Top 20 Lakes around Bielsko-Biała
Best lakes around Bielsko-Biała are situated in a region characterized by its proximity to the Silesian Beskids mountains and the Żywiec Basin. The area features several water bodies, including artificial reservoirs created by damming rivers. These lakes serve various purposes, from water supply to recreation, and are often surrounded by natural landscapes. The city itself is located along the Biała River, influencing the local hydrology.
Best lakes around Bielsko-Biała
- The most popular lakes is Goczałkowice Dam, a man_made_monument that offers views of Lake Goczałkowickie and the surrounding mountains. It provides a recreational space for walking, running, and skating.
- Another must-see spot is Porąbka Dam, a man_made_monument that dams the Soła River, creating Międzybrodzkie Lake. This dam was a significant engineering achievement built to prevent floods in the Soła Valley.
- Visitors also love Ignacy Mościcki Dam, a concrete and earth dam on the Wapienica River. It forms the Wielka Łąka lake, located within the Wapienica Valley and surrounded by the hills of the Silesian Beskids.
- Bielsko-Biała is known for artificial reservoirs and dammed river lakes. These include fish farming ponds like the Komorowickie Ponds and larger recreational lakes such as Żywiec Lake.
- The lakes around Bielsko-Biała are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 100 upvotes and 40 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Goczałkowice Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Porąbka Dam
Highlight • Monument
Works were supposed to start in 1914, but World War I thwarted these plans.
The subject of construction returned immediately after its completion. The dam design was consulted with Gabriel Narutowicz, the creator of the dam on the Aar River in Mühlenberg, Switzerland. The narrowing between the Żaru and Zasolnica massifs was chosen as the site of the Soła dam. Construction began in 1921. However, due to scarce funds, it was repeatedly discontinued. Soła was also not idle and was destroying the effects of human efforts. The work started again from the hoof in 1934. The project was supervised by an outstanding specialist - engineer Jerzy Skrzyński. The company Frankopol was building. For the purposes of the investment, a small power plant was opened nearby. The latest technological achievements were used - e.g. waterproof cement from Goleszów. 2,500 workers and several hundred juniors passed through the construction site. The dam is 260 m long and 37.4 high; throughput - 1690 cubic meters. The capacity of the Międzybrodzkie Lake was calculated at 32.2 million cubic meters. The cost of the project was over PLN 20 million at that time! The construction site was visited by President Ignacy Mościcki himself. The opening ceremony in December 1936 was attended, among others, by Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski and Cardinal Adam Sapieha. In the 1950s, a hydroelectric power plant was commissioned at the dam. Currently, it has a capacity of 12.6 MW.
zabytkitechniki.pl/culturalheritage/3129/zapora-w-porabce
porabka.net/budowa-zapory.html
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Ignacy Mościcki Dam
Highlight • Monument
The reservoir is located in the Wapienica Valley and is surrounded on each side by the hills of the Silesian Beskids. On the north and west side there are: Palenica, Wysokie and Podłra, and on the south and east side - the mountains: Stołów and Szyndzielnia.
The project of building a dam in Wapienica existed from 1911, and it was put forward in the course of attempts to solve the problem of water supply to the rapidly developing Bielsko. However, it was not until 1929 that the city council of Bielsko decided to entrust the construction of the dam to the Katowice branch of the German company Dyckerhoff und Widmann. The cost of building the dam, put into operation on June 26, 1932 and named the Dam. President Ignacy Mościcki, amounted to PLN 13 million at that time, which was the equivalent of nearly USD 2.6 million.
At that time, the Wapienicka Dam was one of the most modern facilities of this type in Europe.
pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapora_w_Wapienicy_im._Ignacego_Mo%C5%9Bcickiego
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Goczałkowice Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Dam on the Vistula in Goczałkowice-Zdrój
Highlight • Monument
In addition to water supply, it also performs retention and economic functions (fisheries).
The vicinity of the reservoir is a breeding ground for many bird species. The area of the reservoir is in the prohibition zone, with no entry to its area. The dam crown has been made available for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a "walking part" connecting Goczałkowice-Zdrój with Zabrzeg, thanks to which the area of the Goczałkowice reservoir has become a recreational place.
pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezioro_Gocza%C5%82kowickie
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Tips from the Community
Next to the stairs leading to the dam, there is a small path that you can ride up. Watch out for the curb at the beginning of the stairs :)
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From a tourist point of view, the dam is three kilometers of a straight as an arrow, smooth, asphalt path running along the crown of the entire structure. It is precisely thanks to this smooth asphalt and the nice views that it has become a place of recreation for many residents of Zabrze, Goczałkowice, Pszczyna, and even more distant towns in the Pszczyna and Bielsko districts. Runners and inline skaters dominate here, there are many walkers, but there is no shortage of cyclists either. The lake itself, although artificially created in the 1950s, resembles a natural lake, so the views from the dam are nice.
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There are usually a lot of people walking and running on the dam.
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It is one of the oldest dams in Poland, built in 1928-1936. The dam creates the picturesque Międzybrodzkie Lake, ideal for walking and admiring the landscape. The area around the dam is a great place for hiking and cycling.
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An interesting example of hydrotechnical construction from before World War II. Not without charm - if someone can appreciate the beauty of this type of construction. In this context, I propose to compare the appearance of this dam with the nearby Żywieckie Lake dam in Tresna, which was built in the times of real socialism.
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The route for the whole family, undemanding, a little time and willingness to do it, even for those who are tired and bored after a few km. I would highly recommend.
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Goczałkowickie Lake (Goczałkowicki Reservoir) - a dam reservoir on the Vistula, created in 1956 by damming river waters with the dam in Goczałkowice-Zdrój in the Silesian Voivodeship. The maximum area of the reservoir is 3200 ha, and the total capacity is about 168 million m³. The dam is 2,980 m long. It is a retention reservoir supplying water to a part of the Upper Silesian Industrial District, providing 38% of treated surface water for Górnośląskie Przedsiębiorstwo Wodociągów S.A. in Katowice. In addition to water supply, it also performs retention and economic functions (fisheries). The vicinity of the reservoir is a breeding ground for many bird species. The area of the reservoir is in the prohibition zone, with no entry to its area. The dam crown has been made available for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a "walking part" connecting Goczałkowice-Zdrój with Zabrzeg, thanks to which the area of the Goczałkowice reservoir has become a recreational place. https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezioro_Gocza%C5%82kowickie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YzAOmdMihQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for nature observation and wildlife?
For nature observation and wildlife, the Komorowickie Ponds are an excellent choice. Located in the Komorowice district of Bielsko-Biała, these ponds are known for their rich rush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including 50 species of wetland birds and various amphibians. An educational trail, approximately 4.5 km long, circles the ponds, offering five observation stations to learn about the ecosystem.
Which lakes are best for water sports and active recreation?
Żywiec Lake is a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy sailing, swimming, jet-skiing, boating, canoeing, SUP, kayaking, and ferry rides. Equipment rentals and schools are available, and during summer, cruises offer unique views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also surrounded by numerous hiking and cycling trails.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Bielsko-Biała?
Yes, Żywiec Lake is considered very family-friendly, offering a mix of relaxation and active recreation. Besides water activities, there are hiking and cycling paths suitable for all ages. Nearby attractions like the historic Habsburg Castle-Park Complex and the Żywiec Brewery Museum add to the family appeal. The Goczałkowice Dam also offers a recreational space for walking and running, suitable for families.
What kind of hiking and walking trails can I find near these lakes?
You'll find a variety of trails. Around Żywiec Lake, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails catering to all experience levels, including a well-maintained cycling and walking path. The Komorowickie Ponds feature an educational trail for leisurely walks and nature observation. For more extensive hiking, consider routes like the 'Beskids Loop' or 'Szyndzielnia PTTK Mountain Hut – Klimczok (1117 m) loop' which are part of the broader network of running trails around Bielsko-Biała.
Are there cycling routes available around the lakes?
Absolutely. Żywiec Lake has dedicated cycling paths, and the Goczałkowice Dam crown is accessible for cyclists. For more structured cycling adventures, you can explore routes like the 'Shore of Lake Żywiec – Wooden Church of Łodygowice loop' or the 'Strumień Town Square – Goczałkowice Reservoir Dam loop' found in the road cycling guide for Bielsko-Biała.
What historical or cultural sites are near the lakes?
Near Żywiec Lake, you can visit the historic Habsburg Castle-Park Complex and the Żywiec Brewery Museum. The Porąbka Dam, which created Międzybrodzkie Lake, is also a significant historical engineering achievement from the interwar period, built to prevent floods in the Soła Valley.
Can I visit Wielka Łąka Lake?
While Wielka Łąka Lake exists, formed by the Ignacy Mościcki Dam, its banks are generally inaccessible to the public. This lake primarily serves as a water supply reservoir for the region.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bielsko-Biała?
The lakes are appealing throughout the year, but the summer months are ideal for water sports and outdoor recreation at Żywiec Lake. For nature observation and leisurely walks at the Komorowickie Ponds, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
Are there any viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the lakes and mountains?
Yes, Żywiec Lake offers spectacular views of the Silesian Beskids mountains. The Goczałkowice Dam provides excellent views of Lake Goczałkowickie and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, nearby Góra Żar offers breathtaking alpine views, accessible via funicular.
What are the options for mountain biking near the lakes?
The region around Bielsko-Biała, including areas near the lakes, is popular for mountain biking. You can find various trails, from easy to difficult, such as the 'Rock N Rolla and Twister Trail' or the 'Szyndzielnia (1028 m) – Rock n Rolla Trail loop'. More options are available in the MTB Trails guide for Bielsko-Biała.
Are the lakes accessible by public transport?
While specific public transport details vary, Żywiec Lake is a major recreational area and generally well-connected. The Komorowickie Ponds are located within the Komorowice district of Bielsko-Biała, making them relatively accessible from the city.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Bielsko-Biała?
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and the wide range of activities available. Many appreciate the recreational opportunities at Żywiec Lake, from water sports to hiking. The Goczałkowice Dam is also highly rated as a pleasant spot for walking and running, with visitors often commenting on the beautiful views and the relaxing atmosphere.
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