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. After crossing Białka outside Frydman, you will enter Podhale. Say goodbye to Spisz/š in Frydman - the last village with the typical Spisz style church tower ornaments and the typical streets and market layout. There is also a castle.