Lakes

Brzózki–Biskupice Reservoir

Below the walls of Byczyna, on the small Pratwa river, spreads the Biskupice-Brzózki retention reservoir — a 42-hectare body of water with wooden piers, a walkway over the water and a reconstructed early-medieval stronghold on the shore. It is a combination of waterside leisure and history that you will not find at typical reservoirs.

A reservoir with a mission

The reservoir was built in 1995–1996 to counter a significant lowering of the groundwater level in the areas west of Byczyna. The Pratwa — a 30-kilometre left tributary of the Prosna — fills a basin with a capacity of 535 thousand m³, with the possibility of extension by a further 237 thousand m³; the flooded area reaches up to 100 ha. The main goal was not recreation but water management — recreation came later, together with the stronghold.

A stronghold by the water

On the shore stands a reconstructed early-medieval Slavic stronghold, called the Knights’ Stronghold in Biskupice or the Byczyna Stronghold, opened in 2007. By the stronghold operates a rental point: one- and two-person kayaks, pedal boats and fishing boats; thrill-seekers will choose quads, paintball or paragliding. The reservoir is also a popular fishery — in summer anglers and holiday-home owners gather by the water.

In practice

Access is by the road from Byczyna; the town walls with the Polish and German Gates lie about 5 km further and are worth combining with the waterside visit in one trip. In Biskupice you will also see the wooden church of St. John the Baptist and the agri-tourist Dwór Zacisze manor. Book quads, paintball and paragliding in advance — the services are provided by the stronghold team (phone given by the site).