Solina Lake

Lake Solina is an artificial retention reservoir in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, created by the construction of a dam between 1960 and 1968, based on the design by Professor Karol Pomianowski and Engineer Bolesław Kozłowski. The construction of the dam, which reaches a height of 81.8 meters and a length of 664 meters, resulted in the flooding of several villages, including the historic village of Solina. The reservoir has a surface area of 22 km² and a capacity of 472 million m³, making it the largest body of water in Poland. The hydroelectric power plant at the dam has a capacity of 200 MW. The lake is characterized by a varied shoreline, numerous bays, and a maximum depth of 60 meters. Its waters are rich in diverse fish species, including zander, perch, pike, and carp, attracting anglers. In addition to its natural beauty, the lake holds significant tourist appeal; numerous recreational centers have been established in the area, particularly in the town of Polańczyk, known as a health resort. Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities on the lake, although caution is advised due to changing wind conditions. A "quiet zone" is enforced on the reservoir, promoting relaxation and contemplation. During the summer season, excursion boats operate on the lake. An interesting fact is that approximately 200,000 m³ of rocky material is deposited into the reservoir annually, accelerating the process of siltation. Despite the changes brought about by the dam's construction, the area around Lake Solina has retained its beauty, and local communities continue to cherish their history in this region. Local culture and traditions related to fishing and tourism remain an integral part of the area.