When I first came across the term “Polish Maldives,” I certainly didn’t picture a turquoise sea and white sand—I was expecting something a bit more eccentric, because that’s what I associate with Poles. The reality, however, was interesting. The place is called Gródek Park, and the nickname “Polish Maldives” has stuck—it’s still circulating on the internet to this day. That’s one of the reasons why a fair number of people head here.
There’s one catch I want to point out right away so you don’t end up traveling all the way here with a nylon swimsuit in your backpack for nothing: you’re not allowed in the water here unless you’re a diver.
What is Gródek, and why is it called the “Polish Maldives”?
Gródek is located right in the heart of Jaworzno, a city in the Jaworzno Hills in the Silesian Voivodeship, a short distance from Auschwitz. It’s not some remote wilderness—you can easily reach the park by car, train, or bus.
Gródek Park : Poland’s “Maldives” Were Created from an Abandoned Mine
The story of this place is typically Silesian—industrial, a bit rough around the edges, and yet with a surprisingly happy ending. From 1883 to 1997, dolomite was mined here, which was mainly shipped to the cement plant in nearby Szczakowa. When mining came to an end, the facility ran into financial difficulties and had its electricity cut off due to unpaid bills.
When the power went out, the pumps that drained the mine stopped, and within a few dozen hours, the groundwater reclaimed its territory. The former quarry flooded and turned into a lake with crystal-clear, turquoise water. The color is due to the high mineral content of the surrounding rock—the same phenomenon that makes some Alpine lakes look like something out of a painting.
That’s why people come here to dive— there are plenty of shipwrecks on the seafloor that you can explore. Plus, the clear water ensures good visibility.
In 2019, the city of Jaworzno revitalized the site and opened it to the public as Gródek Park. Admission is free year-round; the park is open 24 hours a day and has quickly become one of the most visited places in the region. On summer weekends, crowds from all over Poland and abroad flock here.
Two Lakes, Two Worlds—Gródek (Orka) and Wydra
In the park, you’ll come across two distinct lakes that were formed on the site of different parts of a former quarry.
Gródek Reservoir —also known locally as Orka—is the deeper and wilder of the two. The depth here reaches up to 18 meters. The water is a rich turquoise color, and there are viewing points around the lake secured with wooden railings. This area is reserved primarily for divers. Ordinary tourists cannot enter the water (well, they can, but it’s prohibited).
The Wydra Reservoir is shallower and more accessible, and it was here that the iconic photo that went viral online was taken. A wooden footbridge about 100 meters long spans the water, allowing you to walk literally right above the water’s surface. There are also wooden gazebos by the lake featuring a statue of an otter, after which the lake is named. The trail to Wydra is easy and can even be navigated with a stroller.
And as if that weren’t enough—after a few days in Poland, I realized that their national dish is definitely ice cream. That’s why, even here at Lake Wydra, enterprising Polish businesspeople didn’t miss the opportunity, and there’s an ice cream stand right here.
Why Can’t You Swim Here?
The turquoise water looks inviting, but swimming is prohibited throughout the entire park without exception—and for good reason. Parts of the original mining equipment remain at the bottom of the former mine; the bottom is uneven with steep rocky steps, and the edges of the lakes are formed by unstable slopes that must not be climbed.
Specifically, the following rules apply in Gródek Park:
- a ban on swimming in all bodies of water,
- No motor vehicles allowed,
- No open fires or barbecues,
- fishing ban,
- No camping or bivouacking,
- Prohibition of excessive noise.
On the contrary, you can definitely bring your dog here—just don’t let it go near the water, of course.
The Route Around the Lakes
The trail through the park isn’t difficult, but there are several ways to tackle it depending on how much time and energy you have. It’s just over a kilometer and a half from the parking lot to Lake Gródek itself along an easy, paved path—you can even manage this part with a stroller. However, if you decide to walk around both lakes via the upper trail with its scenic viewpoints, expect a loop of about 5 to 7 kilometers that will take around an hour, including photo breaks (and believe me, there will be plenty of them).
Along the way, you’ll come across several overlooks of both lakes, wooden gazebos with benches, and two nature trails—one focusing on natural history with 13 information panels, and the other, quite charming, in the form of a model of the solar system, where the individual planets represent stops along the way.
Diving in Gródek
Gródek isn’t just a place for walks—it’s also one of the most famous diving spots in Poland. There’s a year-round diving center on the shore of Lake Orka Via Sport Diving Marina “Koparki”, which offers courses for both beginners and experienced divers.
There’s definitely plenty to see. As a curious diver, I’ve done some online research for you! Under the water’s surface, you’ll find two large excavators, a guardhouse, an ammunition depot, a transformer station, buckets from a former mining operation, half of a Polonez Caro passenger car, and the remains of a water station. In recent years, divers have also added the wreck of a ship named Wilhelm, so that even more experienced visitors have something to look forward to.
Zakrzówek Reservoir—Poland’s Second Maldives
If the idea of “turquoise water in a former quarry” has caught your interest, we have a bonus for you. Less than an hour’s drive from Gródek, right in Kraków, you’ll find Zalew Zakrzówek. The lake is nicknamed the “Polish Maldives” (or “Little Croatia,” since the white limestone cliffs surrounding the water make that nickname quite fitting). And there’s also a rocky beach 😀
Its history is similar to that of Gródek, though slightly older. Limestone has been mined here since the 19th century and was also used in the construction of Kraków’s landmarks, including Wawel Castle. Mining ceased in 1990, the area was flooded, and one of the deepest man-made bodies of water in southern Poland was created—reaching depths of up to 32 meters.
The main difference from Gródek? You’re allowed to swim here. Since mid-2023, there has been an official, free swimming area here with five designated “pools” ranging in depth from 40 centimeters to 2 meters, so you can enjoy the turquoise water in person, not just from a viewpoint. In addition, a park covering about 50 hectares stretches around the lake, featuring bike paths, walking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Practical Information
How to Get to Gródek
You can drive directly to the address at ul. Jana III Sobieskiego in Jaworzno. It’s about 21 kilometers from Katowice—a little under a 30-minute drive—and the distance from Oświęcim is similar. By train, you can get to the Jaworzno Szczakowa station, from which it’s about a 20-minute walk to the park, or you can take bus lines 304 and 390 directly to the Park Gródek stop.
Parking and Admission
Admission to the park is free, and it is open 24 hours a day. Parking at the entrance on Jana III Sobieskiego Street costs about 25 zlotys for the entire day, but a few hundred meters further toward the roundabout, you’ll also find free parking spots.
Where to Start and Where to Stay
There are two cities that are the best options for spending the night:
Katowice —a regional hub with excellent transportation links (train, bus, Katowice-Pyrzowice International Airport) and the widest selection of hotels. It’s the ideal base if you want to combine a visit to Gródek with a trip to Auschwitz.
Oświęcim —a smaller, quieter option that makes sense if you’re including a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial in your itinerary. The distance to Gródek and Kraków from here is comparable to that from Katowice.
It was right here in the town of Oświęcim, on the banks of the Sola River, that we spent two nights in a lovely place to stay near the Chewra Lomdei Miszna synagogue. The place had a beautiful view, a private balcony, and great restaurants right in the building on the ground floor.
When to Go and What to Bring
You’ll get the best water colors during the spring and summer months when the weather is sunny. Keep in mind, though, that the park gets really crowded on summer weekends. If you want photos without crowds of tourists, go during the week or early in the morning.
Pack comfortable shoes, plenty of water, a snack, and a fully charged phone with an offline map (signal in the forest tends to be weak). If you’re planning to visit Zakrzówek as well, pack a swimsuit and a towel. And since even a short hike can lead to a sore knee or a blister on your heel, check out our guide on how to put together a hiking first-aid kit —a lightweight version for your daypack will come in handy here, too.
What to See Near Gródek Park
Gródek is so conveniently located that it would be a shame to make it the only stop on your trip. Both of the surrounding towns—where we also recommend staying overnight—have plenty to offer on their own:
Katowice —less than half an hour from Gródek. You can explore the city center in a single afternoon, but be sure to also visit the mining districts of Nikiszowiec and Giszowiec, check out the Silesian Museum with its observation tower, or take a look at the Brutalist Spodek. We’ve put together a complete list of 12 places worth visiting in Katowice.
Auschwitz —The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is just a stone’s throw away, but it’s a completely different kind of experience than the turquoise lakes, so set aside a separate day for your visit and prepare yourself mentally. In our practical guide, you’ll find everything from booking tickets to tips for a short tour of the city itself.
And if you have more than a weekend to spare for a trip to Poland, you can also include Bielsko-Biała on your itinerary—with its Art Nouveau district and the Fiat 126p Museum—an ideal stopover on the way to the Silesian Beskids or Bohemia.
