Lake Rusałka, Urban reservoir in Poznań, Poland.
Lake Rusałka is an artificial reservoir in Poznań created by damming a river, spanning approximately 37 hectares with wooded shores throughout. Walking paths line the banks, creating a green space for visitors within the urban area.
The lake formed in 1943 when construction of a dam was completed on the Bogdanka River during the German occupation of Poland in World War II. This wartime origin remains an important part of the site's history.
The name Rusałka comes from Slavic mythology, where it refers to water spirits believed to inhabit lakes and rivers across Eastern Europe. This cultural reference still shapes how locals connect with the place and its natural surroundings.
The northern shore has a supervised swimming area with changing facilities and equipment rentals during summer months. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the walking paths, which can be muddy after rain.
Several World War II memorials and remains of Fort VIa, a 19th-century fortress structure, can be found around the lake's surroundings. These military ruins tell part of the region's complex past.
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