Poland, known for its diverse landscape, offers many charming waterfront locations ideal for summer recreation. From the mountain streams and rivers in the Tatra Mountains, to the bewitching beauty of the Masurian lakes, to the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea, tourists will find something special in each of these places. We have a huge choice because of the diversity of aquatic and water-dependent ecosystems. Here’s a ranking of the most beautiful places by the water in Poland to visit during this year’s vacations.
1. the Baltic – the Polish coast
The Baltic Sea is more than 800 kilometers of Polish coastline, from the German border to Krynica Morska. The coast offers not only picturesque beaches, but also a wealth of tourist and cultural attractions. Sopot’s pier, the lighthouse in Rozewie and the dunes in Leba are just some of the places worth visiting.
Sopot pier
The Sopot pier is the longest wooden structure of its kind in Europe – it is 511.5 meters long. It is a symbol of the city and one of the most recognizable attractions on the Polish Baltic Sea. It is an ideal place for walking, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Gdansk. During the summer season, numerous cultural events and concerts are held there.
Rozewie Lighthouse
In Rozewie stands the oldest lighthouse on the Polish coast. It has been in operation since 1822. From a height of 33 meters, eager visitors admire the panorama of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding forests and cliffs. The building also houses a museum where you can learn about the history of Polish lighthouses and see unique exhibits related to navigation on the water.
Dunes in Leba
The dunes in Leba, part of the Slowinski National Park, are one of the most unique places on the Polish coast. The wandering sand heaps, which reach heights of up to 40 meters, resemble desert landscapes. The biggest attraction is the Łącka dune, which offers a magnificent view of the Baltic Sea and Lake Łebsko.
Beaches
Although the temperature on Polish beaches does not match those in Hawaii or Spain, they have their own unique charm and attract crowds of tourists every year. Poland’s sandy coastlines are not only seaside vistas, but also ideal places to relax and enjoy numerous attractions. Many of them are located near historic seaside buildings, and in Leba additionally close to the Slovinski National Park. The beach in Swinoujscie is the widest natural beach in Poland, measuring up to 200 meters in some places. The beaches on the Hel Peninsula, despite strong winds and high waves, are a favorite vacation spot for Poles. It is also a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
The most beautiful bicycle route in Poland
The Polish coast offers one of the most beautiful bicycle routes in our country, known as the R10. It runs along the Baltic Sea, from Swinoujscie to Hel, a distance of more than 400 kilometers. The R10 passes through a variety of landscapes, and cyclists can enjoy views of the sea, cliffs, sand dunes, and numerous historical sites and tourist attractions. Along the way, they also pass charming towns, historic lighthouses, nature reserves and sandy beaches.
2. Mazury – Land of a Thousand Lakes
Masuria, often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, is one of the most beautiful and popular places in Poland. This region, which captivates not only with its unique landscapes, but also with its cultural and historical richness. It is home to more than 2,000. Lakes, and each of them is unique. The most famous are the Sniardwy, Mamry and Niegocin, which attract sailing, fishing and water sports enthusiasts.
Masuria is located in the Masurian Lake District, in northeastern Poland. The region is characterized by a hilly landscape that was shaped by the Scandinavian glacier around 10-12 thousand years ago. years ago. The relief here is extremely varied. Particularly noteworthy are the numerous trough lakes and the frontal and lateral moraines, which form picturesque hills.
Lake Sniardwy
Śniardwy, the pearl of the Land of the Great Masurian Lakes, is the largest Polish lake. Its area is 113.8 square kilometers. It is a trough lake with a maximum depth of 23.4 meters. The coastline is varied by numerous bays and islands, including the largest – the Black Spur. Sniardwy is a true paradise for sailors and anglers, as well as for wildlife enthusiasts – you can meet here, among others. White-tailed eagles, cormorants and many species of wild ducks.
Lake Mamry
Mamry, the second largest lake in Poland, consists of several interconnected bodies of water, such as Dargin, Kisajno, Swiecajty and Dobskie. Its total area is about 104 square kilometers. The Mamry are known for their excellent sailing and diving conditions. In its clear waters you can see the wrecks of World War II-era boats. The region is also an important habitat for numerous species of water and marsh birds, and is also home to rare fish species such as whitefish and whitefish.
Lake Niegocin
Niegocin, the third largest lake in Poland, has an area of about 26.04 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 39.7 meters. On the shores of the lake is Giżycko – known as the capital of Polish sailing, offering numerous marinas, restaurants and tourist attractions. In the Niegocin area, you can also enjoy the beautiful pine forests and enjoy the charms of numerous hiking and biking trails.
3. Okuninka – White Lake
Located in Lubelskie Voivodeship, Okuninka is a charming village on the White Lake, one of the cleanest in Poland. The area of the lake is about 106 hectares, and its maximum depth is 33.6 meters. White is famous for its crystal clear water, which encourages swimming, diving and windsurfing. On the lakeshore there are many resorts, campgrounds and beaches waiting for tourists.
4. Gródek nad Dunajcem – Lake Rożnowskie
Gródek nad Dunajcem, a picturesque village located on Lake Rożnowskie, is one of the most beautiful places in Małopolska. The reservoir, formed by a dam on the Dunajec River, has an area of about 16 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 31 meters. Surrounded by the Rożnowskie Foothills, it offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Gródek nad Dunajcem is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding attractions. Among other things, there are nearby. Rožnov Castle, the ruins of Tropsztyn Castle and numerous hiking trails that lead through beautiful hills and valleys. The neighborhood is known for its numerous cultural and sports events, which take place here especially during the summer season.
5. Pieniny – Czorsztyn Reservoir
Czorsztyn Lake, located between the Pieniny and Gorce Mountains, is an artificial reservoir created by a dam on the Dunajec River. It was established in the 1990s. In the 1970s. and extends over an area of about 11 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of up to 50 meters. It is surrounded by the Pieniny and Gorce Mountains, making it an ideal place for summer recreation. There are numerous hiking and biking trails around Lake Czorsztyńskie, as well as a walking trail with beautiful views.
There are two historic castles on Lake Czorsztyn – Czorsztyn and Niedzica. The first one rises on a rocky hill, offering great views of the water and surrounding mountains. Niedzica Castle, located on the banks of a reservoir, is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind in Poland.
6. the Bieszczady Mountains – Lake Solina
Lake Solina, also known as the Bieszczady Sea, is the largest artificial reservoir in Poland. It lies in the heart of the picturesque Bieszczady Mountains. It was established in the 1960s. In the 1970s. Thanks to the construction of a dam on the San River. The dam is 664 meters long and 82 meters high, and the lake extends over an area of 22 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 60 meters. Located at the dam, the Solina hydroelectric power plant is one of the largest in Poland.
Lake Solina is a popular tourist destination, ideal for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and diving enthusiasts. During the summer season, numerous regattas and sports competitions are held here. Numerous hiking trails wrap around the reservoir, such as routes to Połonina Wetlinska and Tarnica. Lake Solina, surrounded by mountains and forests, offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
7. the Tatra Mountains – Morskie Oko
Located in the Tatra Mountains, Morskie Oko is one of the most beautiful and well-known lakes in Poland. It is located at an altitude of 1395 m Above sea level, in the Fish Creek Valley. They are surrounded by the majestic peaks of the High Tatras, such as Mięguszowieckie Peaks, Rysy and Mnich. The area of the lake is 34.54 hectares, and its maximum depth is 50.8 m.
Morskie Oko is a popular tourist destination. A scenic trail from Palenica Białczańska leads to it, which takes about 3 hours of hiking. The lake is also the starting point for many more difficult mountain trails, including Rysy, Poland’s highest peak.