Just 100 km from Poznań lies Azure Lake in Piechcin, one of the most stunning and surprising locations in Kujawy. Known for its crystal-clear, azure waters and unique landscapes reminiscent of Croatia, this destination is a paradise for divers, nature lovers, and photographers alike. This article explores the lake’s exact location, interesting facts about its surroundings, and tips for visiting this hidden gem.
A Historical Overview of Piechcin
Piechcin is a remarkable place on the tourist map of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, located at the border of the historical and ethnographic regions of Kuyavia and Pałuki. The village, mentioned as early as 1298, was once owned by Bartosz Przezdrzewica and later gifted to Hektor from Pakość by King Casimir the Great in 1362. Over the centuries, Piechcin has seen various rulers and significant events, each leaving a unique mark on its cultural and historical landscape.
A Croatian-Like Gem Near Poznań
Nestled in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, Piechcin Lake is a jewel among Polish lakes. The striking azure colour of the water attracts tourists from all over the region, evoking images more commonly associated with Croatia rather than central Poland. Piechcin, a small village on the north-eastern edge of the Gniezno Lake District, has gained popularity due to its rich deposits of limestone and Jurassic marl.
The Science Behind the Stunning Waters
The lake’s remarkable turquoise hue results from the limestone in the lakebed and the specific sunlight reflection. The limestone bottom causes the water to reflect light in a way that gives it a stunning, vibrant blue colour. Additionally, the water’s clarity is exceptional, thanks to the lake’s origin as a flooded quarry, giving it an irregular shape and significant depth of up to several dozen metres.
Can You Swim in the Lake?
Although Azure Lake is privately owned by a local mining company, swimming is restricted. However, diving is permitted through companies with the necessary licences. Due to the limited beach access, the lake is a popular spot for photographers seeking perfect shots.
The flooded limestone quarry in Piechcin is a haven for diving enthusiasts. The underwater landscape features vertical walls plunging to 25 metres, caves, standing trees, machinery, and even cars like the Fiat 126P, Skoda, and Hyundai. Wrecks of a large 13-metre sea yacht “Magda” and a 20-metre tugboat “Czajka” can also be explored. The lake’s rich ichthyofauna includes sizable fish such as pikes, carps, trenches, perches, roaches, and clear-water indicators like crayfish and snails.
The Curse and Beauty of Azure Lake
Despite its beauty, Azure Lake is steeped in a somewhat dark history, being relatively young and supposedly cursed. The lake formed in a former quarry that ceased operations in the 1960s, filling with water due to the limestone bed, creating a breathtaking turquoise hue. Some locals believe the lake is cursed, a remnant of the hardships faced by political prisoners who worked in the quarry during the Stalinist era.
Other Attractions in Piechcin
Piechcin is also home to a historic neo-Renaissance palace built in the 19th century for the wealthy Korytowski family. Nowadays, it houses offices of an agricultural enterprise. Nearby, the Palace in Jankowo, built by the von Reibnitz family, is another site worth visiting. Surrounded by a picturesque park designed by Johann Larass, this palace has a rich history and is currently privately owned, attracting history and architecture enthusiasts.
Piechcin Lake, with its Mediterranean-like charm and fascinating history, offers a unique getaway for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and historical intrigue. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, a photographer, or a history buff, this slice of Croatia in the heart of Poland is sure to captivate and inspire.
