The West Pomeranian Lake District is located in northwestern Poland, in the foothills of the Baltic Uplands. Here, a multitude of beautiful lakes formed during the last ice age lie embedded between low hills, creating a vista that is similar to that seen in the Swiss Holstein region. The area boasts two national parks, extensive forests, and many historic sites that are of great importance to the Polish people. Let’s take a look at five of the most intriguing lakes for diving in this area.
Czarnoglowy Lake
Located near the city of Czarnoglowy, and popular for diving year-round, this manmade lake features steep, craggy terrain that reflects the excavation that created it; there are sunken trees still in place in some areas, ghostly remains of the forest that once thrived here. Maximum depth in this lake is about 28 meters, and visibility is not normally better than about five meters. Onshore amenities include barbecue pits and campsites, as well as a shelter. Use caution if you decide to walk toward the cliffs at the end of the lake to access the water; the trail is narrow and there are no guardrails along the steep embankments. If you make it to the cliffs though, you’ll be able to see embedded fossils both above and below the water.
Insko Lake
Situated 122 meters above sea level, Insko Lake features maximum depth at 41.7 meters. Boasting a well-developed coastline 28.5 kilometers around, with bays, peninsulas, and shallow areas suitable for diver training, this lake is one of the most popular in the area and joins directly with another lake called Lake Linowko. Terrain ranges from rocky to swampy, and during January and February, ice is sometimes thick enough to allow for ice diving. Visibility here is usually between 6 and 8 meters, and onshore amenities include campgrounds and the remains of defensive walls dating back to the 15th century.
Trzesniowskie Lake
A fascinating lake with a sunken forest and even some old sunken meadows, Trzesniowskie Lake features maximum depth at 60 meters with shelves at 40, 20, and 11 meters. You’ll find quite a few fish in shallower areas and enjoy warmer temperatures, as well; but once you head into deeper water, there is no life. Local divers can point the way to a sunken paddle offshore from the pier near the school; it is in about 11 meters of water and is an interesting sight to see.
Miedwie Lake
A fascinating site with an old fishing boat wreck plus a German Torpedo practice area, Miedwie Lake features a surface area of 35 square kilometers and is the fifth largest of Poland’s lakes. Maximum depth is 43.8 meters, and as the lake is situated a mere 14 meters above sea level, it is Poland’s largest cryptodepression, with the majority of the lake being thirty meters below sea level. Boasting a coastline 39 meters long, the lake is fed by the Plonia, Gowiencica, and Ostrowica Rivers.
Szmaragdowe Lake
A very shallow lake with maximum depth at just 15.8 meters, Szmaragdowe Lake was once a chalk mine, and the waters still have a somewhat cloudy appearance. The site has been completely flooded since an accident in 1925, and beneath the surface, you’ll find several pieces of machinery. Sometimes called the Emerald Lake, this site is now nearly surrounded by a beautiful beech forest and is a popular place for picnicking and relaxing.
In addition to these lakes, there are several others which are suitable for diving. Topside attractions include historic sites such as a castle and ancient churches. Local dive operators provide gear rentals, air fills, nitrox, and trimix, and can arrange trips to the lakes as well as to other sites in Poland and Germany.