.

Middle Ages

Teutonic Order: As part of the State of the Teutonic Order, Iława was fortified and played a role in the Teutonic Knights' campaigns in the region.
Conflicts: The town experienced various conflicts, including those between the Teutonic Knights and the Kingdom of Poland.

Modern History

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Following the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466, Iława became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as a fief of the Teutonic Knights, later the Duchy of Prussia.
Prussian Control: In 1772, during the First Partition of Poland, the town became part of the Kingdom of Prussia. It remained under Prussian and then German control until the end of World War I.

20th Century

World War I: After the war, the Treaty of Versailles held a plebiscite in 1920, and the town remained part of Germany.
World War II: Iława was heavily affected during World War II. In 1945, as the Soviet Red Army advanced, the town suffered significant damage.
Post-War Period: Following the Potsdam Conference, Iława was assigned to Poland, and the German population was expelled. The town was repopulated with Poles, many of whom were displaced from areas annexed by the Soviet Union.

Significant Events and Figures

Economic Development: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town developed industrially, benefiting from its location on Lake Jeziorak and the completion of the railway line.
Cultural Heritage: Iława has been home to various cultural and ethnic groups, contributing to its diverse heritage.

Landmarks

St. Mary's Church: A significant Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century, showcasing the architectural style of the period.
Town Hall: The neo-Renaissance town hall, rebuilt in the 19th century, is a notable landmark.
Lake Jeziorak: The longest lake in Poland, offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Contemporary Iława

Economic and Cultural Hub: Today, Iława is a vibrant town known for its cultural events, beautiful landscapes, and as a gateway to the Masurian Lake District.
Tourism and Recreation: The town attracts tourists for sailing, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lakes and forests.

Iława's history is characterized by its strategic importance, cultural diversity, and resilience through periods of conflict and change.