Świteź – lake full of legends

In the heart of ancient Lithuania, amidst vast forests and picturesque meadows, lies Lake Świteź – a place that has intrigued with its extraordinary aura for centuries. Located near Nowogródek, it is one of those spots on the map that combines the richness of nature with a mysterious past. It is here that history intertwines with legend, creating a tale that inspires artists, researchers, and travelers. The lake gained immortal fame thanks to the ballad by Adam Mickiewicz, but its history goes much deeper, harboring countless stories passed down through generations.

Lake Świteź – a natural phenomenon

Lake Świteź, situated in Belarus on the border of the Nowogródek and Korelichi districts, is one of the karst jewels of this region. Formed by the collapse of earth into an underground void, it has a unique, funnel-shaped form close to a circle and lies at an altitude of 258 m above sea level. It is a small reservoir with an area of about 2.5 km² and a maximum depth of 15 m.

The lake is not fed by any major rivers and only the Sworotwa stream flows out of it. The flora of Lake Świteź is characterized by the presence of relict plants such as the lobelia dortmanna and the one-flowered wintergreen, which is the only known location in Belarus for the latter. In the waters of the lake, tench dominates, adapting to the low acidity of the water, which acts as a barrier for other fish species.

Since 1970, the lake and its surrounding area have been protected as part of the Świteźian Landscape Reserve. Stanisław Lorentz, who in 1930 led to the recognition of the lake as a monument, contributed to the preservation of its unique nature and landscape. Today, the lake is a popular recreation spot, with amateur fishing allowed.

The legend of the sunken city

The greatest fame of Lake Świteź owes to its legend, immortalized by Adam Mickiewicz in the ballad Świteź. This extraordinary tale of a sunken city and its inhabitants is the essence of the romantic spirit, where reality interweaves with metaphysics. According to accounts, in the place of today’s lake, there once was a prosperous city. Its residents led peaceful lives until enemies from Rus invaded the land.

According to legend, when the Russian troops besieged nearby Nowogródek, then the capital of Lithuania, Grand Duke Mendog asked for help from Tuhan, the ruler of Świteź. Although Tuhan faced a difficult choice, whether to rush to the aid or stay and defend his own city, he decided to help Mendog, leaving only women, children, and the elderly in Świteź. Soon after, the city was attacked by victorious Russian troops. According to the story, when the enemies captured the city, its residents, not wanting to surrender, turned to God for help. In response to their prayers, the earth opened up, swallowing the city and creating the lake in its place.

This dramatic story has become the basis for local beliefs, including about the lobelias, white flowers that appeared on the lake as a symbol of the residents’ sacrifice. These plants, called car ziele by the locals, have become a symbol of a curse for anyone who tries to pick them, reflecting the continuity of spirit and courage of the former city.

According to other accounts, the residents of the sunken city still live beneath the surface of the lake. On quiet nights, one can hear their songs, and the moonlight sometimes brings out mysterious figures – the ghosts of the drowned.

Mickiewicz’s ballad added a poetic glow to this legend, portraying the sunken inhabitants as defenders of the honor and purity of their land. Their tragic fate, combined with their extraordinary sacrifice, made the tale of Świteź one of the most beautiful myths of Polish romantic literature.

Mysterious rituals and unusual properties of lake Świteź

The lake, beyond its literary and natural fame, is also a place surrounded by an aura of spiritual rituals and mystical beliefs. According to local residents, nymphs called świtezianki inhabit the depths of the lake. The water of the lake, considered sacred, is reputed to have purifying properties – both for the body and the soul. Local traditions suggest that a bath in Świteź can bring relief to tired eyes and allow for spiritual rebirth.

A simple ritual of immersion in the lake, combined with meditation and the repetition of the spell: I want to see everything as it is. Let my thought be as pure and clear as the water of Świteź, has the power to free from illusions and purify the mind, enabling a better understanding of the surrounding reality. Whether such practices truly have supernatural power, or merely allow for a moment of reflection and relaxation – remains a question that every visitor to Świteź must decide for themselves.