Lake Ciecz (Trześniowskie) in Łagów

Looking at the green surface from a jetty in Łagów, it is hard to believe that there are almost 59 metres of water below. Ciecz, also called Lake Trześniowskie, is the deepest lake in the Lubusz Lakeland and one of the deepest in Poland. It stretches north of Łagów in a long trough between steep, wooded banks.

A lake in a glacial trough

Ciecz is a ribbon lake covering 171 to 186 hectares, depending on the source. Its average depth is 19.3 m and its maximum 58.8 m. A short canal in the centre of Łagów links it with Lake Łagowskie to the south; on the isthmus between them grew the village with the castle of the Knights Hospitaller. Until 1945 the lake was called Tschetsch See, and its current name was made official in 1949. It lies entirely within the Łagów Landscape Park.

What to see and do

• View of the castle – from the water, the tower of the Hospitallers' castle rises above the trees on the isthmus.
• Kayaks and pedal boats – several rental points operate on the southern shore by Łagów.
• Wooded banks – beech, pine, spruce and oak cover the northern, eastern and western slopes.
• Fishing – it is a vendace-type lake and is stocked regularly.
• The Łagów canal in the village centre, with a wooden bridge next to the Polish Gate.

Tripto tip

The banks are steep and the bottom drops away quickly, so the lake has no typical beaches – it is better for paddling than for swimming with children. The castle tower looks best from the water, so it is worth paddling a little way north from the jetties. Allow two to three hours for a walk along the shore and a short trip on the water.