IV International Chess Festival “Land of a Thousand Lakes” in Węgorzewo will take place on July 4-11, 2026 in Węgorzewo, Poland. This is a chess tournament in Węgorzewo, Poland, in 2026, and it offers a 9-round international chess festival with one FIDE-rated open and two junior groups at the Special Educational and Care Center in Węgorzewo.

The festival suits ambitious club players, juniors, families, and improving competitors who want a full week of serious games in a practical summer setting. Moreover, the structure stays clear, because the event is divided into Open, Group B for juniors under 15, and Group C for juniors under 10.

Węgorzewo also adds extra value to the event. In addition, the published regulations include several accommodation formats, a FIDE blitz side event, and a broad confirmed prize structure, so this festival stands out as a strong classical summer option in the Warmia-Masuria region.

📌 Event Details

🏆 Prize Fund

The published cash prizes total PLN 17,400, which is approximately USD 4,730. Therefore, the Open section carries the largest rewards, while Groups B and C add junior cash prizes, medals, trophies, diplomas, and small gifts. The regulations also state that prizes are not cumulative.

⏰ Time Control & Pairings

The Open tournament uses 90 minutes for the whole game plus a 30-second increment from move one. Meanwhile, Groups B and C use 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. As a result, the festival gives adults and stronger players a full classical rhythm, while still keeping the junior sections practical and serious.

The organizers use a 9-round Swiss system. In addition, the regulations confirm a 30-minute default time, and they also announce a separate FIDE-rated blitz tournament during the festival program. Electronic devices are not allowed in the playing hall, which keeps the competitive conditions clear.

📂 Sections / Groups

🗓️ Schedule

📝 Registration

👤 Organizer

UKS UZDOWO organizes the festival together with the Parish of Divine Mercy in Nidzica and the Municipality of Węgorzewo. Moreover, the event uses direct player contact and a straightforward registration process, which makes the administrative side clear for both local and visiting participants.

• Email: iwaldowska@wp.pl
• Phone: +48 600 993 142
• Website: https://www.uksuzdowo.pl/?szachy=

📍 Venue

Special Educational and Care Center in Węgorzewo, ul. Zamkowa 34, 11-600 Węgorzewo, Poland

The festival takes place at the Special Educational and Care Center in Węgorzewo, and the official program also names the sports hall at the same address as the playing site. In addition, the venue complex offers practical on-site infrastructure for a full tournament week.

🏨 Accommodation

The organizers publish several official stay formats. Therefore, players can choose between on-site dormitory accommodation, a second dormitory in town, two chess-camp options for children and juniors, or self-arranged local lodging. Places are limited, so early booking matters.

🚗 How to Get There

The venue is on Zamkowa 34 in Węgorzewo. As a result, players staying in the official dormitories can keep daily travel simple, while those using local accommodation can reach the playing hall inside town without difficulty. The same venue complex also offers parking, which helps players arriving by car.

IV International Chess Festival “Land of a Thousand Lakes” in Węgorzewo is a strong choice for players who want a full week of classical chess, junior opportunities, and a well-structured summer festival in northern Poland.