Colourful Lakes of the Rudawy Janowickie

The Colorful Lakes (Kolorowe Jeziorka, say "ko-lo-RO-veh yeh-ZHOR-ka") in the Rudawy Janowickie mountains are four small ponds filling old pyrite mine pits above the village of Wieściszowice in Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland. Each has its own color, from rusty purple to vivid turquoise, and a short but steep forest trail links them all. Entry is free, the walk takes about two hours, and on a sunny day it is one of the most striking nature spots in the region.

Where it is and how to get there

Wieściszowice lies in the Sudetes foothills, about 100 km (60 miles) southwest of Wrocław – roughly 1.5 hours by car – and about 30 km from Jelenia Góra. Wrocław Airport is the nearest international gateway. Drive via national road 5 to Marciszów, then take road 328 and follow the "Kolorowe Jeziorka" signs. A car is the easiest way to get here.

Why are the lakes colored?

The ponds formed in pits left by three German-era mines. The oldest and largest, Hoffnung (1785), became the Purple Lake; Neues Glück (1793) the Blue Lake; and Gustav Grube (1796) the Green Lake. Pyrite was mined here from 1785 to 1925 and turned into sulfuric acid in nearby Płoszów. The colors are pure chemistry: iron compounds in the leftover rock tint the water rust-purple, while copper compounds create the blue.

The four lakes, in order

• Yellow Lake (about 555 m / 1,820 ft) – the lowest, by the parking area; it dries out at times.
• Purple Lake (about 560 m) – the most famous, with rust-colored, acidic water and pale rocky banks. The rock contains 10–12% pyrite.
• Blue Lake (about 635 m), also called Emerald or Azure – clear turquoise water with no sulfur smell.
• Green Lake (about 730 m), also called the Black Lake – the highest and smallest, also seasonal.

Colors depend on water levels, light and season: during droughts the lakes can look dull, and in winter they freeze over.

The hike: how long and how hard?

The lakes lie along the green trail from Wieściszowice to Wielka Kopa peak (871 m). A loop past all four is about 4 km (2.5 miles) with roughly 250 m (820 ft) of climbing; allow 2–3 hours. The stretch up to the Blue Lake is steep in places with exposed roots, so wear proper shoes. It is not stroller-friendly – use a baby carrier instead. Fit hikers can continue to the summit of Wielka Kopa.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Admission: free; the forest area is open year-round.
• Swimming: forbidden and dangerous – banks are steep and unstable, and the acidic water in some lakes can irritate skin.
• Parking: several paid, mostly private lots in Wieściszowice, including a large one by the lowest lake. Owners set their own prices (pay in Polish złoty, PLN), so check on arrival and ignore touts pointing you to distant lots.
• Food: a seasonal snack kiosk operates by the Yellow Lake.
• Best time: spring or fall, ideally on a weekday; long weekends get very crowded.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you are exploring Lower Silesia or the Karkonosze (Giant Mountains) area – it pairs well with a day in Jelenia Góra Valley. Come after a wet spell for the strongest colors.

Nearby

The Rudawy Janowickie also offer the Sokolik and Krzyżna Góra rock formations popular with climbers, the ruined Bolczów Castle, and the palaces of the Jelenia Góra Valley.