Top 10 Lakes in Wielkopolska
Clear water, the rustle of the forest, sunlight reflecting off the surface – a summer afternoon by a lake is the perfect way to spend a weekend. But the question remains: which lake is the best? The Wielkopolska Region has hundreds of lakes, many of which are ideal for relaxation or active recreation. To help you decide, we have prepared a subjective selection of the ten best lakes in Wielkopolska. The order is random, so any visit promises an equally enjoyable experience.
1. Powidzkie Lake
Powidzkie Lake, located 25 km southeast of Gniezno, is the largest lake in Wielkopolska, and at the same time one of the best for water sports. It is popular with sailors, windsurfers, and kayakers, and more recently with stand-up paddle enthusiasts. Owing to its considerable depth of 46 metres, the lake also hosts a base for scuba divers.
If you want to experience sailing without leaving Wielkopolska, head to Powidz, which has the largest marina for sailboats on the lake. You don’t need your own boat – rentals are readily available. The two most popular swimming areas are in Powidz and Giewartów, though atmospheric wild beaches are also worth exploring. Hungry after a full day on the water? Visit the restaurant at Hotel Moran for excellent cuisine with a view of the lake.
2. Jaroszewskie Lake
It is arguably the most popular body of water in the Wielkopolska Land of 100 Lakes, in the area around Sieraków, Międzychód, and Kwilcz. No other area in the region has such a concentration of lakes. Jaroszewskie Lake is a well-known bathing spot and a major centre for water sports. For those seeking excitement, Wakepark Sieraków offers thrilling activities; for a more relaxed yet still active experience, kayak and pedal boat rentals are available. Of course, you can always simply relax on the sandy beach.
The surrounding area also offers numerous attractions. Several restaurants, traditional ice cream parlours, a fish fry, and even a patisserie are at visitors’ disposal. Ample parking is also provided for tourists.
3. Lutomskie Lake
If Jaroszewskie Lake is all about activity and fun on the water, then Lutomskie Lake – located just a kilometre away, also near Sieraków – is a realm of tranquility, a haven for nature, and one of the few places in Wielkopolska where, with a bit of luck, you can spot a hunting white-tailed eagle. Seating by the water is limited, but a walk along the red trail through the Buki nad Jeziorem Lutomskim nature reserve offers a peaceful escape, with stunning landscapes, deep ravines, and steep shores.
4. Góreckie Lake
An excellent location for a hiking trip is Góreckie Lake, situated in the heart of the Wielkopolska National Park. This deep, L-shaped lake is one of the most beautiful in the region. A red tourist trail runs along the shore from Mosina-Pożegowo. The banks are high in many places, resembling cliffs, but several spots offer direct access to the water and charming picnic areas.
A notable attraction is the Castle Island on Góreckie Lake. As the name suggests, it is home to the ruins of a castle built in 1825 by Tytus Działyński and gifted to his sister, Klaudyna Potocka, as a wedding present. The island itself is inaccessible, but it is clearly visible from the viewpoint. Parking is available in Jeziory at the Wielkopolska National Park Museum, and in Mosina near the observation tower on Osowa Góra.
5. Ślesińskie Lake
Located north of Konin, Ślesińskie Lake is one of the iconic spots for water sports, attracting not only residents of Wielkopolska but also visitors from neighbouring regions each year. The lake is elongated, fairly deep (up to 26 metres), and expansive, creating ideal conditions for sailing as well as motorboating. The largest marina is in Ślesin itself, but several others are scattered around the lake, including those linked to hotels and recreational centres.
Ślesińskie Lake is connected by canals to Pątnowskie and Mikorzyńskie Lakes, and through them to the Warta River. It is also part of the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska – the longest marked water trail in Poland. You can charter a boat for an extended trip, sailing as far as Poznań or Bydgoszcz.
6. Niedzięgiel Lake (Skorzęcin)
For several generations, when residents of Poznań or Gniezno say ‘a trip to the lake’, they mean Skorzęcin. This popular tourist village is located on the shores of Niedzięgiel Lake, about 20 km east of Gniezno. You will not find peace and quiet here, or the chance to listen to frogs croaking in the evening, but you certainly will not be bored! Numerous water equipment rental facilities offer plenty of fun. Whether you prefer sailing a proper sailboat or relaxing on a pedal boat, everything is available. Motorboats are not allowed, as Niedzięgiel Lake is a designated quiet zone, though the beach can still be lively.
On the shore, visitors will find an amusement park, several recreational centres, a wide sandy beach comparable to those at the Baltic coast, as well as volleyball courts and tennis courts.
7. Raczyńskie Lake (Zaniemyśl)
Located about 35 km south of Poznań, Raczyńskie Lake is the last in a long series of similar bodies of water. Kórnik – with its castle, arboretum, and an excursion boat – is well known to everyone, but it is worth travelling further to Zaniemyśl. Raczyńskie Lake is an ideal spot for relaxation. Moreover, it can be reached via the historic train of the Środa District Railway.
The main attraction is Edward Island. Here, count Edward Raczyński had his Swiss-style cottage – a retreat from the crowds (hence the name). Today, it is primarily a place for summer relaxation. Visitors can take a walk, relax on a sun lounger, paddle a pedal boat, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant, which serves both traditional and creative dishes.
8. Chrzypskie Lake
The largest lake in the Land of 100 Lakes is scenically situated in a basin surrounded by several high hills. Although it is still in Wielkopolska, it looks like a landscape from low mountains. Along the lake, there are several excellent spots for swimming and sunbathing, but its numerous bays and considerable surface area make it particularly popular with windsurfing enthusiasts.
For a panoramic view of the entire lake and a true sense of being in the mountains, head to the viewpoint at Łężeczki on the southern shore. For those interested in history, the nearby village of Chrzypsko Wielkie is home to an outstanding technical monument – a century-old railway bridge.
9. Dominickie Lake
Whether you prefer sunbathing on the shore or active relaxation in a kayak, Dominickie Lake, located west of Leszno, is an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Its shores feature numerous beaches and recreational centres, with the greatest concentration in Boszkowo (which can even be reached by steam train from Wolsztyn!). For those seeking tranquility, the southern shore is recommended.
The picturesque Lily-of the-Valley Kayak Trail also runs through this area. Paddling here requires a bit more effort than on rivers, but the stunning views and remarkable natural surroundings more than make up for it.
10. Chodzieskie Lake
The area around Chodzież is certainly not lacking in lakes. You could choose Margonińskie Lake and its wake park, but the best option in this region is Chodzieskie Lake. It can be easily circumnavigated on foot to enjoy the scenery, or you can rent a kayak or pedal boat to venture out onto its waters. Alternatively, you can relax on the excursion boat Chodzieżanka. If you get hungry, visit Łazienki Chodzieskie, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the lake.
Chodzieskie Lake can also be admired from above, from the ski slope and viewpoint on Mount Talerz. In winter (weather permitting) it is possible to ski here, while in summer the location offers a spectacular panorama of the entire Chodzież ‘Switzerland’.
Bonus Round -Gopło Lake
There is one more place we must mention: the legendary Gopło Lake, located on the border of Wielkopolska and Kuyavia. Every Pole knows the legend of King Popiel, who was eaten by mice in Kruszwica, but few realize Gopło Lake is also perfect for water sports – sailing, rowing, and more.
Gopło Lake lies along the waterway of the Great Loop of Wielkopolska. You can begin your water adventure here and finish in Konin, Śrem, or Poznań – or even complete the entire 690 km loop.
