A sight in the Karpacz region

The Coloured Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie — the vivid pools of an old mine

Small, vividly coloured pools formed in an old mine in the Rudawy Janowickie — their unusual shades come from the minerals in the water and the ground. A popular short trip close to Karpacz.

What they are

The Coloured Lakes are small pools formed in an old mine in the Rudawy Janowickie. Their distinctive shades — from greenish to blue — come from minerals dissolved in the water and the ground. They are an example of an industrial site that has turned into a natural attraction.

The walk

  • A waymarked path — a short climb between the pools
  • Several pools — different shades, with a good viewpoint
  • A former mining site — traces of an industrial past
  • Close to Karpacz — convenient as a half-day trip

In practice

The route is not long, but it goes uphill — sturdy shoes are worth having. Do not swim and do not go down to the water's edge — the ground can be steep and slippery. Drive to the area and continue on foot along the waymarked path.

How to get there and practical info

Location
The Rudawy Janowickie, close to Karpacz
Getting there
By car to the area, then on foot
The path
Short, but uphill — sturdy shoes
Safety
Do not swim, and do not go down to the edge
Time needed
Half a day including the journey
Character
A natural and post-industrial attraction
Mapa: Google Maps · 50.8420, 15.9050

When to go

Spring

Fresh greenery around, with the shades of the water clearly visible.

Summer

More people, and crowded at weekends — best in the morning.

Autumn

Golden woodland colours, quiet and atmospheric.

Winter

The path can be icy — take care or choose another destination.

Other sights in Karpacz

Straight-line distances from „The Coloured Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.

The Wang ChurchA wooden Norwegian church of the 12th century, moved to Karpacz in 1842. Built without a s
~13 km as the crow flies
The Toy Museum at KarpaczA well-known collection of toys from many periods and countries — a family attraction in t
~14 km as the crow flies
Western City at KarpaczA western town near Karpacz with Wild West shows — a family attraction and a good idea for
~15 km as the crow flies
The Kopa chairliftA chairlift from Karpacz to Kopa (1377 m). 10 minutes' ride instead of a 2-hour climb
~15 km as the crow flies
Śnieżka (1603 m)The highest peak of the Sudetes and of the Czech Republic. On foot (about 3 hours from Kar
~17 km as the crow flies
The Karkonosze National ParkGlacial cirques with the Mały and Wielki Staw lakes, dwarf pine and high mountain tundra —
~17 km as the crow flies
The Szklarka WaterfallThe highest waterfall of the Polish Karkonosze (13.5 m). A 15-minute walk from the car par
~27 km as the crow flies

Where to stay nearby

Places from our list that have The Coloured Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie within walking distance or a short drive.

Lake Hill Resort & SpaHotel **** z basenem i SPA · Sosnówka, ul. Tyrolska 2G (k. Karpacza)
Osada Śnieżka Resort & SpaResort rodzinny z basenami · Łomnica, ul. Spacerowa 8-45 (gm. Mysłakowice)
Pałac ŁomnicaHotel w zabytkowym pałacu · Łomnica, ul. Karpnicka 3 (gm. Mysłakowice)

See all places to stay in the Karpacz region →