Water without crowds — Suwałki region, the Bug valley and Ustka

Poland has a long waterline, but most people go to the same places. Here are three directions that give water without crowds — and that take a little more effort to reach.

Suwałki region — lakes and quiet

The Suwałki region has lakes everywhere and few people. Hańcza is the deepest lake in Poland and one of the clearest — divers come from all over the country. Around it lie the Augustów Forest and villages where time runs differently.

It is also one of the coldest regions in Poland — in winter colder than the mountains. In summer that means pleasant water and nights when you really need a duvet.

More: Suwałki region.

Bug valley — a river that was never regulated

The Bug valley is one of the last stretches of a large Polish river that looks wild: meanders, sandy shoals, high banks and birds that do not live along regulated rivers.

A region for people who like to look rather than tick off. Kayak, bike, binoculars — and villages where you can have lunch without a reservation.

More: Bug valley.

Ustka — port, lighthouse and beach

Ustka is smaller than neighbouring resorts and that is exactly why it works. There is a port with fishing boats, a lighthouse, a pier and a beach where you can still find space in August.

A good short trip off-season — in autumn, when the wind is strong and the sea looks more serious. That is when Ustka shows why people go to the Baltic in October.

More: Ustka.

Practical

Trains reach Suwałki and Ustka; for the Bug a car is easier — trains are sparse and the best spots lie outside towns. The Suwałki region and the Bug need planning, Ustka needs nothing.

When to go

Suwałki region: June–September. Bug: May–September, best in spring when the river is full. Ustka: June–September, but off-season makes sense too — a different, harsher one.