Lake Czorsztyn (Reservoir)
Lake Czorsztyn (the Czorsztyn Reservoir) is an artificial reservoir on the Dunajec river, whose shore lies barely about 0.3 km from the resort - literally a few minutes on foot. Stretching some 9 km in length, with a surface area of about 10.5 km² at normal water level, it shimmers emerald-green at the foot of the Pieniny mountains, between two medieval castles. Guests here have beaches, boat cruises, kayaks and pedal boats within easy reach, and a scenic cycling route runs right along the shore around the lake. It is the natural recreational heart of the area and the nearest "big view" straight from the resort's doorstep.
About this place
Lake Czorsztyn (the Czorsztyn Reservoir) is an artificial reservoir on the Dunajec river, whose shore lies barely about 0.3 km from the resort - literally a few minutes on foot. Stretching some 9 km in length, with a surface area of about 10.5 km² at normal water level, it shimmers emerald-green at the foot of the Pieniny mountains, between two medieval castles. Guests here have beaches, boat cruises, kayaks and pedal boats within easy reach, and a scenic cycling route runs right along the shore around the lake. It is the natural recreational heart of the area and the nearest "big view" straight from the resort's doorstep.
Guarded beach, kayaks, SUP boards, sailboats - right next to the resort (about 300 m).
Where it comes from
The reservoir was created by damming the Dunajec at Niedzica - it is a flood-control retention reservoir with a pumped-storage power plant. Construction took many years, and filling and commissioning of the whole complex was completed in 1997; the dam itself is about 404 m long and ranks among the tallest earth dams in Poland. Creating the reservoir submerged former villages of the Dunajec valley - Old Maniowy among them, whose residents were resettled, while historic buildings (chapels, cemeteries) were partly relocated. Two 14th-century castles still stand facing each other above the lake to this day: Dunajec Castle in Niedzica (on the southern shore, once a stronghold on the Hungarian side) and the ruins of the Gothic castle in Czorsztyn (on the northern shore, formerly a Polish watchtower) - a historic pair that once guarded the Polish-Hungarian border on the Dunajec.
Good to know
- Two 14th-century castles stand facing each other above the lake: the well-preserved Dunajec Castle in Niedzica and the romantic ruins of Czorsztyn Castle - back when this was the Polish-Hungarian border, one was a Hungarian stronghold, the other Polish.
- Sunken villages lie on the lake bed, chiefly Old Maniowy - at very low water levels, the foundations of houses and old roads emerge from the surface, something the media regularly reports on.
- The surface area of the reservoir varies considerably depending on the water level - from about 3.8 km² to over 12 km² - so the shoreline can shift noticeably over the course of a season.
- A cruise boat (including the "Harnaś") sails the lake, offering trips with views of the Pieniny, the dam, and both castles.
- The best view of the silhouette of Niedzica Castle is from the opposite shore - from the side of the Czorsztyn castle ruins.
Frequently asked questions - Lake Czorsztyn (Reservoir)
Short, concrete answers for anyone planning a visit.
How far is Lake Czorsztyn from the resort?
The lake shore is about 0.3 km from the resort - a few minutes' walk, which puts the water and the lakeside attractions practically within arm's reach of the cabins at Mergen Bike & Ski Resort in Niedzica.
Do sightseeing boats sail on Lake Czorsztyn?
Yes. In season, cruise boats run (including the vessel "Harnaś"), offering views of the Pieniny, the Niedzica dam and both castles. Cruises depart from the pier at the foot of Dunajec Castle in Niedzica, about 0.3 km from the resort.
Are there two castles above the lake?
Yes - Dunajec Castle in Niedzica (well preserved, 14th century, about 0.5 km from the resort) stands on the southern shore, facing the ruins of the Gothic castle in Czorsztyn (14th century, about 12 km from the resort) on the northern shore.
How big is Lake Czorsztyn?
It is about 9 km long, with a surface area of about 10.5 km² at normal water level (varying with the water level, from about 3.8 to over 12 km²). It is one of the larger artificial reservoirs in the Polish mountains.
When was Lake Czorsztyn created, and where did it come from?
It is an artificial retention reservoir on the Dunajec, created by the dam at Niedzica; filling and commissioning of the whole complex was completed in 1997. Former villages of the Dunajec valley, including Old Maniowy, were submerged beneath it.
Is there really a sunken village in Lake Czorsztyn?
Yes - the former village of Old Maniowy rests beneath the lake's surface; its residents were resettled before the reservoir was filled. At exceptionally low water levels, the foundations of houses and former roads emerge from the surface, which regularly draws media attention and curious visitors to the shore.
Can you swim in Lake Czorsztyn?
Yes, in summer beaches and bathing areas operate along the lake, about 0.3 km from the resort. It is a natural complement to the resort's own open-air, publicly accessible heated pool, open seasonally from 1 May to 31 October.
Can you rent a kayak or a pedal boat by the lake?
Yes, in summer there are kayak and pedal-boat rentals along the shore, and the lake is also suitable for sailing and fishing. Guests at the resort also have 10 electric e-bikes on site for riding the Velo Czorsztyn route, which runs right along the reservoir shore.
Where is the best view of the lake and the castles from the resort?
The resort itself is about 0.3 km from the shore, so a short walk is enough to see the lake surface and both castles. The best panorama of the silhouette of Dunajec Castle in Niedzica, however, is from the opposite shore, near the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle, about 12 km from the resort.
Is a stay by Lake Czorsztyn good for families with children and pets?
Yes - it's just a 0.3 km walk from the resort to the lake, no car needed, and the flat terrain around the reservoir plus the Velo Czorsztyn route make it well suited to family outings. Small pets (up to about 30 cm at the shoulder) are also welcome at the resort, so you can bring your dog along on the walk to the water.
More from the category: Nature and water
Velo Czorsztyn (cycling path)
0.3 kmA paved 27-40 km loop around the lake (shortcut via the boat crossing, about 27-28 km), flat surface suited to e-bikes. Starts about 300 m from the cabins.
See more →Boat cruises on the reservoir
0.3 kmCruises Niedzica ↔ Czorsztyn ↔ Polana Sosny, pedal boats, views.
See more →Niedzica Dam (power plant)
1 kmThe tallest earth dam in Poland (56 m), a gallery 50 m underground, a viewpoint, guided tours.
See more →See also in the area
Practical guides to help you plan your visit and get to know these places better.
Najlepsze szlaki piesze w Pieninach dla rodzin z dziećmi
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Read the full article →Skąd startuje spływ Dunajcem - przystanie Kąty i Sromowce
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Read the full article →About this content
Attraction descriptions are based on information from local operators, maps, official websites and the resort team's many years of experience in the Pieniny. Distances and travel times are approximate values measured from Niedzica. Always check current opening hours and tickets directly with the source.
Related attractions in the area
Other places worth a look near Niedzica and Lake Czorsztyn.
After a day of sightseeing, come back to cabins with a pool and sauna - perfect for relaxing after a trail or a raft trip.
5 minutes from the attractions
Lake Czorsztyn (Reservoir) and the whole Pieniny area within reach - and in the evening your own cabin with a pool and sauna. Check availability for your dates.
Looking for a place to recharge after sightseeing? Cabins with a private sauna and pool in Niedzica make a comfortable base for the Pieniny.