Lake Czorsztyn (Czorsztyn Reservoir)

Lake Czorsztyn (Czorsztyn Reservoir)

Lake Czorsztyn is a dam reservoir on the Dunajec River, located in the Nowy Targ Basin between the Pieniny and the Gorce Mountains. It was created after an earthfill dam was built in Niedzica.

Location and surroundings

The reservoir lies in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the Nowy Targ county. Its area is about 11 km² (about 10.5 km² at the normal level). The earthfill dam is 404 m long and about 59 m high.

What to see / natural values

• Niedzica Castle and the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle on opposite shores.
• Proximity to the Pieniny National Park.
• Mount Wdżar of volcanic origin.
• Bird Island - an artificial breeding island.

For whom

For tourists combining sightseeing of historic monuments with lakeside recreation and cycling trips (the VeloDunajec route).

Practical notes

The reservoir serves flood-control, energy and recreational functions; it regulates the flow for rafting trips through the Dunajec Gorge.