Hańcza Lake

Hańcza is a lake located on the Czarna Hańcza river in Wschodniosuwalskie Lake District. It is not only the deepest lake in Poland but also in the whole middle part of the North European Plain. Depending on the source of research, its depth has approximately 106m, 111m or 113m. The longest part amounts to 4,5km in length, while the widest part has 1,2km. The entire area is a nature reserve and is under protection.

Hańcza is a post-glacial ribbon lake. It is surrounded by the high, steep scarp where coast flora virtually doesn't exist. The beach is covered by the various sized rocks. The biggest one is known as 'Boundary Stone' which is a natural monument.

Hańcza is the only place in Polish lowlands where alpine bullhead can be found. The other species that live there are northern pike, European perch, lake trout, vendace and lavaret, among others. The lake has an exceptionally clear water classified as the 1st class of water cleanliness. Clarity reaches up to 6m.