How it came about
Lake Solina would not exist but for the Solina Dam — the largest water dam in Poland, 82 m high and 664 m long. Built between 1960 and 1968, it had three purposes: holding back water during floods on the San, a pumped-storage power station (one of the largest in Poland) and tourism. Creating the reservoir flooded several villages (Sokole and Jaroszów among them) and their inhabitants were resettled.
The reservoir is strongly elongated — about 26 km "as the crow flies", but with its many bays and islands the shoreline runs to about 150 km. That is why it suits sailing so well — winds funnelled by the valleys give steady conditions.
What to do on the water
Sailing
Solina is the largest sailing centre in the Polish mountains. More than 15 marinas, dozens of charter companies and a series of regattas from May to September. Chartering a yacht costs from about 500 zł a day (a small dinghy) to 1,500–2,000 zł (a cabin yacht for 4–6). A sailing licence is required for larger craft.
Excursion boats
Excursion boats leave from the harbours at Polańczyk and Solina (1.5–3 hour cruises), with a guide's commentary and stops at the loveliest bays. Tickets 35–60 zł per person.
Watersports
Kayaks, SUP boards and pedalos can be hired in many places (from about 30 zł an hour). Several places offer motorboats, water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable rides. Jet skis are not allowed in some bays (part of the reservoir is a protected area).
Beaches
The beaches are not of the seaside kind (stony and grassy), but Polańczyk has the best-known lifeguarded beach, with imported sand. There are also smaller beaches at Solina, Jawor and Wołkowyja.
What else to see while you are there
- The Solina Dam — you can drive onto it or walk across, with a remarkable panorama of the reservoir and the Bieszczady
- Polańczyk — a spa town with wellness hotels, the most popular place on the reservoir
- Wyspa Skalista and Wyspa Zajęcza — two islands on the lake, reachable only from the water
- The viewing terraces by the dam
- The church on the peninsula at Polańczyk — a chapel built out on the headland
How to get there and practical info
- Base
- Polańczyk (a spa town with hotels) or Solina (by the dam)
- From Kraków
- About 3.5 hours by car (270 km)
- From Rzeszów
- About 1.5 hours (90 km)
- Yacht charter
- From about 500 zł a day, season June to September
- Boat trip
- 35–60 zł per person
- Season
- May to September (swimming from late June)
Gallery
Photos taken on site. Photo: Marek Marcola.
When to go
The first cruises in May and few visitors. The water is still cold.
The height of the season, the marinas full and the most events. Book ahead for July and August.
September is excellent — warm days, fewer crowds and the best conditions for experienced sailors (wind).
Most places are closed, but the spa hotels at Polańczyk stay open. Walks around the reservoir.
Other sights in Bieszczady
Straight-line distances from „Lake Solina" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
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