Lake Bystrzyckie

Lake Bystrzyckie, also known as Lake Lubachowskie, lies in a narrow valley of the River Bystrzyca in the Owl Mountains, in the municipality of Walim, at the foot of the hill topped by the ruins of Grodno Castle. It is one of the most picturesque dam reservoirs in Lower Silesia, surrounded by wooded slopes and rocky cliffs.

Where it came from

The reservoir was created between 1911 and 1914, after a 44 m stone dam was built on the Bystrzyca at Lubachów. The dam was erected as flood protection, a response to the floods that repeatedly struck Lower Silesia towards the end of the 19th century. In the 1920s the impounded water also began to be used to generate electricity. The lake covers an area of about 0.48 km2, has a capacity of about 8 million m3 and a maximum depth of 30 m, making it one of the deeper reservoirs in the region. It stretches for about 3.2 km, with a maximum width of 480 m. Beneath its bed lie the remains of the village of Śląska Dolina, first mentioned in 1548, which was flooded during the dam's construction.

By the water

A picturesque walking path runs along the entire shore, circling the lake and in places running high above the cliff. Information boards describing the natural features of the area are set up along the way. The reservoir is a popular fishing spot and, in summer, also a venue for water sports. The dam itself, with its distinctive stone structure, can be walked across, as can the viewing footbridge suspended over the water.

Nearby

• Zamek Grodno
• Rezerwat przyrody Góra Choina
• Choina
• Babi Kamień
• Klasztorzysko
• Pałac w Bystrzycy Górnej z XVI w.

Practical information

• Getting there: via Zagórze Śląskie in the municipality of Walim, on the road leading from Wałbrzych or Jugowice.
• Parking: on Spacerowa Street in Zagórze Śląskie, about 500 m from the lake shore.
• The circular route around the reservoir follows a path with nature boards, in places running above the cliff - take care with children.
• Season: the reservoir is accessible all year round; water sports and swimming are associated with summer. Check current water conditions on the GIS Bathing Site Service (sk.gis.gov.pl) if a bathing area is designated here that year.