Article Poland’s coastal and lakeside getaways

Poland is best discovered slowly — especially if you desire immersion in nature. Beyond the cities and popular mountain trails are peaceful places full of greenery and clear waters. Lakes, coastlines, rivers and nature reserves are less known from guidebooks, and for that reason offer unexpected pleasure!

Drawskie Lake District: for kayaking and silence

In the west between Szczecin and Poznań is the Drawskie Lake District, with over 250 lakes. Drawsko Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful — deep, clean and surrounded by forests. Dozens of smaller lakes and peaceful villages are nearby. Here, kayaking on the Drawa River through Drawieński National Park, amidst wild forests, is popular. It’s an ideal place for to spend time actively, yet avoiding crowded resorts.

Sobieszewo Island: nature close to the city

Although only 15 kilometers from Gdańsk, Sobieszewo Island has a completely different character from the rest of the Tricity coastline. With lush greenery and wild beaches, the island boasts two nature reserves: Ptasi Raj (Bird Paradise) and Mewia Łacha (Seagull Shoal Reserve). Here, you can walk for hours along dunes and in pine forests, watch birds or relax on an empty beach. You’ll find summer cottages, local fish fry stands, and bike trails — but no big hotels or noisy attractions.

Vistula Lagoon: a view of history

In northern Warmia and Żuławy regions lies the Vistula Lagoon, a large, shallow body of water with natural coastline surrounded by small, quiet towns and marinas It is separated from the Baltic Sea by the Vistula Spit, a narrow strip of land worth visiting in itself, especially since a new canal through it was recently opened, allowing direct passage from the lagoon to Gdańsk Bay.

One of the most interesting spots on the Vistula Lagoon is Frombork, a town associated with Nicolaus Copernicus and featuring a beautifully located hilltop cathedral. From its tower, you can get a panoramic view of the entire lagoon, marina, and the Vistula Spit. Nearby, boat excursions depart from a small harbor during the summer, including some to Krynica Morska, located across the spit.

Elbląg Canal: an adventure beyond water

Among the green hills and lakes of northern Poland runs a waterway unlike any other: the Elbląg Canal.  One of the most remarkable waterways in Europe, it is surrounded by the Warmian lakes and hills —  and boats literally sail across grass! A historic system of inclined planes allows vessels to overcome differences in terrain elevation, and on land, on special platforms. Water turns into tracks, and the cruise becomes a slow journey through meadows and forests. The 150-year-old technology still works, blending engineering genius with full immersion in nature.

The canal connects several lakes and rivers over its 80 kilometers. The most spectacular section runs from Buczyniec to Elbląg, and it is open for cruises from May through September. Combine this with a visit to the Vistula Lagoon or a bike trip around the area!