Highlight • Lake
Hiking
5.0
(15)
Cycling
5.0
(4)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Jezioro Kacze Oko, or "Duck's Eye Lake," is a distinctive dystrophic lake nestled within the expansive Tuchola Forest National Park in Poland. Situated on the Charzykowy Plain, this small yet captivating body of water is renowned for its mysterious brownish hue, a result of natural organic decomposition and humic acids. At an elevation of approximately 167 meters, it's a strictly protected natural monument, preserving a unique ecosystem that draws nature enthusiasts to its tranquil shores.
Visitors consistently praise the serene…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Kacze Oko Lake
5.0
(2)
82
hikers
5.37km
01:23
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
68
hikers
3.73km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(10)
52
hikers
13.7km
03:31
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 170 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 28 March
12°C
-1°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The trails around Jezioro Kacze Oko are generally considered easy. The main path is a well-maintained wooden boardwalk that encircles the lake, making it accessible for most visitors. The loop around the lake and the ancient Bartuś Oak is approximately 1 kilometer and takes about 20 minutes to complete, offering a gentle and scenic walk suitable for all ages.
Jezioro Kacze Oko is located within the Tuchola Forest National Park. While access to some national parks in Poland may require a fee, specific permit requirements for Jezioro Kacze Oko itself are not explicitly stated. It's advisable to check the official website of the Tuchola Forest National Park before your visit for the most current information regarding entry fees or permits.
Visiting Jezioro Kacze Oko in winter can offer a unique, tranquil experience, though conditions will be colder. The wooden boardwalks may be slippery if covered in snow or ice, so appropriate footwear with good grip is essential. For winter visits, hikers should wear warm, layered clothing, including a waterproof outer shell, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat to protect against the cold and potential wind.
Visitors typically access Jezioro Kacze Oko from nearby villages such as Małe Swornegacie or Bachorze. While specific designated parking lots directly at the lake are not detailed, these villages serve as common starting points for trails leading to the lake. It is recommended to look for parking facilities within these villages, especially near the beginning of the blue educational trail or the Bartuś Oak.
No, swimming is not permitted in Jezioro Kacze Oko. The lake is a strictly protected dystrophic lake within a National Park, preserving its unique ecosystem. Activities are limited to walking on the designated boardwalks and nature observation to minimize human impact on this delicate environment.
Due to its unique dystrophic nature and strict protection, Jezioro Kacze Oko hosts specialized flora and fauna. While large mammals are less common directly at the lake, you might observe various bird species typical of forest and wetland environments. The lake's fish fauna is limited to common carp and three-spined stickleback. The surrounding Tuchola Forest is home to diverse wildlife, so keep an eye out for forest birds and smaller creatures on the trails leading to the lake.
Jezioro Kacze Oko is ideal for families with young children due to its easy, short circular walk on a wooden boardwalk. It offers an excellent opportunity for nature education, allowing children to observe unique bog plants and learn about dystrophic lakes in a safe and accessible environment. The 1-kilometer loop is manageable for small legs, and the boardwalk ensures a smooth path for strollers, though some sections might be uneven. There are no specific playgrounds or dedicated children's facilities, but the natural setting itself is engaging.
As Jezioro Kacze Oko is located within the Tuchola Forest National Park, specific rules regarding dogs apply. Generally, dogs are permitted on designated trails within national parks in Poland, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always best to verify the most current regulations on the official National Park website before bringing your dog, as rules can vary or be updated.
Reaching Jezioro Kacze Oko primarily involves starting from nearby villages like Małe Swornegacie or Bachorze. While direct public transport to the lake itself is unlikely, you may find bus connections to these villages from larger towns in the region. From there, you would typically walk or cycle along the marked trails, such as the blue educational trail, to reach the lake. Planning your journey in advance with local transport schedules is recommended.
Yes, the most popular and recommended circular walk is the approximately 1-kilometer loop around Jezioro Kacze Oko and the ancient Bartuś Oak. This route is easily accessible via wooden platforms and takes about 20 minutes to complete, offering excellent viewpoints of the lake's unique features. Many visitors also combine this with longer walks on the blue educational trail, "Piła Młyn," which connects to the lake from villages like Małe Swornegacie or Bachorze, creating extended circular options within the Tuchola Forest National Park.
Jezioro Kacze Oko is situated in a protected natural area, so amenities are not directly at the lake. However, the nearby villages of Małe Swornegacie and Bachorze, which serve as common starting points for visitors, offer various amenities. You can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in these villages, providing convenient places to eat or stay before or after your visit to the lake.