Lake Mikołajskie

Lake Mikołajskie is a narrow glacial trough lake that links three of the big Masurian lakes: Tałty, Bełdany and Śniardwy. Water from the central and southern parts of the Great Masurian Lakes flows through it, and so do sailors and passenger boats passing Mikołajki. Anyone who wants to see Masuria from the deck will end up here sooner or later.

Facts and location

The lake covers 5 km², is 5.8 km long, up to 1.6 km wide and reaches a depth of 25.9 m. To the north it joins Lake Tałty under the road bridge in Mikołajki; to the south-west it merges with Lake Bełdany without a clear boundary; and to the south-east it opens onto Lake Śniardwy through the Przeczka strait between the Dybowski and Popielski headlands. The bottom is uneven with many deep hollows, and numerous bays give it a long, indented shoreline. The western shore is covered by the Piska Forest.

Mikołajki and the King of Fish

The town on the lake received its charter in 1726, and the launch of regular shipping on the Masurian lakes in 1843 gave it a boost. The first permanent bridge across the narrows was built back in the early 16th century. The town's emblem is King Sielaw, a vendace: you will find him in the fountain on Plac Wolności and on the promenade, and every spring his figure is chained to a bridge pier. A footbridge from 2016 spans the narrows between Lake Tałty and Lake Mikołajskie; its leaning pylon is shaped like an ice yacht.

Cruises and sailing

A long promenade runs along the harbour, where passenger boats depart. Mikołajki is one of the ports of Żegluga Mazurska, and the most popular cruise heads out onto Lake Śniardwy. Sailors and motorboaters will find marinas, rentals and services here, and from Lake Mikołajskie you can continue north towards Giżycko or south via Bełdany.

Did you know?

On 21 August 2007 a violent storm with winds of up to about 130 km/h hit the lake. Within 10 minutes it capsized and sank dozens of boats, and 12 sailors died. It was the most tragic day in the history of sailing here and a good reason to watch weather warnings. Mikołajki is also home to an observatory of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management.

Tripto tips

Allow half a day for a stroll along the promenade and a short cruise. July and August are peak season with a crowded harbour; May, June and September are calmer. Check cruise timetables close to your trip, as they change during the season. On the water, remember that Masurian weather can turn within minutes, so wear a life jacket and keep a storm-warning app at hand.