Kotkowo

Kotkowo combines historic place names with a landscape where forest and lake are part of the immediate surroundings. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider both the history of the place and the character of the nearby lake.

Local history and early settlement

Kotkowo was formerly known as Hansdorff, Hannoldorf and Katzendorf. The name Katzendorf is recorded for the years 1402 to 1408; since 1945, the place has been called Kotkowo. The two dates relate to different parts of the history of the name: the period places Katzendorf in context, while 1945 marks the beginning of the current name.

Kotkowo was also laid out under Kulm law. In 1378, the inhabitants of Hansdorff received 20 hereditary łans, each subject to a rent of 0.5 marks. This detail adds a different kind of historical information to the history of the name: it links a legal basis with a quantified land allocation and the associated levy. The amount and rent are clearly related, since the levy is stated per łan. The year 1378 relates to the land allocation, while 1402 to 1408 dates the name Katzendorf.

Forest and lake in the immediate surroundings

A forest and Lake Gil (Dziki Gil) are part of Kotkowo’s immediate surroundings. The lake covers an area of 167.80 hectares and has a maximum depth of 22.1 metres. Its shoreline is highly indented; the banks are mostly high and steep in places. At the southern extremities, however, they are low and marshy. The southern part of the lake is surrounded by forest, while fields and meadows border the remaining shores.

The figures describe different features: 167.80 hectares refers to the area, while 22.1 metres is the maximum depth, not an average. The description of the banks adds the changing shape of the lakeshore to these measurements. High, sometimes steep banks and low, marshy sections in the south are clear contrasts; the forest in the southern part and fields and meadows along the remaining shores also create different landscapes. This gives you more specific information when choosing a destination based on its scenery than simply stating that there is a lake nearby.

Seasonal offerings in the area

In Kotkowo, the “Szałas” bar serves meals, ice cream and drinks seasonally from May to September. If you would like to eat or have a drink there during your stay, check before your trip whether the offerings are available on your dates.

This makes one distinction important when planning your trip: the local history and landscape are lasting points of reference, while the bar’s offerings are seasonal and limited to May through September. If you plan to visit, schedule it within this period and check the offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wysoka Wieś, Wielki Dwór, Florczaki, Idzbark, Lubajny, Maliniak, Słonecznik, Kajkowo.

For the main travel overview: Ostródzki.