Chartering on Lake Wdzydze: Sailing in the Heart of Kashubia
Chartering a yacht on Lake Wdzydze: facts about the Kashubian sea, where to set off, when to sail and how it differs from Masuria.
Lake Wdzydze, known as the Kashubian sea, is one of the deepest and quietest sailing waters in Poland, lying entirely within a landscape park. Less known than Masuria, but with similar potential for a week-long trip. This guide gathers the facts about the lake, tells you where to set off from, and shows how sailing in Kashubia differs from sailing on the Great Masurian Lakes.
Lake Wdzydze at a glance
Wdzydze is actually five connected lakes: Wdzydze, Radolne, Gołuń, Jelenie and Słupinko, with an irregular, branching shape that from above looks almost like a letter. The whole body of water lies within the Wdzydzki Landscape Park, established in 1983, where forests cover nearly two thirds of the area.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Lake area | approx. 1,455 ha |
| Average depth | 15.2 m |
| Maximum depth | approx. 68-72 m (one of the deepest in Poland) |
| Landscape park | Wdzydzki Landscape Park, 17,800 ha, established 1983 |
| Region | Bory Tucholskie forest, Kościerzyna county, Kashubia |
| Distance from Gdańsk | approx. 70 km |
Where to set off: Wdzydzki Kąt and Wdzydze Kiszewskie
The main cluster of marinas is in Wdzydzki Kąt, in the village of Borsk, on one side of the lake, and in Wdzydze Kiszewskie on the other. Both spots have access to supplies and accommodation on land, so your choice mostly depends on which part of the lake you plan to sail toward on your first day. The branching shape of the lake makes navigation here more interesting than on a single large, open lake: more bays, more changes of direction, fewer long, monotonous tacks.
How it differs from Masuria
Wdzydze is noticeably deeper and quieter than a typical Masurian lake, and the whole body of water lies within a landscape park, so tourist traffic is lighter here even at the peak of the season. It is a good choice for crews looking for quiet and nature rather than extensive marina infrastructure. If you want to compare both regions before choosing, we start from the basics in our guide to chartering in Masuria, and we have gathered a full list of scenic routes in Poland in our guide to the most beautiful sailing trails.
The landscape park does not close the lake to sailors, but it is worth sailing more calmly and keeping to the marked channels in the narrow passages between the individual lakes that make up Wdzydze.
Which boat to choose
The branching shape of the lake and frequent wind shifts between bays favour smaller, more manoeuvrable sailing yachts over large houseboats. If you are just starting out and do not yet hold a license, check our guide to chartering without a license to see which motorboats you can operate on your own, and if you are torn between boat types, you will find a full comparison in yacht, houseboat or motorboat. We explain how to match boat size to your crew in our guide to choosing a yacht for charter.
When to sail on Wdzydze
The season runs from May to September. July and August bring the warmest water and the most other crews on the lake, but even then the branching shape gives you plenty of quiet bays. June and September are a calmer alternative with cooler evenings. We have gathered the general rules for choosing a month for a trip in our guide to the best times for a yacht charter. Today the most convenient way to book your chosen date is online, with a live availability calendar and a prepayment by card, BLIK or Przelewy24 instead of email and a bank transfer: we show how that works in practice in our guide to booking a yacht online. You can find operators with such a calendar on Polish waters at Portivo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Wdzydze deep?
Yes, it is one of the deepest lakes in Poland, with an average depth of 15.2 metres and a maximum depth of 68-72 metres. By comparison, most Masurian lakes have a maximum depth of only a dozen or so metres.
Can you sail on Wdzydze without a license?
Yes, within the engine power, speed and length limits set by the regulations. The availability of specific license-free boats depends on the individual operator's offer.
Where is the best place to set off on Lake Wdzydze?
Most marinas are in Wdzydzki Kąt (Borsk) and in Wdzydze Kiszewskie, on opposite sides of the lake. The choice depends on your planned route for the first day.
How does Wdzydze differ from Masuria?
It is deeper, quieter and lies entirely within a landscape park, so tourist traffic is lighter even in season. Marina infrastructure is more modest than in Masuria, but there is more quiet and nature here.
