Lake Sarbsko is a coastal freshwater lake with exceptional natural and scenic value, located on the Słowińskie Coast, about 1 km from the Baltic Sea. The surrounding area is an ideal spot for connecting with nature, enjoying water sports, and outdoor recreation.
Lake Sarbsko stretches over 6.6 km in length and reaches a maximum width of 1.2 km, covering a total area of 651.7 hectares. Despite its size, it is a relatively shallow body of water – with an average depth of 1.2 meters and a maximum of 3.2 meters. What makes Sarbsko unique is its limited water exchange with the Baltic Sea, blocked by the narrow Sarbska Spit.
Discover the beauty of Lake Sarbsko!
Lake Sarbsko is located in the eastern buffer zone of Słowiński National Park and is protected as part of the Natura 2000 area “Mierzeja Sarbska.” Its northern shore borders the Mierzeja Sarbska Landscape Reserve, established in 1976.
The Chełst River flows through the lake, delivering exceptionally clean waters. During winter storms on the Baltic Sea, brackish groundwater flows under the spit into the lake. Water circulation in Lake Sarbsko is strong but heavily dependent on wind direction and speed. This dynamic environment supports rich biodiversity and ecological value, while also making the lake sensitive to human impact.
A treasure trove of nature
Lake Sarbsko is surrounded mostly by dense reed beds, with some areas featuring narrow, sandy beaches. Due to the occasional mixing of seawater with lake water, both freshwater and brackish species of flora and fauna can be found here. Additionally, the lake lies along one of Poland’s most important migratory bird routes.
It plays a vital role in the local ecological landscape, serving as a feeding ground for numerous protected and endangered bird species such as the white-tailed eagle, osprey, and cormorant. It’s also an important nesting and resting area for waterfowl. Lake Sarbsko is one of the few places in Poland where the rare fragile ram’s-horn snail can be found – a species that thrives only in clean, well-vegetated waters, confirming the lake’s high water quality.
The lake is also home to various fish species, including pike, zander, perch, crucian carp, bream, roach, and eel.
Things to do at Lake Sarbsko
Lake Sarbsko is a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor activities. While swimming is possible, the muddy and low-visibility bottom makes it less suitable for bathing. However, the lake is ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Walking and cycling trails around the lake also offer the perfect way to explore the natural surroundings.
The lake is a popular fishing spot. Angling is permitted in designated areas, and a valid fishing permit is required. Getting a permit is simple – just fill out an application and pay a small fee based on the permit duration.
Please keep in mind that mass tourism and water sports, especially windsurfing and motorized activities, can negatively affect the lake and its ecosystem. They contribute to the destruction of aquatic and coastal vegetation and disturb birdlife. To protect the area, please follow a few simple nature-friendly rules:
Do not approach within 100 meters of the shoreline bordering the reserve
Do not damage reed beds or floating vegetation
Avoid using the lake surface before 9:00 a.m.
Distance from Saltic Resort & SPA to Lake Sarbsko – approx. 350 meters.
