An artificial reservoir located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland, on the border between the Pieniny and Gorce Mountains.
The reservoir was formed as a result of damming the waters of the Dunajec River in 1997 through the construction of a water dam in Niedzica.
Lake Czorsztyn has an area of about 11.5 km², a length of approximately 11 kilometers, and a maximum depth of around 73 meters. The water in the lake is very clear and clean, making it a popular spot for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
Around the lake, there are many tourist-friendly towns and villages, such as Szczawnica, KroĆcienko nad Dunajcem, and Niedzica, where visitors can see a castle and beautiful Renaissance churches. The area is also crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead through scenic mountain landscapes.
The Velo Czorsztyn cycling route, completed in 2019, circles Lake Czorsztyn and runs through the picturesque area near the Pieniny National Park.
A traditional shepherd`s hut on Majerz Glade near HaĆuszowa
Visitors can taste regional delicacies such as oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese), ĆŒurek (sour rye soup), bryndza (sheep’s milk cheese), or kwaĆnica (sauerkraut soup). The hut offers a beautiful view of the nearby peaks of the SÄ decki Beskid Mountains.
Velo Czorsztyn
The cycling route around Lake Czorsztyn – a popular loop known as Velo Czorsztyn or "Around Lake Czorsztyn."
Length: ~27–30 km
Surface: mostly asphalt – perfect for city bikes, road bikes, cross, or MTB
Elevation: one notable uphill section near Falsztyn; the rest of the route is flat – overall rated as easy, offering a long, relaxing ride
Start and route: you can start anywhere along the loop (e.g., DÄbno, Niedzica, Czorsztyn). The pass between Czorsztyn and Niedzica is crossed by boat or gondola (about 12–18 PLN with a bicycle)
What will you see along the way?
- Mountain panoramas – Pieniny, Tatra Mountains, Gorce, and on clear days even Babia Góra
- The castles in Niedzica and Czorsztyn – great places to rest; a boat cruise is also available between the two
- The wooden church in DÄbno, Pieniny National Park, numerous scenic viewpoints, and well-equipped cyclist rest areas (MOR – Cyclist Service Areas)
St. Michael the Archangel Church in DÄbno
This church is one of the most valuable Romanesque architectural monuments in Poland and one of the oldest wooden churches in the world.
It was built in the 12th century from larch wood without using any nails, based on a post-and-beam construction system. The entire building is covered with polychromes created in the 1920s and 1930s, depicting scenes from the life of St. Michael the Archangel as well as numerous plant and animal motifs.
The interior is also decorated with valuable artifacts, such as a Romanesque baptismal font, a Gothic pulpit, Baroque sculptures and altars, and Renaissance epitaphs. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel in DÄbno is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Wooden Churches of Southern Lesser Poland.
Czorsztyn Castle
The castle was built in the 14th century on the initiative of King Casimir the Great as a border fortress protecting the southern edges of the Kingdom of Poland.
Czorsztyn Castle is a beautiful ruin of a medieval stronghold located on a hill above Lake Czorsztyn, opposite the Niedzica Castle. Although the castle is not as well-preserved as Dunajec Castle, its location, history, and atmosphere make it extremely attractive to visitors.
Dunajec Castle in Niedzica
The castle was built in the 14th century by the Hungarian Berzeviczy family as a border fortress of the Kingdom of Hungary. It is one of the most picturesque castles in Poland. Located on the shore of Lake Czorsztyn, right near the Slovak border, it, together with the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle on the opposite side of the lake, creates a unique landscape.
Niedzica Dam
The largest earth-fill dam with sealing in Poland, serving flood control, energy production, recreational, and ecological functions. It is a popular viewpoint between Niedzica and Czorsztyn castles, offering tours of the power plant and educational attractions.
Height: approximately 56–60 meters
Crest length: about 400 meters (exactly 404 meters)
Bat
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