Colourful Lakes of the Rudawy Janowickie

The Colourful Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie lie above Wieściszowice on the slopes of Wielka Kopa. Four ponds — Yellow, Purple, Blue and the seasonal Green — formed in workings of former pyrite and other-ore mines. Their intensity is not constant: water levels, light and weather affect how they look on the day of your visit.

Four ponds and an educational trail

The easiest start is in Wieściszowice, joining the green trail towards Wielka Kopa. Along the way, you pass mining remains and information boards about the mines and the nature of the Rudawy Landscape Park. The educational path is about 3 km and takes roughly two hours at a relaxed pace. Purple Pond is usually the most striking, but the full sequence of ponds is worth seeing.

Trail and views

The green trail continues towards Wielka Kopa, allowing you to extend the outing with a mountain ascent. Sections beside the ponds can be steep, root-covered and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. This is a nature trail, not a level promenade. Do not climb down to the water or approach unstable edges of former workings.

Practical information

Entry to the ponds is free, but car parks in Wieściszowice charge a fee and vary in distance from the entrance. The attraction’s official website lists several monitored car parks; check current arrangements before travelling. Allow extra time in rain and at weekends. Plan 2–3 hours for the basic route and considerably longer if you add Wielka Kopa.