The Lakeland has a diversified moraine landscape and is generally inclined to the east. The site lies in central part of the Czarna Hancza basin and the River and lake Wigry constitute a core of the local hydrological system. The lakes and rivers remain in close hydrological contact due to high permeability of glacial formations. Soils are clayey-sandy brown soils and podsols, and main land use in the catchments is forestry and agriculture. Lake is used as extensive fishery. Climate is cool with distinct continental influences i.e. long (120 days) and frosty winters and snow pack staying for about 100 days. Annual precipitation is 593 mm and average annual temperatures are around 6°C. Early frosts may start in August and vegetation period is only 135 days long, i.e. by two months shorter than in western Poland.