Lake Bielawskie

Lake Bielawskie lies on the western edge of Bielawa, at the northern foot of the Owl Mountains, in Dzierżoniów County. It is an artificial dam reservoir, also known as Sudecka Plaża (Sudetes Beach), bordered on one side by the town's built-up area and on the other by forests climbing the mountain slopes.

Where it came from

The reservoir was created in 1973 after the Brzęczek stream was dammed with an earth embankment. It was meant to be a reserve of process water for the Bielbaw and Bieltex textile mills operating in Bielawa. It covers an area of about 0.23 km2, has a capacity of about 1.46 million m3 and an average depth of 6.3 m. After the decline of the textile industry at the end of the 20th century, the reservoir's role changed to recreational. Until 1 January 2018, when the official name Lake Bielawskie was introduced, it was commonly known as the Sudety Reservoir - this name still appears in older descriptions and on some maps.

By the water

Two bathing areas listed by Polish Waters operate on the shore: Kąpielisko Miejskie - Sudecka Plaża and Plaża Camping Sudety, both designated each year by a resolution of the Bielawa municipal council. In the middle of the lake there is an artificial island connected to the shore by a footbridge. Ducks, swans and sandpipers can be seen around the reservoir, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Nearby

A few minutes' walk from the lake are further places worth visiting:

• Fontanna z Sową w Bielawie
• Kościół Ducha Świętego w Bielawie
• Aquarius. Park wodny Ośrodka Sportu i Rekreacji
• Dwór w Bielawie
• Bielawska Placówka Muzealna w Bielawie
• Panek - the nearest peak of the Owl Mountains above the reservoir

Practical information

• Getting there: Bielawa lies on the regional road linking Dzierżoniów with Pieszyce; the lake is on the western edge of the town.
• Parking: by the bathing areas, near Sudecka Plaża and Camping Sudety.
• A walking path runs along the reservoir; the exact length of the circular route is not confirmed by a source.
• The bathing season runs through summer; check exact dates and current water quality on the GIS Bathing Site Service (sk.gis.gov.pl).