Historical and cultural significance of the Krutynia River (Masuria, Poland)

ABSTRACT Among the rivers flowing through East Prussia the longest one is the Pregola, whereas Lyna and Krutynia, which are shorter, are significant for the Masurian Lake District. The 99 km-long Krutynia river flows through the Piska Wilderness and the Masurian Landscape Park. The canoe trail is considered as the most beautiful in all of Poland. This text, however, discusses not the natural values, but the historical and cultural values of Masuria, i.e. the area through which the river flows. For centuries, this area had been inhabited by various national and ethnical groups. The oldest residents — Old Prussians — founded their settlements here. Afterwards, until 1945, this area was under the rule of the Prussian state. At that time, hydraulic engineering monuments were created — sluices, dams, mills. Some of them are still operational. The last seventy-seven years passed under Polish administration. The Krutynia became a tourist attraction at that time. In the vicinity of the Krutynia river one can observe captivating cultural heritage visible on the route: antique wooden cottages, a few manor-houses, or the memory of figures known in Masuria. For centuries, the river gave work, food and was a communication route for the local people. Today it is one of the tourist symbols of Masuria.