Lakes

Staw Ajska Pond in Świętochłowice

In the north-western part of Świętochłowice, in the Lipinki valley on the border with Bytom, lies Staw Ajska, the largest body of water in this urban dale. The surroundings bear clear marks of an industrial past: red-brown post-mining and post-smelting heaps tower over the water, remains of the former Guidotto zinc smelter in Chropaczów. Despite this degradation the area has become a favourite walking spot for residents.

Nature of the valley

Besides Ajska, several smaller ponds and backwaters of the Lipinki stream lie in the valley. A path encircles the largest pond, and the banks are overgrown with lush vegetation of water habitats. Water birds feed and nest here: mallards, coots, moorhens, gulls and reed warblers. The semi-wild landscape with fallen trees favours quiet walks and birdwatching with binoculars.

History in heaps and bunkers

Near the pond stand combat shelters of the Łagiewniki and Godula resistance points, built just before the Second World War. They belonged to the Fortress Area of Silesia, raised between 1933 and 1939 to defend the industry of Upper Silesia. Motorcycles once roared over the heaps: a motocross track operated here and Silesian off-road championships were held. Film scenes were also shot by the pond, among others for Pearl in the Crown and the picture Franek, made for the Museum of Silesian Uprisings in Świętochłowice.

Practical information

The area has no tourist infrastructure: no ice-cream stands, benches or paved paths, and the banks are not suitable for pushchairs. You can leave your car on Kościelna street, from where it is about 200 metres on foot to the pond. Take a blanket and a picnic, and climb the heap for a broad view of the valley.