Nature

Colourful Lakes of the Muskau Arch

The Colourful Lakes of the Muskau Arch are best explored as the Former Babina Mine geotrail near Łęknica and Nowe Czaple. These are not natural lakes but water-filled pits left by former brown-coal mining. Their colours range from rust and red to turquoise, depending on water chemistry, deposits and weather.

What to see along the trail

The route crosses a post-mining landscape of colourful water bodies, iron-rich springs, erosion forms and traces of industrial activity. The most recognisable is Lake Africa, whose shape resembles the continent. A viewing tower about 29.5 m high rises above it and shows the scale of the landscape’s transformation. The main trail includes a dozen or so key lakes, rather than all of the roughly 110 water bodies in the Muskau Arch.

Geology and mining history

The Muskau Arch is a transnational UNESCO Global Geopark spanning Poland and Germany. Glacial forces shaped the morainic arc, while later brown-coal mining left pits that gradually filled with water. The former mine is now an educational trail, but colourful water does not mean that the lakes are safe for swimming.

Practical information

The trail is free and open year-round; it can be explored on foot or by bicycle. After rain, some sections may be muddy, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection. Do not touch the water, leave designated paths or let children and dogs roam unsupervised. Check the geopark map and parking options at your chosen trailhead before travelling.