Highlight • Lake
Mountain biking
5.0
(18)
Cycling
5.0
(10)
Hiking
5.0
(7)
The Stara Morawa Reservoir is a prominent artificial retention and recreation lake nestled in the village of Stara Morawa, within the administrative district of Gmina Stronie Śląskie, Kłodzko County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in southwestern Poland. Situated at an elevation of 525 meters above sea level, it stands as one of the highest artificial reservoirs in Poland. This scenic lake is cradled in the heart of the Śnieżnik Massif, in a valley carved by the Morawka River, which gracefully separates the Bialskie Mountains from the Śnieżnik Massif.
Visitors consistently praise the reservoir for its beautiful views and inviting atmosphere. The combination of water recreation with the mountainous climate of the Śnieżnik Massif offers a unique appeal, drawing many to its shores. The golden, sandy beach and well-maintained piers are frequently highlighted as perfect spots for relaxation or as starting points for various activities, making it a beloved summer tourist attraction in the region.
Before visiting, it's helpful to know that the Stara Morawa Reservoir is entirely fenced and features a guarded swimming area, ensuring a safe experience for families. Facilities for water sports, including rentals for kayaks, water bikes, and rowing boats, are readily available. The complex also includes a campsite, sports fields, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for those seeking family-friendly activities. The reservoir is approximately 3 km from the center of Stronie Śląskie, offering convenient access.
The best time to visit the Stara Morawa Reservoir for swimming and water activities is during the summer season, typically from mid-June to the end of August, when it attracts hundreds of sunbathers. Beyond the lake itself, the area serves as an excellent base for exploring the treasures of the Śnieżnik Massif. Numerous hiking and cycling routes, including sections of the Singletrack Glacensis, invite active exploration. Nearby attractions like the Bear Cave in Kletno and the Lime Kiln Grace Stone also offer engaging excursions.
The picturesque surroundings of mountainous forested areas provide a stunning backdrop to the reservoir. On hot days, the refreshing waters and sandy beach offer a welcome respite, while the observation tower on the pier provides panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Śnieżnik Massif. This blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities creates a memorable experience for all who visit.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating cycling route, or a place to cool off, the Stara Morawa Reservoir offers diverse options. To discover the best walks near Stara Morawa Reservoir or plan your next adventure, hikers and cyclists can explore a variety of routes. Using komoot, you can easily find detailed maps and information on Stara Morawa Reservoir lake popular trails routes, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this beautiful Polish gem.
Tips
April 19, 2025
Mountain biking
July 7, 2023
Hiking

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Stara Morawa Reservoir
Details
Informations
Elevation 570 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 24 May
21°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
While the reservoir area itself, including the guarded beach and facilities, may have restrictions for dogs, the surrounding trails in the Śnieżnik Massif are generally dog-friendly. Always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them. It's advisable to check local signage for specific rules regarding pets around the immediate reservoir complex.
There are designated parking areas available at the Stara Morawa Reservoir. While the intro mentions parking, it's important to note that during peak season, especially summer weekends, these can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended. Information on whether parking is free or paid is best confirmed on-site or through local tourism resources, as policies can change.
Yes, the reservoir itself offers a pleasant, relatively flat path suitable for a leisurely circular walk. Beyond the immediate perimeter, numerous hiking and cycling trails extend into the surrounding Śnieżnik Massif, offering longer circular options of varying difficulty. These trails often connect to nearby villages or viewpoints.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach, the Stara Morawa Reservoir complex is well-equipped for families. It features a children's playground, two team sports fields, a table tennis table, and outdoor chess. Water sports equipment like kayaks, water bikes, and rowing boats are also available for rent, providing fun for all ages.
A full walk around the Stara Morawa Reservoir is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors. The path is flat and well-maintained. Depending on your pace, a leisurely stroll around the perimeter typically takes about 30-60 minutes, offering continuous views of the water and surrounding mountains.
The immediate area around the Stara Morawa Reservoir, including the path around the lake and access to the pier, is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers and potentially wheelchairs. However, accessibility on specific facilities or more rugged trails extending into the mountains may vary. The sandy beach area might be less accessible.
The Stara Morawa Reservoir is located approximately 3 km from the center of Stronie Śląskie. While specific public transport routes directly to the reservoir might be limited, you can typically reach Stronie Śląskie by bus from larger towns in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. From Stronie Śląskie, a local taxi or a walk might be necessary to reach the reservoir.
The most prominent viewpoint is the observation tower located on the pier at the reservoir, offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding Śnieżnik Massif. Additionally, many of the hiking trails in the nearby mountains provide elevated perspectives of the reservoir and the picturesque valley it sits within.
Given its popularity as a recreational spot, it is common for the Stara Morawa Reservoir complex to have seasonal food stalls or small cafes, especially during the summer. For more extensive dining options, the nearby village of Stara Morawa and the town of Stronie Śląskie (about 3 km away) will offer a wider selection of restaurants and pubs.
While the guarded swimming and water sports facilities are seasonal, the Stara Morawa Reservoir and its surroundings can be beautiful in winter. The area is close to ski resorts like Kamienica (4 km) and Czarna Góra Resort (8 km), making it a potential base for winter sports enthusiasts. The trails around the reservoir might be suitable for winter walks, but conditions can vary, and proper winter gear is essential.
The immediate path around the reservoir is flat and easy. However, the reservoir is nestled in the Śnieżnik Massif, meaning trails extending away from the lake quickly become more challenging with significant elevation changes. Hikers can expect varied terrain, from gentle forest paths to steeper ascents, offering options for all fitness levels. The reservoir itself sits at 525 meters above sea level.