Lake Malta in Poznań

Lake Malta in Poznań (Jezioro Maltańskie, yeh-ZHOH-roh mal-TAHN-skyeh; locals just say "Malta") is a man-made lake on the Cybina River and the city's favorite outdoor playground. A roughly 5.6 km loop path circles the water, and around it you'll find a year-round ski slope, a narrow-gauge park railway, a big thermal water park and one of Europe's best rowing and canoeing courses. It's a great way to spend an afternoon after the Old Town, especially with kids.

Where it is and how to get there

Poznań sits in western Poland, halfway between Berlin (about 270 km) and Warsaw; trains from Berlin take under three hours. The lake lies about 2 km east of the Old Market Square, just beyond Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), where Poland's first rulers lie buried in the cathedral. Take a tram to the Rondo Śródka roundabout (around 15 minutes) or walk in about half an hour.

A bit of history

The lake was created in 1952 by damming the Cybina River. It covers about 64 hectares, is about 2.2 km long and fairly shallow, with an average depth of just over 3 m. The name comes from the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta, who had a commandery here next to the Romanesque Church of St. John of Jerusalem Outside the Walls, which still stands near the western end.

A 2,190 m regatta course was built in 1987–1990. Malta has hosted the Canoe Sprint World Championships (1990, 2001, 2010) and the World Rowing Championships (2009). About every four years the lake is drained to clean the bottom and remove fish, most recently from November 2020 to March 2021, so don't be surprised if you find a muddy basin instead of water.

Things to do at Lake Malta

• Walk, run or skate the loop: about 5.6 km and flat; allow around 1.5 hours on foot.
• Ride the Maltanka: a narrow-gauge park railway running about 3.8 km along the north shore from Rondo Śródka to the New Zoo. In 2026 Poland's oldest working steam locomotive, a Borsig, returned to the line. It runs seasonally; check the MPK Poznań timetable.
• Ski or toboggan: the Freedom Mound on the south shore has an artificial year-round ski slope and a summer toboggan run, plus golf and mini-golf at its foot.
• Relax at Termy Maltańskie: a large water park fed by warm underground springs.
• See the fountain: the city's largest, at the western end, funded for Poznań's 750th anniversary.
• Seasonal extras: an ice rink in winter and performances of the Malta theater festival in summer.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a break from museums. It's flat, free and very family-friendly: the paths suit strollers and bikes, and combining the Maltanka with the New Zoo makes an easy day out. Sunset over the western end is lovely. Weekends and regatta days get busy, and sections of the shore may close for events. There is a seasonal swimming area nearby, but check current notices before going in the water.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Admission: the lakeside paths are free and open to all; the railway, ski slope and water park charge fees.
• Parking: lots near the sports facilities and the water park fill up quickly on weekends.
• Money: Poland uses the złoty (PLN); cards are widely accepted.
• Time needed: 1.5–2 hours for the loop, a full day with the railway and zoo.

Nearby

Cathedral Island, with Poznań Cathedral and the Porta Posnania heritage center, is a short walk west. The New Zoo is at the eastern end, at the last stop of the Maltanka.