Lake Rożnowskie - What to See in the Area?
Lake Rożnowskie is a man-made water reservoir on the Dunajec River. Nestled among picturesque hills near the eastern border of the Beskid Wyspowy mountains, it has been a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts for years. But the lake is not just about water; there are many treasures along its shores - discover them with us!
What to see in Rożnów?
The lake is named after Rożnów, a small town on the eastern bank of the Dunajec. In the 1930s, a dam with a hydroelectric power plant was started here. Due to World War II, the project was completed by the Germans. Unfortunately, you can't walk on the dam, and visiting is only possible under special conditions and by appointment.
It's worth coming here by bike or car (there's a small parking area), or you can take a tour boat from Gródek nad Dunajcem (there's a marina and water equipment rental). You can also walk from Rożnów - about 2 km from the parking lot near the historic St. Nicholas Church (a pedestrian walkway is being built along the road to the dam - spring 2025). Near the dam, there are several resorts and dining spots.
On the way to the dam, it's worth stopping at the mysterious ruins - the so-called Upper Castle in Rożnów, also known as the Castle of Zawisza the Black:
Ruins of the Upper Castle in Rożnów
The ruins of the Gothic castle in Rożnów, known as the Upper Castle or Zawisza Czarny's Castle, are located on a high slope above the Dunajec River, in a forest near the road to the water dam and power plant in Rożnów. Although there is not much to "explore" here, the place is picturesque and has a long history. ...
In the center of Rożnów, you can visit the remains of the so-called Lower Castle, a famous, unfinished bastion. The place is a bit neglected (spring 2025), but fortunately, it will soon be developed by the local community, and this unique monument will receive the attention it deserves.
Beluard - Ruins of the Lower Castle in Rożnów
The Beluard in Rożnów, also known as the Lower Castle, is unique because it is one of the first modern defensive structures in Poland. Unfortunately, the fortress was never completed, and today we can only see 1 of the planned 4 bastions, a fragment of the walls, and a three-level gatehouse. ...
The only castle in the area in excellent condition and open to visitors (entry fee required) is on the western bank of the Dunajec, not on Lake Rożnowskie, but on the Czchowskie Reservoir. This is Tropsztyn Castle, which you can reach from the eastern bank of the lake by ferry from Tropie or by bridge over the Dunajec through Witowice Dolne.
Romanesque Architecture Gem and the Hermit's Tale
North of Rożnów, below the dam, on Lake Czchowskie, is a world-class monument - the Romanesque church of St. Andrew Świerad and Benedict. Its history dates back to the turn of the 10th/11th century!
Church in Tropie - Romanesque Gem by the Dunajec
The Romanesque Church of Saints Świerad and Benedict in Tropie by the Dunajec River is a unique gem of medieval architecture in the Małopolska region of Poland. Its creation is linked to a hermit who lived here at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries, and his legacy continues even after 1000 years. ...
Picturesque Gothic Church of St. Bartholomew in Zbyszyce
Younger but also very picturesque, located in a park on the edge of a high cliff above the Dunajec, is the historic Gothic church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle in Zbyszyce. Here, valuable 15th-century frescoes and typical cross-ribbed vaulting have been preserved.
Historic Church in Zbyszyce by Lake Rożnowskie
The Church of St. Bartholomew the Apostle in Zbyszyce is a gem of Gothic architecture in the Małopolska region of Poland. It is located in a picturesque park on a high cliff above the southern end of Lake Rożnowskie. Inside, you can find valuable items like wall paintings from the mid-15th century. ...
Historic Wooden Church in Przydonica
Among the wooden monuments around Rożnów and Gródek nad Dunajcem, the most interesting and valuable is the nearly 500-year-old church in Przydonica. The 16th-century frescoes here are among the most valuable in the Sądecka Land.
Milling Museum in Roztoka-Brzeziny
If you want to peek into an old cottage, see how people used to live by Lake Rożnowskie, and learn the secrets of milling, it's worth visiting. Note: this is a private museum, and you need to make an appointment by phone.
Młyńska Settlement: Museum of Milling in Roztoka Brzeziny
The Museum of Milling, Technology, and Rural Crafts named after Józef Winiarski in Roztoka-Brzeziny by Lake Rożnowskie is a place full of living history. It's worth not only visiting and exploring but also participating in workshops and special events organized here. ...
Lake Rożnowskie - Attraction Map
You can find the location of all the places described in the article on the map in the header.
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