Attraction in Olsztyn

Lake Dlugie (Jezioro Długie)

Lake Dlugie is a narrow lake in western Olsztyn where motorboats are banned, valued for its clean water and quiet lakeside recreation.

Reviewed and updated July 2026

Lake Dlugie (Jezioro Dlugie) — Photo: Piotr Marek Kisielew…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lake Dlugie (Jezioro Długie) is a narrow lake inside the city of Olsztyn where motorboats are banned, which keeps the water clean and the atmosphere calm. People come here to swim, walk and cycle along the shoreline, and to enjoy a slower alternative to the busier Lake Ukiel a short distance away.

Walking and Cycling Along the Shore

Paths run along the edge of Lake Dlugie, so you can follow the water on foot or by bike for most of its length. Because the lake is long and thin, the route stays close to the shoreline the whole way, giving you steady views across the water rather than long detours inland. It is an easy, flat outing that suits a casual stroll as much as a proper cycle.

Clean Water and Quiet Swimming

The ban on motorboats is the reason locals value this lake. Without engines on the water it stays quieter and cleaner than lakes open to powered craft, which makes it a preferred spot for swimming and simply relaxing by the shore. If you want a swim in Olsztyn without crowds and noise, this is the calmer choice.

Bordering Mszar Reserve and the Municipal Forest

Lake Dlugie adjoins the 'Mszar' peat-bog nature reserve and the Municipal Forest, so the lake sits within a genuinely green setting rather than a built-up one. The reserve protects a peat bog, a fragile wetland habitat, and the neighbouring forest extends the walking options beyond the water itself. Together they make the area feel more like a nature outing than a city park.

Fitting It Into a Visit to Olsztyn

This lake works best as a relaxed half-day when you want to step away from sightseeing in the city. It pairs naturally with the larger Lake Ukiel for anyone comparing the busier and quieter sides of Olsztyn's lakes, and it slots easily into a wider trip planned with our Olsztyn guide. Come here for the calm, then head back into town for the rest of your day.

Good to know

Motorboats are banned on Lake Dlugie, so expect quiet water suited to swimming and paddling rather than powered watersports.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is a popular local spot for swimming, and the ban on motorboats helps keep the water clean and calm. For details on any supervised bathing areas or seasonal rules, check official city channels.

No. Motorboats are banned on Lake Dlugie, which is a large part of why locals value it for clean water and quiet recreation.

Lake Dlugie is narrower, quieter and motorboat-free, making it a calmer alternative to the busier Lake Ukiel elsewhere in Olsztyn.

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