Lake Niegocin, covering 26 square kilometers, is the seventh largest lake in Poland.

Historically, it was referred to as Negothin by Peter of Dusburg, a chronicler of the Teutonic Knights in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Other historical names include Newentein and Newotin, with the lake also known as Löwentinsee in German and Lake Lewientyńskie to the Masurian locals. The name Niegocin was officially adopted in 1949, replacing the German name Löwentin.

With a maximum depth of 39.7 meters and an average depth of 9.9 meters, Lake Niegocin is relatively shallow. A large, shallow area between the island Grajewska Kępa and the western shore near Strzelce only reaches 30 cm at its shallowest point, posing a hazard to sailors.

The lake's banks are mostly low and flat, surrounded by fields, meadows, and small woods.

Attractive recreation centers and tourist towns near Niegocin include Giżycko, Wilkasy, Strzelce, Kleczowo, Rydzewo, and Bystry. However, the lake is characterized by a poorly developed coastline, particularly the eastern shore, which lacks tourist infrastructure and water access.

The Łuczański Canal connects Niegocin to Lake Kisajno in Giżycko, while the Niegociński Canal provides an alternative route to Kisajno through Lake Tajty and the Piękna Góra Canal. At the southwestern end, Niegocin flows into Lake Boczne, and in the southeast, it connects with Lake Niałk Duży.

From there, a picturesque trail of ribbon lakes, including Wojnowo and Buwełno, links Niegocin through the narrow and shallow Niałk Wielki and Niałk Mały lakes. This route is only accessible by kayaks or shallow-draft boats. Additionally, a short watercourse connects Lake Niegocin with Lake Grajewko on the eastern side.

Lake Niegocin and Its Connection with Sailing, Cruising, and Water Sports

Lake Niegocin, with its numerous marinas in Giżycko and Wilkasy, is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy sailing. The lake’s southerly winds create ideal conditions for sailors, making it a prime spot for water sports.

A popular sailing route runs from Giżycko to Mikołajki, Ruciane-Nida, and onward to Pisz. The journey begins at Lake Niegocin in Giżycko and can be extended further north to the shores of Lake Mamry, in the tourist town of Węgorzewo.

With a network of lakes and canals, sailors can navigate from Niegocin all the way to Lake Śniardwy, the largest lake in Poland.

Niegocin’s expansive surface also hosts numerous regattas throughout the summer. Additionally, tourists can enjoy canoe rentals, small boats, and pedal boats for leisure trips on the lake. During the winter, the frozen surface of Niegocin becomes a haven for ice boating, skiing, ice fishing, and ice diving enthusiasts.

Swimming in Lake Niegocin

Several well-maintained beaches around Lake Niegocin offer perfect spots for swimming during the summer months. The beaches in Giżycko are especially popular, with cleaner water compared to those in Wilkasy.

Fishing on Lake Niegocin

Lake Niegocin is a haven for fishermen, offering a variety of fish species, including zander, perch, bream, pike, eel, tench, and large roach. It is a perfect place for anglers to spend time in a tranquil setting.