Magical Places – The Colorful Lakes
Green, purple, yellow, and blue lakes are not part of an animation or fairy tale, but a magical place at the foot of Wielka Kopa in the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains.
Magical Colorful Lakes
After conquering the peaks of the Sokolich Mountains, I still had enough energy to visit the nearby Colorful Lakes, located near the village of Wieściszowice.
The yellow, purple, blue, and green lakes are situated at the foot of Wielka Kopa in the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains. This place is very popular among tourists, not only from Poland but also from across Europe. The lakes, with their unusual colors, make this place truly magical.
The Creation of the Colorful Lakes
The Colorful Lakes were formed in the excavation sites of former German mines. Their colors result from the chemical composition of the ground—both the walls and the bottom of the pits.
From 1785 to 1925, pyrite was mined here and later processed into sulfuric acid. When mining ceased, the abandoned pits gradually filled with water. Depending on the dominant minerals in the soil, the lakes took on their respective colors: yellow from sulfur compounds, purple from iron compounds, and blue from copper compounds.
On the Trail
From the highest parking lot, just before the entrance to the Colorful Lakes, the green trail leads us to the summit of Wielka Kopa. It is about 3.2 kilometers long, and the average time to reach the top is around an hour. However, considering time for photos and relaxation by the lakes, you should allocate around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete the trail round trip.
The trail is open 24/7, and entry is free!
Yellow Pond
The first on the trail and the youngest of the Colorful Lakes. The entrance to the Yellow Pond is through a tunnel carved into the rock. About 20 years ago, there was no water in it. Occasionally, after heavy rainfall, it fills with rainwater, coloring the basin yellow. This is due to the high sulfur content.
The pond periodically dries up.
Purple Lake
This is the oldest of the Colorful Lakes, formed in 1785 from the first mining excavation called “Hope.” Today, it is filled with purple-colored water. The stunning hue of the lake is due to the presence of iron and sulfur ores. Majestic rocks rise around the basin, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of this place. Walking around the lake, one can sense a strong smell of sulfur lingering in the air.
Blue Lake
The Blue Lake, often referred to as the Azure Lake, was formed in the mining excavation called “New Happiness.” Compared to the Purple Lake, its water is very clear and lacks the sulfuric smell. Its color comes from copper compounds. Depending on the weather, the depth of the lake’s colors changes.
Green Pond
Formed in the excavation called “Gustaw,” the Green Pond appears very rarely, only after heavy rainfall. It sometimes dries up for years, leaving behind just a large pit. The last time it could be fully admired was in 1997 during the great floods. At that time, it took on an intense graphite color, which is why it is often called the Black Pond.
If you’re not planning to hike up Wielka Kopa, I recommend ending your trip by admiring the Blue Lake.
The lake periodically dries up.
Getting There
There are several parking lots near the Colorful Lakes. The further from the entrance, the cheaper they are. Here are a few options:
- Wieściszowice 58, 58-410 Wieściszowice, Poland
- Wieściszowice 66, 58-410 Wieściszowice, Poland
- Parking at the entrance to the Colorful Lakes
Price List:
- Car: 5-10 PLN
- Van: 20 PLN
- Bus: 30 PLN
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
