The Solina Reservoir is the largest artificial water body in Poland and one of the main attractions of Bieszczady. Find out what to see and how to best spend time by the water.
Solina Reservoir – the heart of Bieszczady
The Solina Reservoir was created in the 1960s by damming the San River. Today it is the largest artificial water body in Poland – its surface area exceeds 21 km², and the maximum depth reaches 60 metres. Surrounded by forested hills and mountains, it creates one of the most beautiful landscapes in Poland.
The reservoir is fed by two rivers – the San and Solinka – and plays an important regulatory role for the entire catchment area. The dam at Solina, 82 metres high, is one of the largest in Poland and is itself a tourist attraction.
Attractions at the Solina Reservoir
The reservoir offers a wide range of activities throughout the year:
- Sailing and windsurfing – several sailing schools and equipment rentals operate on the reservoir
- Kayaks and pedal boats – ideal for families with children
- Boat trips – regular services from Polańczyk and Solina, views of the dam and surrounding hills
- Fishing – the reservoir is famous for its rich fishing grounds (pike, perch, pikeperch)
- Beaches – several beaches with supervised bathing areas in summer
- Cycling trails – routes around the reservoir of varying difficulty
Polańczyk – a spa resort by the reservoir
Polańczyk is the largest town on the Solina Reservoir and the only spa resort in Bieszczady. It offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and spas. It's an excellent base for exploring the area – both the reservoir and the Bieszczady National Park.
"The Solina Reservoir at sunset is one of those views that stay in your memory forever. The water reflects the colours of the sky, and the silence is absolute."
The Solina Dam
The Solina Dam is a true engineering marvel. Its construction took over 10 years and required enormous effort. Today it can be visited – inside the dam there is a hydroelectric power plant, and on its crest runs a road with views of the reservoir and the San valley.
How to get there?
The Solina Reservoir is just 15 minutes by car from our barns. The nearest towns are Solina and Polańczyk. Access is possible via Lesko or Ustrzyki Dolne. It's worth bringing a bicycle – the trails around the reservoir are excellently signposted and offer amazing views.