Lake Malta

Malta is a long narrow artificial lake made in 1952 by damming the Cybina in the city's east, on land the Knights of Malta held from 1187, which gave it its name, and laid out as a rowing and canoeing course - it has hosted world championships in both sports repeatedly and is one of the better-regarded regatta courses in Europe, with a two-kilometre straight and grandstands. Around it the city has assembled a set of unrelated attractions: Malta Ski, a dry ski slope and a year-round toboggan run on the artificial hill formed from spoil, an aquapark with slides and thermal-style pools, a narrow-gauge children's railway running the length of the shore, and a new zoo across the water. The path around the lake is about five kilometres and is used constantly by runners and cyclists. Regattas fill the banks; the rest of the time it is the city's main outdoor space.

What you'll find

• An international regatta course - a two-kilometre straight with grandstands.
• A dry ski slope and toboggan run - on the spoil hill beside the water.
• A children's railway - narrow gauge along the shore to the zoo.
• A five-kilometre circuit - the path used by runners and cyclists.

When to go

May to September. Half a day.

Things to know

The lake is functional rather than scenic - it is a concrete-edged sports course. Attractions are separately ticketed and busy at weekends. Regatta days restrict access to the banks.

Nearby

Ostrow Tumski and Poznan's centre are a short tram ride west.

Key facts