Zemplínska šírava

Zemplínska šírava was built in the 1960s as a flood control and irrigation reservoir on the Laborec, and because it lies in the warm eastern lowland with some of the highest sunshine hours in Slovakia, it turned into a summer resort: shallow warm water, a strip of holiday settlements along the northern shore, and a good deal of Soviet-era holiday architecture. The Vihorlat hills rise directly behind, and a bird reserve occupies the eastern end.

Background

Sometimes called the Slovak sea, the reservoir takes its name from the historical Zemplín region and lies wholly within Michalovce District. Its dam was built in 1961-1965. The water covers 33 square kilometres, stretching 11 kilometres in length and 3.5 kilometres in width, with an average depth of 9.5 metres and a maximum of 14 metres. Outflow runs into the Laborec river, which in turn joins the Bodrog. Recreation is the main use of the area, and the reservoir also provides cooling water for the Vojany Power Station.

Source: Wikipedia, "Zemplínska šírava"

Highlights

• The warm water - shallow and among the warmest bathing water in Slovakia.
• The Vihorlat backdrop - forested volcanic hills rising behind the northern shore.
• The bird reserve - the eastern end protected for waterbirds.
• The resort strip - holiday settlements along the northern shore.

When to go

June to September is the season and July and August are when the water is warmest. Outside summer much of the strip closes. Wind can be strong across the open water.

Practical notes

Much of the resort infrastructure is dated and run down. Water quality varies and algal blooms occur in hot summers. The eastern reserve is off limits in the breeding season.

Nearby

Morske oko is northeast, and Michalovce is west.

Key facts