Černianské Lake in Wisła, nestled in dense spruce forests, captivates with its views. Although it is not a natural lake but a reservoir created between 1968 and 1973 as a drinking water supply.
When you see such a beautiful and expansive lake, many people wonder: can you swim there or go fishing? However, all of this is prohibited. Firstly, Černianské Lake is a drinking water reservoir. Secondly, it lies within the Wisła Reserve and is intended to support the protection of trout in the Biała and Czarna Wisełka rivers.
Černianské Lake - The Wisła Dam
The construction of the dam in Wisła, designed by Jan Stonawski, began in 1968, and five years later, they put into operation a massive embankment that can hold up to 5 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir, covering an area of 360,000 m2, has a permanent flood reserve of 1.56 million m3. In addition to its flood protection function, the 30 m high and 280 m long dam is also a well-known viewpoint in Wisła. The reservoir was created at the confluence of the Biała and Czarna Wisełka rivers and was intended to provide water to the residents of Wisła and Ustroń. Only after receiving the right tributary, Malinka, does the outflow from it transform into the Wisła River.
Černianské Lake - Viewing Point
Černianské Lake is therefore a must-visit for any tourist coming to Wisła. To reach the first viewpoint, the dam, you can get there in various ways. There is no shortage of cyclists, as well as pedestrians covering the route from the town. The Wisła Czarne Zapora bus stop also serves public transportation (see line W3), and the city tramway goes to that point.
We also recommend visiting the viewing terrace on the other side of the lake. Going in that direction, it's worth stopping by the Kaskady Białej Wisełki (Cascades of the White Wisełka), from where you can see the Residence of the President of the Republic of Poland - Zamek w Wisle.
Černianské Lake and Nearby Attractions
When you are already at Černianské Lake, you must visit the Castle of the President of the Republic of Poland, popularly known as "Zameczek". This modernist building was erected in 1929-1930 according to the design of Adolf Szyszko-Bohusz for the President of the Republic of Poland, Ignacy Mościcki. Since 2002, it has been the winter residence of successive Presidents of Poland. "Zameczek" stands on the site of a burned-down wooden hunting lodge of the Habsburgs from the early 20th century. In 1994, the entire complex, including the historic wooden chapel from 1909 and the Lower Castle with the Forester's Lodge, was entered into the register of monuments. The whole complex is open for tours, and on Sundays and holidays, Masses and Evangelical services are held in the chapel.
From here, it's not far to the Barania Góra Nature Trail, which is worth visiting at any time of the year. The easiest way to get there, however, is by car and park at the forestry office's parking lot. The route is paved and runs along the Czarna Wisełka stream. It's about 16 kilometers long. The place is very charming for pedestrians, families with strollers, and cyclists. This is the initial route, and if you continue further, you can reach the Barania Góra Mountain Hut, and later on, Barania Góra itself. However, such a trip would need to be planned for more than just one day.
Instead of taking the nature trail, you can head towards the Szarcula Pass. By car, the route from "Zameczek" takes 4 minutes, and on foot, it takes less than half an hour. Be sure to visit the small observation tower, from which the view of the lake is breathtaking.
Returning by car towards the Vestina Hotel on Czarne Street, it's also worth stopping by the waterfall in Wisła. It measures 8 meters and was built in the 1950s. And photos with it in the background always get a lot of likes on social media.
Hotel by Černianské Lake - How to Get There?
If you're looking for a hotel by Černianské Lake, a good choice is the Vestina Hotel in Wisła Malinka. If you want to walk to the lake from the Vestina Hotel, plan about an hour for the one-way trip. You will have to cover about 3 kilometers. You can also walk from the hotel to the "Cieńków" Ski Station and use the chairlift. From the upper station, there are only about 2 kilometers left.
So, there is nothing preventing you from getting from the dam to "Zameczek" - it should take about half an hour. However, keep in mind that mountainous terrain has varying slopes, and although the route may seem short, it can be exhausting for inexperienced hikers.
Bike Trail Near the Lake
Wisła is a cyclist-friendly city, with not only many urban bike paths but also challenging mountain trails. You could even say that there are as many bike rentals in this city as there are winter equipment rentals.
A interesting trail to take, with starting and ending points at the dam, is the Cieńków-Stecówka loop. This almost 30-kilometer-long route will provide you with unique experiences and views. 60% of the route is off-road, and by choosing this route, you will have the opportunity to see all the attractions mentioned above. For a detailed description, visit the website www.roweremposlasku.pl
If you bring your own bike to the mountains, remember that the Vestina Hotel is cyclist-friendly and provides guests with a lockable bike storage room. Check out the hotel's current offers and hit the road!
