Stradomia Reservoir

Stradomia Reservoir is an artificial reservoir on the river Widawa, located by the village of Stradomia Wierzchnia, a few kilometres from Syców, in the northeastern part of Lower Silesia. It is one of the few bodies of water in the area with a designated, guarded bathing site, which is why it draws residents of Syców and nearby towns looking for a swim and time by the water in summer.

Origin of the name

The reservoir was created by damming the Widawa with an earth and concrete dam about 361 metres long. It serves both retention and recreational functions, covering an area of about 30 hectares with a maximum depth of up to 2.5 metres. Between 2014 and 2015 the reservoir underwent modernisation work - the bed was cleaned, the basin deepened and the dam face reinforced.

By the water

On the western side of the reservoir is the Stradomia Wierzchnia bathing site with a sandy beach, listed among the bathing sites supervised by Wody Polskie (Polish Waters). It is worth checking the current water status for swimming on the Bathing Site Service of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (sk.gis.gov.pl) before setting off. Non-motorised craft can be used on the water - motorboats are banned on the reservoir for safety and noise reasons, while sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and SUP boards are popular. The reservoir is also a fishing spot, managed by a local branch of the Polish Angling Association, which holds fishing competitions here and regularly stocks the waters.

Nearby

A few kilometres from the reservoir it is worth visiting the Professor Stefan Białobok Forest Arboretum in Stradomia Dolna, where you can walk among a collection of trees and shrubs. Horse lovers will find the Obergut Stables nearby, offering horse riding and classes for children and adults.

Practical information

• Access: Stradomia Wierzchnia lies on the road linking Syców with the surrounding villages, reachable by car from Syców.
• Parking: a car park is available for visitors by the bathing site.
• Beach: sandy, on the western side of the reservoir, guarded during the season.
• Bathing site manager: the Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre in Syców.
• Seasonality: the bathing site is designated each year by a municipal council resolution, and the water sports equipment hire and guarded beach operate seasonally; for the rest of the year the reservoir remains open for walks and fishing.