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Ilustracja Kolorowe Jeziorka
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Thematic route

Four lakes along the pyrite trail

A climb from Yellow Lake past Purple Lake and Blue Lake to Green Pond. Four former workings connect the history of mining with geology and changing water chemistry.

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  • Starts atYellow Lake
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About the route

The walk starts at Yellow Lake, in the lower part of the site approached from Wieściszowice. It continues to neighbouring Purple Lake. Both stops were part of the former Nadzieja mining area; their different basins show how water filled the workings in different ways.

The green-marked trail then climbs the hillside to Blue Lake, formerly Nowe Szczęście. After viewing the lake, continue along the green-marked trail to Green Pond in the Gustaw working. This is the highest stop on the route; the further ascent to the summit of Wielka Kopa is not included.

After the final stop, return downhill to Wieściszowice by the same path. Allow for this return when planning the walk. Yellow Lake and Green Pond may be dry, but the workings themselves remain part of the former mining landscape. Follow the paths beside the pools without entering the water or the old adits.

Stops along the way (4)
  1. Ilustracja Kolorowe Jeziorka1Point of interestYellow LakeA small pool near the lower entrance, within the former Nadzieja mine. Its funnel-shaped hollow and occasional drying reveal the relationship between water and bedrock.Quiz
  2. Ilustracja Kolorowe Jeziorka2Point of interestPurple LakeA flooded working of the Nadzieja mine, where pyrite extraction left acidic water and iron compounds that give the lake its characteristic colour.Quiz
  3. Ilustracja Kolorowe Jeziorka3Point of interestBlue LakeThe former Nowe Szczęście working, above Purple Lake. Its clear water holds different chemical conditions and aquatic vegetation along part of the shore.Quiz
  4. Ilustracja Kolorowe Jeziorka4Point of interestGreen PondThe highest and smallest pool, tucked into the former Gustaw working. Water levels depend on the weather, so a dry hollow sometimes awaits at the end of the climb.Quiz
Details
Author or origin
Live Story - propozycja redakcyjna
  • geology
  • mining
  • lakes
  • Rudawy Janowickie