The most magical lakes in Poland

Poland is one of Europe’s most striking countries due to its awe-inspiring nature. So, if you’re after a restorative escape, visiting the outstanding lakes in Poland certainly won’t disappoint.

In this article, we’ve made a list of some of Poland’s most enchanting, glimmering and expansive bodies of water.

Being one of the biggest lakes in Poland, Lake Mamry has an area of 104 square kilometres and can be found in the Warmia-Mazury province of the Masurian Lake District. Being Poland’s lowest natural point, the lake is linked by the Masurian Canal to the Pregolya and the Baltic Sea. 

This lake is actually made up of six connected lakes, making it the perfect nature retreat if you want to be fully immersed in serenity. 

In total, Mamry has 33 islands which cover 213 hectares in total, ideal if you want to hike around the Masurian Lake District to see all that Poland has to offer.

Glacier-formed and bordered by dense forest, Ełk Lake is located in the Masurian Lake District also. In the summer, this is a popular spot for tourists due to its charm. Here, you’ll find a terracotta-coloured town, grassy shores and little kayaks bobbing along the shoreline. 

The compact city centre of Ełk, with its rich historical architecture, is just a short walk from the lake. So, if you want to explore both the natural and cultural attractions of Poland, Ełk Lake is an excellent choice.

If you want to get even closer to nature, you can experience the gentle breeze of Ełk Lake by taking a boat out for a little paddle.

The picturesque town of Mrągowo borders Lake Czos. Right in the heart of the Masurian District, boardwalks line the lake’s shores, a great way to explore the area. 

Sailing is also a popular option and a great way to take advantage of the vast amount of water and space. 

If you’re after a wintertime visit, Lake Czos will look like something straight from a postcard with its snow-dusted trees that creak over reed plants.

If you fancy taking your views to the next level (literally), you may want to take a ski lift up the Polish mountains. From here, you can enjoy your time skiing amongst five pistes, three ski lifts, a snow park and a beginner’s area.

Skiing not your thing? Well, Mrągowo hosts the Country & Folk Picnic Festival which overlooks Lake Czos, one of the most picturesque lakes in Poland. Having started in 1983, the concert welcomes various musicians from all corners of the globe every July.

Circling the resort town of Augustów, the Augustów Lakes are a constellation of stunning waters. Lakes Necko, Rospuda, Sajno, Augustowskie and Studzieniczne are just a few of the options to choose from when exploring these Polish lakes.

Also, the Augustów Canal is a pretty route for kayaking – stretching all the way through the Augustów Primeval Forest to Belarus. 

In the forest, trees form canopies overhead, where the sound of the water will make for a sensory delight. 

If you’re in search of romantic views, sunrise at the more isolated Sajno Lake is a wonderful option.

As one of Poland’s most popular resort towns, Mikołajki serves as a hub for visitors looking to visit Poland’s largest lake – Śniardwy. 

Śniardwy Lake, the biggest lake in Poland, stands out among the glimmering and expansive bodies of water.

Nicknamed the 'Masuria Ocean', at over 20 kilometres in length and 13 kilometres wide, it’s an expanse of aqua blue with plentiful places to soak up the atmosphere. 

In the winter, Śniardwy is popular amongst locals who go ice-boating (a yacht with skating blades and sails). As thick layers of ice cover the lake’s surface, iceboats are propelled by the wind across the frozen water. Watch the snow swirl overhead and tiny boats skid across the ice into the distance of this charming town.

Farms and forests make the area around Olsztyn in northern Poland especially picturesque, but it’s Lake Ukiel that stands out. Broken up into many smaller sections, the lake’s distinct shape makes it far easier to find an empty spot of shoreline to yourself.

While it’s popular for watersports, if you prefer a quieter scene, you can wander down empty jetties and stretches of sand. Take a picnic along to the leafy woodlands at the water’s edge to truly soak in the stillness of Lake Ukiel.

Located in the Tatra Mountains, the Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy is a delightful spectacle for locals and tourists alike. 

Here, you can find a variety of trails leading to the lake’s spectacular views. There are a variety of routes you can take to this lake, including the shallower route through Boczań. If you want a more strenuous hike, you may choose to walk through the Jaworzynka Valley.  Whichever route suits you best, be assured that both walks start at Kuźnice. From here, you can expect a one-hour 30-minute walk.

If you love the arts, Lake Nidzkie is certainly one for you. Being associated with Polish poet Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński, this lake inspired the poet with its natural charm.

The Pranie Forester’s Lodge, found on Lake Nidzkie, is now dedicated to the famous poet. Here, you can find a variety of items related to Gałczyński such as manuscripts and memorabilia. 

Aside from its connections to literature, Lake Nidzkie is also a visual spectacle. You’ll be able to soak in the views around one of the most picturesque lakes in Poland for hours. The lake has a surface area of 18 square kilometres, making it one of Poland’s larger lakes. 

Being covered by lush greenery, Lake Nidzkie offers a serene setting for those who love to be fully immersed in the calmness of nature.