Lake Siesartis near Molėtai

Lake Siesartis: a deep six-island lake in the Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve

Siesartis is a glacial channel lake reaching 37.8 metres deep, only 3 km east of Molėtai. VLE gives an area of 532 hectares, while the current Environmental Protection Department card gives 520.1 hectares. Six islands and the indented wooded shore are protected in the Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve, established in 2025.

Blue Lake Siesartis with reeds, wooded headlands, and an island

Place: Molėtai District Municipality
Region: Aukštaitija
Type: protected glacial channel lake
Address: Lake Siesartis, Molėtai District; the map point marks the lake centre, not public access
Coordinates: 55.21922, 25.49042
Visit duration: 1-3 hours on shore; half a day by boat
Best time: May to September; choose morning for calmer water

Names and variants

Siesartis Lake

Published areas disagree, while the depth is clearer

VLE gives Siesartis an area of 532 hectares, length of 7.4 km and width up to 1.8 km. The Environmental Protection Department card updated on 2026-07-02 gives 520.1 hectares, while Wikidata records 519.5 hectares. Dataset boundaries, water levels and measurement methods can produce different values, so this guide does not claim one undisputed area.

VLE gives a maximum depth of 37.8 metres and average depth of 11.3 metres. The lake was dammed in 1976, raising its level by about 0.3 metres; the River Siesartis flows out toward the Šventoji.

Six islands and Birutė Island

The deeply indented shore extends for about 32 km. Six islands cover 37 hectares; Birutė, the largest, is about 1.5 km long.

Headlands and islands lengthen any water route. Land only at legal public places rather than every appealing forest bank.

Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve

The lake belongs to Labanoras Regional Park. The Protected Areas Service says that the roughly 900-hectare Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve was established in 2025 to protect the structure of this distinctive watershed lake with its islands and peninsulas.

Siesartis, Rudesa and Mindūnai forests reach different shores. The protected status concerns more than scenery, so camp, light fires and drive to the water only where officially permitted.

Boating rules published for 2026

The Environmental Protection Department card updated on 2026-07-02 permitted unpowered craft and electric motors throughout the boating season. A petrol or diesel engine up to 10 hp or 8 kW was permitted from 21 June to the end of the season; stronger ordinary engines were prohibited for recreational use.

Powered craft must remain 100 m from shores, islands, bathing areas and marked diving zones, except at minimum controllable speed or in specifically marked locations. Jet skis and other internal-combustion craft driven by a water-jet pump are prohibited. Recheck the official card because rules can change.

Planning legal access

The map pin marks the lake centre, not a beach. Select public access through park, municipality or official campsite information and respect private shores.

Carry a buoyancy aid and weather plan when boating. Confirm fishing permits and motor restrictions before travelling.

Lake Siesartis: frequently asked questions

What changed when Siesartis was impounded in 1976?

The water level rose by about 0.3 metres, so today's shore also reflects altered hydrology.

What makes Birutė Island distinctive?

It is the largest of six Siesartis islands at about 1.5 km long; together the islands cover 37 hectares.

What does the Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve protect?

The channel-lake basin, indented shores, islands, channels and their hydrological relationships.

Why are three forests named around Siesartis?

Siesartis Forest reaches from the north, Rudesa from the south and Mindūnai from the east, creating wooded horizons.

Do Siesartis's reed bays reveal its 37.8-metre depth?

No. Shallow margins conceal a central glacial channel reaching almost 38 metres.

How is Siesartis linked to Lake Kamužėlis?

The Kamužė channel connects them in the east.

Where should a legal launch onto Siesartis be planned?

Use an official campsite or public access, not the centre pin or an unsigned private forest track.

What is the exact area of Lake Siesartis?

Published values disagree: VLE gives 532 hectares, the 2026 Environmental Protection Department card 520.1 hectares, and Wikidata 519.5 hectares. They reflect different datasets and mapped boundaries.

Can I use a motorboat or jet ski on Siesartis?

The department's 2026 card allowed an internal-combustion engine up to 8 kW from 21 June to the season's end, but prohibited jet skis. Always recheck the current official rules.