Lake Wigry: the great, deep water of the Suwałki region

In the Suwałki region, at the heart of Wigry National Park, lies one of the largest and deepest lakes in Poland. Wigry has the shape of a branching channel gouged out by a glacier, with bays, peninsulas and nineteen islands. The Czarna Hańcza flows through the lake, so Wigry is also a stop on one of the country's most famous kayak trails.

Lake Wigry: what kind of water it is

Wigry is a glacial-channel lake with an area of over 2,100 hectares (about 2,118 ha), one of the largest in Poland. It stretches 17.5 km in length and up to 3.55 km in width, and its shoreline runs over 70 km. It is deep: 73 m at most, about 15 m on average, which places it among the deepest lakes in the country. The water is clean and cool, with a moderate fertility largely preserved, which suits the vendace and other fish. Since 1989 the lake and its surroundings have been protected by Wigry National Park.

The monastery above the water

On the eastern shore, on a peninsula near the village of Wigry, stands a former Camaldolese monastery complex, raised from the end of the 17th century and rebuilt after the destruction of both world wars, today one of the most recognisable sights of the Suwałki region. The Camaldolese monks settled here in 1667, and for over a hundred years it was they who managed the lake. From the water, the monastery's red roofs above the surface of Wigry make a strong impression and are a natural goal for a shorter outing. The main base to the north is Stary Folwark, with the park's headquarters and museum.

Routes on the lake

Wigry is large and branching, so you set the route yourself, depending on the wind, your strength and how much you want to see. Below are a few suggestions: from a calm loop by Stary Folwark, through a crossing to the monastery, to paddling the length of the lake. These are ideas to orient you, not a marked trail; everyone will paddle their own way.

See the area on the interactive map Click to load the map - routes on the lake, shores and weather

Safety on big water

Put your buoyancy aid on and adjust it while still on the shore. Wigry is open, deep water: in the wind a short, steep wave quickly builds, and in the middle of the broad reaches there is nowhere to shelter. Keep close to the shore, watch the forecast and don't paddle far out when a storm is forecast. The water is cold even in summer, especially over the deeps. The lake lies within a national park, so paddling is subject to its rules. A kayak requires a paid entry card to Wigry National Park (one-day 8 zł, reduced 4 zł, annual 60 zł). Water tourism is allowed from 1 May to 31 October, from sunrise to sunset. There is a ban on approaching, mooring at and landing on any of the islands, a ban on entering the reedbeds, and a ban on using combustion engines; the Hańcza Bay is closed from the melting of the ice until 15 June. You may moor only at designated jetties, and camp only at the campsites. When wind gusts exceed 60 km/h, being on the park's waters is prohibited. Before setting off, check the current regulations of Wigry National Park.

How to paddle a kayak on the lake? Any way you like, as long as you observe every safety rule. You paddle however is comfortable for you - you choose your own path and destination. There is no set way, channel or course you have to follow here. 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 Stary Folwark on the northern shore, or Gawrych Ruda and Bryzgiel to the west and south. This is where the kayak rentals and landings are concentrated, often handling the Czarna Hańcza trip and equipment transport too. The nearest larger town is Suwałki, a dozen or so kilometres to the north. It is best to book equipment in advance, especially in season.