MAMERKI LEŚNY ZAKĄTEK: Rustic Charm and WWII German Bunkers on Lake Mamry
MAMERKI LEŚNY ZAKĄTEK is a wonderfully unpretentious, cosy little haven that is perfect for either a quick lunchtime stop or a quiet overnight stay. You won’t find any grand, modern amenities here—mooring is onto a rustic wooden pier, shoreside electricity is non-existent, and the facilities are limited to basic portable loos. That said, what it lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in friendliness. The berthing fees are very reasonable and fair for what is on offer, and the harbourmaster walks down the pontoons to collect payment himself, saving you from anxiously hunting him down. The overall vibe is incredibly laid-back.
It is a fantastic spot to unwind against a peaceful woodland backdrop, enjoy some superb local fried fish, and it makes the perfect base if you plan on exploring the famous WWII German bunkers hidden deep in the surrounding forest.
The marina is tucked away in a small cove on the north-western shore of Lake Mamry, on the site of an old binduga (a traditional timber-rafting clearing). It sits right opposite Sosnówka Island, roughly 500 metres to the port side of the Masurian Canal entrance. While it gets quite shallow as you near the shore, it is an incredibly picturesque corner that captures the authentic, old-school spirit of the Masurians. Sitting out in the cockpit, watching the weather shift and the dramatic clouds gather over Sosnówka Island is a spectacular sight.
We spent most of our downtime at Mamerki simply relaxing on board. Our stopover was relatively short, as our main objective was visiting the bunkers, yet the place left us with incredibly fond memories. It was right here, at a lakeside spot called BARKA U ANITY , that I tried catfish for the very first time in my life—and it was absolutely delicious! The owners are lovely, and during our visit, their young son was happily selling popcorn to the guests. The fish is as fresh as it gets, filleted on-site and cooked to a family recipe using a signature spice blend. It is clearly a local bestseller, and the place was buzzing with happy diners. The bar is beautifully situated right on the water’s edge, packed with character, and serves truly fantastic food. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It was also during our stay at MAMERKI LEŚNY ZAKĄTEK that I watched the heaviest downpour of our entire cruise from the comfort of the deck. When the weather finally broke and cleared, Sosnówka Island looked phenomenal, shrouded in low, atmospheric clouds. We were genuinely sorry to cast off and sail away.
August 2026
