MTB: The Battle for Boyen Fortress

Boyen Fortress – Start (0.0 km) • Boyen Fortress – Finish (10.4 km)

The MTB Battle for Boyen Fortress is one of several trails in Masuria where mountain biking competitions are held. It’s not exactly an easy one. It’s very dynamic, highly varied, and features plenty of singletrack and winding forest trails. The “singletracks” that run along the fortress ramparts—the so-called dry moat—are particularly interesting and unique to this area. It’s the only route of its kind in Poland.

The route is a real treat for any MTB enthusiast. The start and finish are located within the Boyen Fortress in Giżycko. Long sections at the beginning and end of the route follow the dry moat along the brick Carnot Wall and the fortress’s corner bastions. Aside from a short section running at the foot of St. Bruno’s Hill, these are the only flat sections of the trail. The approximately 10-km loop has a profile typical of cross-country riding. It consists of interesting singletrack sections alternating with winding forest trails on St. Bruno’s Hill. The route is dominated by ascents with narrow paths and steep slopes on both sides, reminiscent of mountain trails.

The total elevation gain on the route is 348 m. In the southern part of the trail, the descents and climbs are short but steep and winding. You’ll often have to get off your bike and walk uphill. In contrast, in the northern part of the route, which runs along the fortress wall, you can pick up speed. You should tackle this route on a hybrid or mountain bike. You need to be careful, as the winding and narrow paths mostly run through forested areas. There is a rest area on St. Bruno’s Hill.

Regional trains running on the Olsztyn–Ełk route pass through Giżycko. There are also several long-distance connections.

Mountain Biking in Masuria
Is Masuria a good place for mountain biking? Cycling tourists have known for a long time that it is. The varied moraine landscape, numerous forests, and lakes offer a perfect combination that allows you not only to relax on your bike but also to get an adrenaline rush.

A few years ago, it turned out that the region is also ideal for hosting mountain biking competitions. Since 2015, races have been held as part of the Milko Mazury MTB series. From 2018 to 2020, the Polish Championships were even held in nearby Mrągowo.