Siemiatycze Reservoirs

Siemiatycze does not have one reservoir but three: unnamed lakes on the Kamionka river that the town simply numbered 1, 2 and 3. The first opened in 1975, and today the water is ringed by a lifeguarded bathing area, a beach, sports pitches and running trails. It is the main summer leisure spot in this part of Podlasie (north-eastern Poland) and a handy stop on the way to the holy mountain of Grabarka.

Three reservoirs on the Kamionka

The reservoirs were built in the 1970s for recreation, nature and water management. Reservoir no. 1 lies lowest: it covers 6.2 ha, holds about 0.09 million m³ and was created in the Kamionka valley where the Muchawiec stream flows in. The two upper reservoirs were built where the Mahomet stream once joined the Kamionka. They share a water level of 138.25 m above sea level and together cover 27.4 ha, with an average depth of 2 m and a maximum of 5.1 m.

The lakes are run by the municipal sports and leisure centre (MOSiR), which also manages the town's swimming pool, stadium and more than 60 ha of green space. As a result, the waterside is less a single beach than a whole sports park on the edge of town.

What to do

• Beach and lifeguarded bathing area – according to MOSiR, open in season with a marked swimming zone, beach volleyball courts, an outdoor gym and a playground.
• Angling zone – a section of shore set aside for fishing.
• Running, Nordic walking and cycling trails of 2.3 km and 6 km around reservoir no. 2, also used for cross-country skiing in winter.
• Sports events – including the Siemiatycze Cross Triathlon and fishing competitions.

Waterfront under redevelopment

The town is carrying out a project worth more than PLN 10 million to redevelop the area around reservoir no. 1. It includes extending the footpath and cycle path by 717 m, a 25-metre footbridge over the Kamionka, lighting, floating fountains and a rebuilt jetty. On the north shore of reservoir no. 2, a picnic shelter, car park and footpaths are planned. Some of the work may still be under way, so expect fenced-off sections.

Tripto tip

Access to the water is from Nadrzeczna, Sportowa and Plażowa streets; the bathing area and beach courts are on the Sportowa side. Allow 1–2 hours for a cycle or a run around the lakes, or half a day on the beach on a hot day. In town, take a look at the former synagogue of 1797, built to a design by the architect Szymon Bogumił Zug. The same county is home to the holy mountain of Grabarka, the most important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians in Poland.