A Native American village, trappers' huts and sled dogs in Wild Masuria. Approx. 37 km, open all year.

Biegnący Wilk (Running Wolf) — adventure beyond phone signal

Biegnący Wilk (Running Wolf), also known as the Republic of Ściborki (Republika Ściborska), is a Native American-themed village and farmstead with museums in Wild Masuria, near Ściborki in the municipality of Banie Mazurskie, about 37 km from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora. It offers polar and Native American museums, an open-air museum of trappers' huts and a sled-dog kennel. Open all year round — an ideal expedition for families with children.

The Republic of Ściborki lies in Wild Masuria, near Banie Mazurskie, at the edge of a forest. Your phone loses signal here, and you enter through a symbolic “border crossing”. That alone is enough to convince children that they have arrived in another world.

Waiting for you are museums — polar and Native American — an open-air museum of trappers' huts, an old house with a smoke-blackened “black room” and a summer Native American village. The real stars, though, are the sled dogs: the farm runs one of the largest kennels in the region, and in the colder months sled rides are sometimes possible. On top of that there are ponies, an apiary and the hosts' stories.

It is a place with its own rules — no alcohol, no cigarettes and no meat — and it is exactly this consistency that creates its unique atmosphere.

Why it's worth a visit

A true wilderness: you enter through a symbolic border crossing and your phone loses signal — from the very first moment children feel they have arrived in another world.
Five exhibitions in one place: the Polar Museum, the Native American Museum, the Maria Rodziewiczówna Museum, the Hut from the Borecka Forest and the Open-Air Museum of Trappers' Huts.
The largest sled-dog kennel in the region — sixty dogs; in autumn, winter and spring sled rides are sometimes available.
A historic apiary from 1935, the hosts' two-hundred-year-old house complete with a “black room”, and a Russian banya.
Guided tours in two versions — a shorter one for little ones and a longer one for the more persistent.
The Republic's own rules (no alcohol, cigarettes or meat) create an atmosphere you will not find anywhere else.

At a glance

polar and Native American museums
open-air museum of trappers' huts
sled dogs (sled rides seasonally)
summer Native American village
guided tours on the hour.

Practical information

approx. 37 km
all year round, some attractions depend on the season and weather
entry on the hour
before setting off, call to check whether sled rides are running that day
warm, comfortable clothing.

From Ostoja

A wonderful winter expedition for families — and on your return, a warm dinner at Qchnia.

Frequently asked questions

Are there dog-sled rides in winter?
Sometimes — in autumn, winter and spring, depending on conditions. Before setting off, call to ask whether sled rides are available that day.

Are there any rules?
Yes: alcohol, cigarettes and meat are not allowed on the Republic's grounds. It is worth reading the host's rules at the entrance.

Who is it for?
For families with children and anyone who loves adventure and nature.

How far is Biegnący Wilk from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora?
About 37 km — the Republic lies one kilometre from the village of Ściborki, in the municipality of Banie Mazurskie.

How long does the visit take?
Visits are guided only: the short route takes from 40 minutes to an hour, the long route about two hours.

Can you approach the sled dogs?
Only with the staff's permission. The dogs are part of the tour, but they are working animals.

What can you combine with Biegnący Wilk in one day?
A break in Banie Mazurskie (in summer there is an ice-cream kiosk using natural ingredients), and for those keen to go further, on towards Gołdap.

Where to eat and stay after the trip?
Back at Ostoja Dwa Jeziora in Kal near Węgorzewo, the Qchnia Dwa Jeziora restaurant and a warm room await — it is about 37 km.