Poland is an amazing European country with a rich historical stratum and remarkable architecture. However, do not forget about the natural wealth that is located on the territory of this wonderful state: large rivers and lakes of Poland, waterfalls, mountains, caves and much more.
Today we will pay attention directly to the aquatic natural riches that attract tourists' admiring glances and are the pride of local residents. We will find out which rivers of Poland are considered the largest and which lakes are considered the deepest.
The longest river
The largest river in Poland is the Vistula, which is about 1,047 kilometers (or 651 miles) long. Its total area is 194,424 kilometers 2 (or 75068 square miles). The Wisla is so large that several of its tributaries are located in three neighboring countries: in Belarus, Slovakia and Ukraine. And yet, most of the river, namely its 168 699 kilometers 2 ( 65 135 square miles), lies within the borders of Poland, dividing it in two.
Other rivers and lakes in Poland cannot compete in size with the Vistula, so it rightfully takes first place among the giants. It flows through a number of large Polish cities, among which are Krakow and Warsaw, and is also the longest river flowing into the Baltic Sea.
Odra - the second longest river in Poland
The origins of Odra are in neighboring Czech Republic, and the territory covered in Poland is about 750 kilometers. In length it goes immediately beyond the Vistula and has several large tributaries: Nasa, Nysa-Luzhitska and Bubr. The name of the Odra River means water or stream. Once upon a time, it was part of one of the most famous European trade routes, which was called the Amber Route. Odra, like the Vistula, flows into the Baltic Sea, but is significantly inferior to it in size.
Wisla and Odra are not the only large rivers of Poland, there are Neisse, Western Bug, Warta and several others. However, the total length and large basins of the first two undoubtedly distinguish them from the rest.
The rivers of Poland are not the only owners of large sizes. It is worth noting several lakes that can boast of their depth, width and length.
Biggest lake
The title of the largest rightfully belongs to Lake Snyardva. It is located on the side of the Masurian Lakes in the north-east of the country and is a direct part of this water system. Snyardva’s area is 113.4 square kilometers, and the depth goes 23.4 meters. The lake also serves as the location of eight large islands.
Being a part of the Masurian Lakes, Snyardvy along with other nearby water areas is located in the Masurian landscape park. Scientists from all over the world come to the lake to spend time studying birds in a special protected area.
Hancha Deep Lake and Long Jeziorak Lake
Hancha Lake is located on the territory of northern Suwalschina along with the other 160 lakes. Hancha is the deepest lake not only in Poland, but throughout the European Lowland. Its depth is an impressive 108.5 meters, and the surface area reaches 304.4 hectares. Hancha has the status of a reserve, that is, a nature reserve protected by the state. It can be easily confused with a mountain lake due to the crystal clear water and the absence of any underwater vegetation at the bottom. Unlike typical ponds located in the lowlands, Hancha's beaches are rocky.
As for Lake Jeziorak, it is located in the north-east of Poland, within the borders of the Ilawski Priozerye. It reaches a length of 27.45 kilometers, and takes only sixth place in surface area.
Charna Hancha River and Lake Wigry
It is also worth noting the Charna-Hancha River (not to be confused with Hancha Lake) along with Lake Vigry, which are rightfully the two most valuable natural sites in the Augustow Forest region.
Other rivers and lakes are an integral part of Charn Hanch. So, for example, it is a tributary of the Neman River and meets Lake Vigry. Its length is about 147 kilometers. The entire section of Charn-Hanch before flowing into the lake is an uncontrollable stream of turbulent current resembling a mountain river. Coming out of Vigra, this stream is completely transformed: wild water calms down and is no different from a typical lowland river. The river is very popular among active travelers and extreme sportsmen who love kayaking.
The size of Lake Vigra is 2187 hectares, and the maximum recorded depth goes to 73 meters. On all sides it is surrounded by steep banks, and in the vicinity lie dense forests. Wigry is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. On one of the shores is an ancient monastery of the 15th century, which once served as a haven for hermit monks.
Both natural resources, a river and a lake, lie in a protected area, also known as Viger National Park. It was founded in 1989, and its area covers more than 15 thousand hectares.