Witoszówka Reservoir

Witoszówka Reservoir is a small body of water in Świdnica, on the Witoszówka stream, a tributary of the Bystrzyca. It lies by the Słowiańskie housing estate, close to the town centre, and has long been a place for daily walks, jogging and fishing for the residents of Świdnica.

Origin of the name

The reservoir was created in the 1970s, when a dam was built on the Witoszówka stream and the reservoir's basin was shaped. Its total capacity is about 153 thousand cubic metres, and its area reaches nearly 8 hectares. The depth by the dam reaches up to 2 metres. The reservoir plays no significant role in flood protection for the region - it serves mainly for recreation.

By the water

A public walking and cycling path runs around the reservoir, with rest spots, and there is also a bicycle repair station by the water. The reservoir is a popular fishing spot - bream, roach, carp, tench, pikeperch, pike, perch and eel are caught here. In summer a harbour master's office operates, where simple water equipment such as small boats and pedalos can be hired. The current water status is covered by the Bathing Site Service of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (sk.gis.gov.pl) - worth checking before heading to the water, as Witoszówka does not have the status of an official bathing site.

Nearby

A walk by the Witoszówka is easy to combine with sightseeing in Świdnica. Closest is the Church of St Andrew Bobola in Świdnica, and not far away the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Świdnica. Towards the town centre it is worth reaching the Cathedral of St Stanislaus and St Wenceslas in Świdnica, the town hall tower with its viewpoint, and the Museum of Old Merchant Trade in Świdnica. For families with children, the Cinema Fun play centre operates nearby.

Practical information

• Access: the reservoir lies within Świdnica, by the Słowiańskie estate; the walk from the town centre takes a dozen or so minutes.
• Parking: possible in the surrounding estate streets.
• Route: a walking and cycling path circles the entire reservoir.
• Seasonality: the harbour master's office with the water sports equipment hire operates seasonally; outside the season the reservoir remains open for walks and fishing.