Masurian Lakes Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1976, in Poland. The Masurian Lakes Biosphere Reserve is distinguished by extraordinary environmental and landscape values. It is dominated by forest and aquatic ecosystems. The picturesque landscape, which stands out among other parts of Poland, developed several tens of millennia ago as a result of the activity of the Scandinavian ice sheet. As it advanced and retreated, it formed the forested undulating hills and extensive plains seen today. Wetlands, rivers and lakes developed in depressions. In addition to large lakes surrounded by forests, the area features several tens of smaller lakes. Many of them are dystrophic lakes with accompanying peatland vegetation.