Poland’s most magical lakes

Poland is one of Europe’s most bountiful sources of unspoiled nature, home to a region that’s nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand lakes’ – ideal for a restorative escape. And of all of its glimmering and expansive bodies of water, these are the most enchanting.

Ełk Lake, Ełk

Glacier-formed and bordered by dense forest, Ełk Lake is a secret Poles would probably prefer to keep to themselves. Located in the Masurian Lake District, it’s an area that thrives from season to season. In the summer, holiday-makers flock to the terracotta-coloured town of Ełk and its grassy shores, where little kayaks bob beneath the emerald pines that crowd the shoreline. As autumn approaches, Ełk Lake develops a layer of light mist, while lily pads are scattered through the water, and the greenery transforms into a warming, radiant umber. Take a boat out on the lake before paddling back to shore and the lakeside Fregata hotel.

Lake Czos, Mrągowo

Lake Czos is the largest of the three lakes that border Mrągowo. Right in the heart of the Masurian district, boardwalks line the lake’s shores, which in the summertime are adorned with languid lake swimmers drying off in the sun. Sailing is also a popular option and a great way to take advantage of the vast amount of water and space. Visiting in winter is a completely different yet equally worthy experience, when crooked, snow-dusted trees creak over lonely reed plants – a pared-back picture of winter’s sparse elegance. For a different type of elegance, pay a visit to Gościniec Molo and its spa.

The Augustów Lakes, Augustów

Circling the resort town of Augustów, the Augustów Lakes are a constellation of sapphire waters. Lakes Necko, Rospuda, Sajno, Augustowskie and Studzieniczne are just a few of the options to choose from, and the Augustów Canal is a pretty route for kayaking – stretching all the way through the Augustów Primeval Forest to Belarus. In the forest, ancient trees form protective canopies overhead, where the only sound is likely to be the hushed slosh of the water as you paddle through. For travellers in search of romantic views, sunrise at the more isolated Sajno Lake is a wonderful option. Stay in the centre of Augustów and close to all the lakes at Hotel Nad Nettą.

Śniardwy Lake, Mikołajki

One of Poland’s most popular resort towns, Mikołajki serves as a hub for visitors looking to visit Poland’s largest lake – Śniardwy. 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 and some late summer sun. Śniardwy, however, is even more impressive in the wintertime when locals go ice-boating. As thick layers of ice cover the lake’s surface, iceboats – yachts with skating blades and sails – are propelled by the wind across the frozen water. It’s a toytown-like picture as snow swirls overhead and tiny boats skid across the ice into the distance. Hold onto those lake views at Apartment Przystań.

Lake Ukiel, Olsztyn

Tiny farms and swathes of forest make the area around Olsztyn especially picturesque, but it’s Lake Ukiel that stands out as one of the major draws. 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, to be privy to Ukiel’s endless quiet, you can wander down empty jetties and finger-like stretches of sand that jut out into the lake, picnicing in the leafy woodlands at the water’s edge. Long days out by the lake are best ended with a meal at one of Olsztyn’s many restaurants and a restful night at Przystań Hotel & Spa.