Photo Gallery » Lake Hańcza

Lake Hańcza in the Suwałki Lake District – another wonder on our journey. Lately, we’ve been traveling extensively across Poland, discovering incredible places, and Hańcza is undoubtedly one of them. It’s the deepest lake in Poland, reaching an impressive depth of 108.5 meters (356 feet). In the aerial photos, you can see the monumental depth hidden beneath the water's surface. I invite you to explore my gallery, where you can admire the majestic beauty of Lake Hańcza from above, revealing its mysteries and charm.

Where is Hańcza?

Lake Hańcza is located within the Suwałki Landscape Park in northeastern Poland. This unique spot lies just under 20 kilometers north of Suwałki, in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The route from the center of Suwałki to the beach and pier at Lake Hańcza in Błaskowiźna is approximately 25 kilometers long, with a travel time of around 28 minutes. I have marked the exact location on the map.

What does Lake Hancza look like?

This glacial trough lake features numerous boulders along its shores. The accumulation of boulders is so extensive that they appear to be deliberately arranged. The lake is 4550 meters long, with a maximum width of 1150 meters, an average depth of 38.7 meters, and a shoreline length of 11.75 kilometers. When we arrived at the lake in the late afternoon, the sky was completely covered with clouds, and I didn't have much hope for good photos. We set off on the blue trail along the eastern shore, and with each passing minute, the weather improved. When we were halfway around the lake, the sun emerged from behind the clouds and illuminated the area with golden light for about 15 minutes.

The deepest lake in Poland

Hańcza is the deepest lake in Poland and one of the largest in the Suwałki region. The lake is located within the Suwałki Landscape Park and is fully protected as a nature reserve. Its maximum depth is 108.5 meters (though different sources report depths ranging from 105 to 113 meters), making it a unique place for exploring the mysteries of nature.

Hańcza from a Drone

Lake Hańcza is located within the TRA 108 airspace managed by the Podlaska Border Guard. To fly a drone in this area, you need to call and obtain permission. The phone number and more information on this matter can be found in the DroneTower app.

Diving in Lake Hancza

As the deepest lake in Poland, and the only one exceeding 100 meters in depth, Lake Hańcza is an attractive diving spot. On the eastern shore of the lake, there are three parking areas and entry points for divers. I marked the dive site at parking lot no. 3 on the map.

Diving Spots at Lake Hańcza

The lake is fully protected as a nature reserve. Therefore, diving is only allowed at these three designated spots on the eastern shore, near the Błaskowizna village. I have marked the entry point near parking area number 1 on the map.

Hańcza - Water Clarity

The water in Lake Hańcza is of the highest purity, classified as Class I, with visibility reaching up to 7 meters. When walking along the pier in Błaskowizna and looking into the water, it’s so clear that you can see everything on the bottom in great detail. It creates a strange feeling, almost as if the water isn’t there at all.

Tourist Attractions at Lake Hańcza

Lake Hańcza is the perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking active recreation. There are beaches, swimming areas, diving spots, and numerous hiking and cycling trails. You can admire unique boulder fields, enjoy views of the lake and surroundings from the tower on Leszczynowa Góra, stroll through forests, and take in stunning landscapes from various viewpoints.

Trails by the Lake

The area around Lake Hańcza offers several interesting hiking and cycling trails. The blue hiking trail along the eastern shore of the lake is a scenic and rewarding option, but it’s not suitable for cycling. You can access this trail at the northern end of the lake in the village of Stara Hańcza. From the same spot, you can start the cycling route around Lake Hańcza. This challenging 22 km trail is perfect for those in good physical condition and using MTB bikes. The route is well-marked and circles the lake, partially overlapping with the Green Velo trail. Cyclists will enjoy beautiful views, numerous climbs and descents, and charming old wooden cottages hidden among the hills of the Suwałki region.

Hańcza from a Bird's-Eye View

Lake Hańcza impresses not only with its depth but also with its picturesque surroundings, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. It's worth seeing the lake from a bird's-eye view, but if you don't have a drone, I recommend the observation tower on Leszczynowa Góra. I have marked the location of the tower on the map.

Beach at Lake Hańcza

The lake is protected as a nature reserve, so if you want to swim in the deepest lake in Poland, you can use two designated swimming areas: the beach in Błaskowizna on the eastern shore or the Stara Hańcza beach at the northern end. I couldn’t resist the pleasure of diving to the bottom :-) for now, only at the swimming area...

Lake Hańcza and Czarna Hańcza

Hańcza is the deepest lake in Poland, while Czarna Hańcza is the river that flows through it, often mistaken for Hańcza. Czarna Hańcza is the largest river in Wigry National Park and the main river of the Suwałki region. Additionally, Czarna Hańcza is a popular route for kayaking, offering picturesque views and unforgettable experiences.