View of Niedzica Castle and Czorsztyńskie Lake

It might not be that clear why there are two castles (one rebuilt, one in ruin now) on two sides of the lake. First, imagine there was no lake. Second, imagine that Dunajec River was a border between Poland and Hungary throughout centuries and this area was a border crossing. The construction of the dam was finished in 1997, after almost 30 years. It’s main function is to control the water flow in Dunajec River, protect the lower situated towns from floods. Some people say it was built only for the Sromowce Gorals, so that they can raft 7 months in a year :-). Its area is roughly half the size of Liptovská Mára Lake, some 10,5 sq km. As in the case of Liptov Lake, here also some villages had to be moved higher. The construction of the dam and the lake had an impact on the local microclimate, increasing on 0,3º C the year average temperature in a 5km ratio. The locals say that the weather changes a bit as well, probably due to a different terrain surface.Niedzica Castle /detour/
In the northernmost lands of the historic Spiš Region lies the impressive Niedzica Castle. Since the construction of the Niedzica Dam (20th century, 2nd half) it overlooks the Czorsztyńskie Lake but before that, since the 14th century it protected a ford (shallow water passage) on Dunajec River which was a border between the Polish and Hungarian Kingdom. It was built by Berzeviczy noble family. Initially a fortified castle, in the 16t century turned more into a Baroque residence that it remained until today. After WW1 when the northern small part of Spisz (including the castle) was granted to Poland, the castle remained a property of Salomon family that lost it only with the arrival of the Soviets who dispossessed all the noble families. It was turned into a museum and a hotel. There is a scenic terrace from which you can see the Lake with the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle (opposite side of the Lake), Gorce Mountains and Pieniny Mountains. In summer season there are boat cruises on the Lake.

View of the castle and the reservoir

Very much worth prolonging the usual around-the-lake trip and going down the river to Crvent Klastor.