Dobromierz Reservoir

Lake Dobromierskie, also known as Dobromierz Reservoir, is an artificial dam reservoir on the river Strzegomka, lying within the Książ Landscape Park, at the foot of the Wałbrzych Mountains. It is surrounded by wooded hills and borders the village of Dobromierz to the north. Because of its status as a drinking water intake, it is one of the few reservoirs in Lower Silesia where recreation by the water is heavily restricted.

Origin of the name

The reservoir was built as part of a programme to construct a network of large retention reservoirs in Lower Silesia, adopted by the Council of Ministers in the 1970s in response to the water shortage felt by Wałbrzych and the surrounding industrial towns. On the eastern side a 28-metre earth dam was raised, faced with reinforced concrete and further sealed with a foil liner. The reservoir was put into use in 1986. It covers an area of about 1 km² and has a capacity of 11.35 million m³.

The lake serves as both a retention reservoir and a drinking water source for the surrounding towns, which is why its use is closely supervised by the Regional Water Management Board in Wrocław.

By the water

Because of its status as a drinking water intake, there is no designated bathing area or organised recreation zone by the reservoir - swimming and water sports are not permitted here. It is, however, a refuge for birds and other animals: black storks, herons, beavers, pine martens and kingfishers have been observed in the area, making the reservoir an interesting spot for nature watchers. Walking and cycling routes run along the banks, from where the water's surface can be admired from a safe distance.

Nearby

The closest sights to the reservoir are the historic monuments of Dobromierz itself and viewpoints on the surrounding hills:

• The palace in Dobromierz
• The observation tower on Wieżyca
• The palace in Pietrzyków
• The palace in Jaskulin
• The municipal public library in Dobromierz

Practical information

• Access via the road running through the village of Dobromierz; the dam is visible on the eastern side of the reservoir.
• Swimming and water sports are not permitted - this is a drinking water intake supervised by Wody Polskie (Polish Waters).
• Walking and cycling trails run around the reservoir, accessible year-round.
• The site lies within the Książ Landscape Park; bring binoculars - it is a good place for bird watching.