Lake Drawsko: Poland's second deepest, in the Drawsko Lakeland
Poland's second-deepest lake, in the West Pomeranian Land of Many Lakes. A branching ribbon lake with twelve islands, the fifth-largest lake island in Poland, and the ruins of Drahim castle on the isthmus.
In West Pomerania, in the Land of Many Lakes, lies the second-deepest lake in Poland. Drawsko drops away to more than 80 metres, and its branching ribbon holds twelve islands, the largest of which, Bielawa, is the fifth-largest lake island in Poland. Through the lake flows the Drawa, one of the country's most beautiful kayaking rivers.
Lake Drawsko: what kind of water it is
Drawsko is a ribbon lake of nearly 1,782 hectares, spread across two arms 10.6 km long and up to 6.6 km wide. What matters most is the depth: at 82.2 m at its deepest it is the second-deepest lake in Poland, right after Hańcza; on average the lake is 17.7 m deep. Twelve islands sit on the water, and the largest of them, Bielawa, is about 80 ha and the fifth-largest lake island in the country. Larger than it are, among others, Owcza Island on Lake Wielimie and Ostrów Wielki on Lake Wdzydze. The water can be clear, though it has been classified as moderately clean (class III).
The castle on the isthmus
Halfway along the lake, in the village of Stare Drawsko, on a narrow isthmus between Drawsko and Lake Żerdno, stand the ruins of Drahim castle. The stronghold was raised in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller, later served as the seat of Polish starosts, and today is a picturesque vantage point over the water. From a kayak you can paddle right up to the isthmus, and it is one of the best destinations on the lake. The main town on the shore is Czaplinek, with marinas and facilities for paddlers and sailors.
Routes on the lake
Drawsko is large and branching, with deep reaches and islands, so you choose your route to suit the weather and your strength. Below are a few ideas: from a family loop by Czaplinek, through the crossing to the castle at Stare Drawsko, to a loop among the islands. These are suggestions to get your bearings, not a waymarked trail.
- Czaplinek - marinas and rentals, the market square and the Holy Trinity church in town
- Stare Drawsko - a start by the isthmus, close to Drahim castle
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A calm loop by Czaplinek
A sheltered shore by the town and marina - good for a warm-up and for paddling with children.
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The ruins of Drahim castle
A stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller from 1360 on the isthmus between Drawsko and Żerdno; today a museum. Paddle up to the isthmus.
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Bielawa island
The lake's largest island (about 80 ha), with a nature trail and a viewing tower; paddle around it. On the neighbouring islet, a colony of cormorants.
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The steep banks at Warniłęg
High bluffs with a panorama of the lake in the north-western part - one of the finest views.
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Rzepowska Bay
One of the lake's long, fjord-like bays - quiet and picturesque.
Safety on big water
Put on your buoyancy aid and adjust it while you are still on shore. This is big, very deep water: in the wind the open reaches quickly turn dangerous, and the cold deep does not forgive a capsize far from the bank. Keep to the shores and islands, watch the forecast, and choose calm days for crossings between the lake's arms.
How to paddle a kayak on the lake? However you like, as long as you follow every safety rule. You paddle whichever way is comfortable - you choose your own line and destination. There is no channel, no bed and no course you have to keep to. Just watch out for natural obstacles and other people on the water. Adapt to the weather conditions.
How to get there and where to rent
The easiest place to start is Czaplinek on the south-eastern shore. This is where the marinas and rentals for kayaks and sailing gear are. The surroundings belong to the Drawa Landscape Park, and the town itself has full tourist facilities. It is best to book gear and any transport ahead in season.