Photo Gallery » Wigry Lake

Lake Wigry is one of the most beautiful lakes in Poland. Its picturesque and diverse shoreline, stretching about 64 kilometers (excluding the islands), is filled with bays and peninsulas. The lake is home to 19 islands, which add to its unique charm. From a bird’s-eye view, Wigry looks absolutely breathtaking. However, there is one important detail to keep in mind – the lake and its surroundings are located within the Wigry National Park. To fly a drone and take pictures there, it is necessary to obtain permission from the park's administration and pay the required fee. More details about flying drones in national parks in Poland can be found below. Feel free to explore the photo gallery of the Wigry Lake area.

Where is Lake Wigry located?

Lake Wigry is located in northeastern Poland, in the Suwałki region, within the Podlaskie Voivodeship, about 10 km southeast of Suwałki. It lies within the boundaries of Wigry National Park, surrounded by picturesque forests and hills. It's one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Poland, perfect for recreation and outdoor activities.

Is Wigry part of Podlasie in Poland

Lake Wigry is located in the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the Suwałki region, which geographically is part of northeastern Poland, and not Podlasie. Although the Suwałki region borders Podlasie, it has a distinct cultural and historical identity, constituting a separate area on the map of Poland

Can I fly a drone in National Parks in Poland?

Lake Wigry and its surroundings are within a National Park, where generally, flying drones is prohibited. To obtain permission, you must apply to the park’s management, pay a fee for photography or filming, and obtain liability insurance. The application should be submitted at least 7 days before the planned flight, specifying the dates and launch locations. Additionally, if you plan to film the monastery in Wigry, you will need permission from the parish priest. If you need assistance with the formalities, feel free to contact me.

The most beautiful lake in Poland

When I first saw Wigry on the map, I knew this place was special. The intricate shoreline and numerous islands created a unique landscape. Once there, I realized that Wigry is a true natural gem that must be seen in person. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Poland.

Attractions around Lake Wigry

There are many tourist attractions around Lake Wigry. You can enjoy hiking and biking trails in Wigry National Park, partake in water sports, kayak on the Czarna Hańcza River, and relax on the beaches or go fishing. I recommend taking a boat trip with a glass-bottomed deck, as well as visiting the viewpoints, the towers in Krusznik and Bryzgiel, and the Camaldolese Monastery in Wigry. Don’t miss the Wigry Narrow-Gauge Railway and the Wigry Museum in Stary Folwark.

What to See in Wigry?

In Wigry, be sure to visit the Camaldolese Monastery, and take a boat trip with a glass-bottomed deck. It's also worth renting a kayak and paddling down the Czarna Hańcza River. Don’t miss the Wigry Museum in nearby Stary Folwark.

Best places for drone photography

Wondering how to find the best spots for drone photography? I have my own method. Before each drone trip, I carefully study satellite maps. I look for places that offer unique perspectives and interesting frames. Around Lake Wigry, which spans over 50 kilometers, it's important to prepare in advance. I always plan locations for sunrise and sunset, driving routes, parking spots, and drone launch points. This way, when the light is perfect, you won’t waste time searching for locations but can focus on flying and admiring the stunning scenery.

Is swimming allowed in Lake Wigry?

Lake Wigry, located in Wigry National Park, does allow swimming, though it’s important to remember that the park has specific rules for nature conservation. Within the park, there are various spots regularly used for swimming. The most frequently visited include: Stary Folwark, Gawrych Ruda, Mikołajewo, Piaski in the Wygorzele Bay, Czerwony Krzyż by the Krzyżańska Bay, Zakątki at the Jastrzęby campsite, Bryzgiel municipal beach, and the Słupiańska Bay. During our cycling tour around the lake, we discovered a secluded beach at Piaski – I highly recommend this beautiful spot. I’ve marked it on the map to make it easier for you to find.

Beach by Lake Wigry

The photo shows a sandy beach, a swimming area and two piers in Gawrych Ruda, next to the viewpoint. There is a free, fairly large parking lot near the swimming area.

Depth of Lake Wigry

Lake Wigry, with a maximum depth of 74.2 meters, is the fifth deepest lake in Poland. Its impressive depth and clear, transparent water make it a unique spot for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. As an interesting fact, nearby, about 30 km to the northwest, is the deepest lake in Poland - Lake Hańcza, with a depth exceeding 100 meters.

Quiet Zone on Lake Wigry

Lake Wigry has a quiet zone where swimming is allowed from June 1 to October 31, but only with non-motorized boats. Camping, lighting fires, and using open flames are permitted only in designated areas. It is important to avoid disturbing the peace, littering, and polluting the water. The photo shows a summer morning at the Bryzgiel Sailing Station.

Cycling Trails Around Lake Wigry

One of the most scenic cycling routes around Lake Wigry is the green trail "Wokół Wigier" named after Antoni Patla. This 46 km trail takes you through varied terrain, ranging from well-maintained gravel roads and local asphalt paths to more challenging sections with narrow paths, steep ascents, and descents. The trail starts in Stary Folwark and passes through villages such as Wigry, Czerwony Folwark, Piaski, Krusznik, Bryzgiel, Gawrych Ruda, and Słupie, before looping back to Stary Folwark. It's designed for experienced cyclists, as some sections require technical skills. Along the way, you’ll encounter uneven surfaces, exposed roots, and puddles after heavy rains. During our trip, we stopped for the best blueberry pastries at Domowe Smaki in Czerwony Folwark, visited the stunning beach in Piaski, climbed the lookout tower in Krusznik, and had lunch in Bryzgiel. This is a perfect one-day trip for those seeking active adventure and challenges.

Wigry National Park

Wigry National Park, located in northeastern Poland, was established in 1989 and is one of the country's younger national parks. It occupies the central part of the Suwałki region, east of the city of Suwałki, and borders the Augustów Forest. Over half of the park is covered by forests, and one-fifth consists of water. Within its boundaries, there are 42 natural water bodies, including the famous Wigry Lake and dystrophic lakes known as "suchary." The scenic Czarna Hańcza River, a popular kayaking route, flows through the park, along with smaller rivers such as Kamionka, Wiatrołuża, and Maniówka. The park is characterized by a rich diversity of ecosystems - water, forest, peatland, and agricultural areas - which supports a wide variety of plant, fungi, and animal species. As a result, the area has been included in the Natura 2000 network of protected European sites.

Lake Wigry from a Bird's Eye View

My photos of Wigry Lake can be used in: calendars, advertisements, postcards, photo wallpapers, newspapers, magazines, promotional gadgets, souvenirs, or on websites. All interested parties are welcome to contact us for purchasing the license.