Bartoszyce is a small town of some 25,000 inhabitants situated in the very north Poland, and suffused with the Prussian-Teutonic spirit typical of the region. It makes a useful place to stay if you are on your way to Kaliningrad via the border crossing in Bezledy only 15 km away.
Despite its modest size, this town is quite important as a local centre, where the “Borderland” trade fairs (Targi Pogranicza) have been organised annually since 1994. The proximity of the state boundary has been combined with a special economic zone to help create the significance and development of the town.
Situated on the Lyna River, Bartoszyce belongs to the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship, one of the most attractive provinces in terms of tourism and known for its abundance of lakes. The closest lake to Bartoszyce is Kinkajmy, situated to the south-east of the town. Historically, Bartoszyce forms part of the Warmia region.
Originally an old Prussian settlement called Barcja, it developed in the 13th century thanks to the castle erected there by the Teutonic Knights. Like every other Prussian town, it witnessed the numerous wars between the State of Poland and the Teutonic Order.