Stara Morawa Reservoir

Stara Morawa Reservoir is a small recreational reservoir at the foot of Krzyżnik, in the Śnieżnik Massif, in the Stronie Śląskie municipality. It lies at an altitude of about 525 m above sea level, making it one of the highest-lying bodies of water in Poland. Its surroundings belong to the buffer zone of the Śnieżnik Landscape Park - open land with high natural and scenic value.

Origin of the name

The reservoir was created in the valley of the Morawka stream and was opened for recreational use in 2007, after an adaptation funded by European sources, which included a bathing zone and catering facilities. It covers an area of about 5.5 ha. Most of the banks are protected by concrete reinforcement, though some parts of the surroundings have kept their natural character.

By the water

A guarded bathing site with a sandy beach operates by the reservoir, designated each year by a resolution of the Stronie Śląskie municipal council - it is worth checking the current water status on the GIS Bathing Site Service. A distinctive feature is the pier with an observation tower, from which the whole surface of the water and the surrounding peaks can be seen. There is a water sports equipment hire here, and since 2019 also a wakeboard lift with water skis - the first of its kind in the Kłodzko Valley. Fishing from angling piers is also possible by the water. The site is open year-round as a place for walks.

Because of its altitude, the reservoir is sometimes called one of the highest-lying recreational bodies of water in Poland, which gives the area a distinctly mountainous character - it is surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Śnieżnik Massif, and the pier and observation tower offer a view of the surrounding peaks. It is a popular destination both for families looking for a bathing site and for hikers heading further into the mountains, since the car park by the reservoir gives direct access to trails leading towards Krzyżnik and the Śnieżnik Landscape Park.

Nearby

The reservoir lies almost in the heart of the Śnieżnik Massif's attractions:

• The old limekiln
• Krzyżnik
• Kontaktowa Cave
• Śnieżnicki Landscape Park
• The rope park and mini golf in Kletno

Practical information

• Access via the road linking Stronie Śląskie with Kletno; the reservoir lies between these two places.
• A guarded bathing site, designated each year, operates by the water - check the current status at sk.gis.gov.pl.
• A water sports equipment hire and a wakeboard lift are available.
• The site is open year-round as a place for walks and as a starting point for the mountains.