Elk is a city located in the Masurian province. It holds 55.000 residents. The city spreads through the Elk River and Lake Elk .

It was established by Urlich von Jungingen in 1396-1400 by building a wooden castle on an island of Lake Elk. During following years a village was settled next to the castle.

Elk is located among lakes and forests. There’s a lane running along the shore of the lake that allows you to walk or ride a bike.

This is a contemporary coat of arms. It presents a deer jumping over the stump.

The coat of arms changed its appearance within next years of the city’s existance. This illustration shows the pre-war coat of arms.

This stone comes probably from above the entrance of the pre-war city-hall. Nowadays it is placed next to the Water Tower.

Elk has got a lot of alleys for the strollers, as well as paths for the bicyclists, which one can find by the lake. While taking a walk one can feed the swans.

Elk has got a public swimming pool, which was created in December 1999, with a pipe that is 106m long. The swimming pool building also contains a fitness club and a sauna.

One of the many attractions one can find in Elk is a narrow-track railway. The railway was created at the beginning of the XX century.

Elk, as well as its neighbouring areas, has got a lot of relics. Some of the well known ones are: the fountain in the main city park, the Water Tower, the ruins of the old Teutonic castle and the church located in the centre of the city.

Elk was once a German city. It has a specific pre-war architecture.

A lot of people believe that Elk’s old apartment-houses are beautiful and unique.

There’s the City’s Centre of Culture including the Amateur Theatre. In Elk you can also go to the cinema ‘Polonia’ or use the Public Library.

On 8 June 1999 Elk experienced a very important event, which was John Paul II’s visit.

It was one of the most important events in the Elk’s history. That day the number of Elk’s residents increased its number by two, which was caused by the coming tourists.

The author: Michał Kowalczyk, class 6B, The Primary School nr 7 in Ełk.