Lakes and dams Báč

Gabčíkovo is a waterworks facility built on the Dunaj river, near the town of Gabčíkovo, in the Dunajská Streda district. This multipurpose structure is located just about 50 km from Bratislava. The main function of the facility is the generation of electricity, covering about 8% of total consumption in Slovakia and up to 12–15% in Hungary. In addition, it serves as flood protection and regulates the water level of the Dunaj, making the river navigable and allowing the water level to be adjusted even during potential emergency situations.

As early as the 19th century, a plan emerged to divert from the original riverbed to create a permanent and reliable shipping lane. The decision in favor of construction was accelerated by the 1973 oil crisis. Construction of the waterworks began in 1977 following the signing of an international treaty between Slovakia and Hungary. Hungary unilaterally withdrew from constructing its section in 1989 following citizen protests and ceased work in the Nagymaros section. Subsequently, work was carried out only on the Slovak side in a modified form, while construction of the Hungarian section was postponed. Operation of the Slovak part of the facility was put into service in October 1992, and the power plant began operating in 1996. In October 1997, the International Court of Justice ruled that Hungary's withdrawal from the treaty was not justified.

The Gabčíkovo waterworks consists of several parts. The Hrušov reservoir accumulates water for the optimal operation of the hydroelectric power plant. It stands mostly on Slovak territory, with a length of 16 km and a width of 1 to 4 km. The Gabčíkovo dam step consists of two structures: navigation locks on the left side of the river and a hydroelectric power plant on the right. The locks make it possible to overcome an elevation difference of 16 to 23.3 m. The lock control tower is located on a 30-meter pier. Operation of the power plant is fully automated. A 10-meter-wide road bridge is built over the dam step. A 17 km long supply canal connects the Hrušov reservoir and the Gabčíkovo dam step. A 8.2 km long tailrace canal carries water from the hydroelectric power plant back into the Dunaj.

Recreation options near Gabčíkovo

The Gabčíkovo reservoir is also used for recreational purposes. Swimming is possible at several beaches, with vacationers favoring the Čilistov area, for instance. Water sports are offered by the Divoká voda complex in Čunovo. Here, you can try not only rafting and kayaking, but also jet skiing, water skiing, or surfing. Sightseeing boat cruises are also popular. You can start at various locations and sail, for example, to Budapešť or Ostrihom. Anglers will be pleased to know that fishing is permitted almost everywhere, and more than 60 species of fish have been counted in the reservoir. The best conditions are found along the original Dunaj riverbed.

You can swim in the lakes between Bodíky and Vojka nad Dunajom. These bodies of water were formed during gravel mining. Vacationers also tend to go swimming in the old Dunaj riverbed. In addition to natural swimming spots, several swimming facilities are located nearby, such as the thermal swimming pool in Šamorín or the swimming pool in the Gabčíkovo forest park. However, the surroundings of the body of water also offer recreation. A well-known and popular cycling route begins and ends in Bratislava, with its most beautiful section passing directly alongside the Gabčíkovo waterworks. Refreshments can be enjoyed at several snack bars along the way. Pedestrian trails have been established not only on the dam but also in the branch canal system, allowing visitors to better explore the surroundings.

Among the most famous and interesting attractions at the waterworks is the Danubiana museum. This modern art museum is located on a peninsula in Čunovo. The museum grounds feature a sculpture park offering not only artistic creations, but also charming views of the surroundings as well as the peninsula's flora and fauna.

Finding accommodation near the Gabčíkovo reservoir will be easy, as you can stay directly in Bratislava. It simply depends on your preferences whether you choose an apartment in the city center or opt for an affordable guesthouse. Naturally, the wide range of accommodation in Bratislava also includes hotels and hostels. Take a look at the accommodation offers in Šamorín or slightly further away in Senec.

Miloslavka is a freshwater lake with an area of 7 ha, located in the cadastral area of the village of Miloslavov, in the Senec district. The location is situated only 5 km from Bratislava. The lake was formed around 1970 when Danube gravel deposits were dredged. A new biotope began to develop in the lake after cleanup works between 1995 and 2000. Since 2002, this water body has been used for fishing purposes. The lake received the name Miloslavka only in 2005.

Fishing at Miloslavka is possible from April to October, always only with the manager's knowledge; a telephone booking and reservation of a specific spot according to the lake's fishing plan are recommended. Swimming is not permitted here. We can recommend visiting this location even to groups where not all members are focused on fishing. While the fishermen are pursuing their hobby, others can go swimming to their heart's content at Nové Košariská, which are located less than 5 km away. You can also drop by for a rafting trip on the Malý Dunaj or explore Bratislava, where you will truly find a bit of everything, starting with Bratislavský hrad, through the zoologická záhrada to hrad Devín.

When looking for accommodation near Miloslavka lake, you can start in Rovinka, where you will find private accommodation options. Another option is, for example, the Bratislava city boroughs of Podunajské Biskupice, Vrakuňa, and Ružinov. Bratislava also offers cheap hostels suitable for short stays, for example, even for a single night.

The Nové Košariská I. lake, also called Veľké Košariská or Veľké jazero Rovinka, is located near the villages of Rovinka and Dunajská Lužná, just 3 km from the Podunajské Biskupice district of Bratislava. Other lakes are also located in this area: Malé Košariská (Nové Košariská II.) and Nové Košariská (gravel pit lake). All three were formed as a result of gravel mining.

Veľké Košariská is 870 metres long and 500 metres wide, consisting of two parts separated by a small peninsula. One of the parts is shallower and surrounded by trees. The second part is deep, separated from the shallow area by a gravel drop-off, and is popular with scuba divers, as it reaches a depth of up to 40 metres very close to the shore. Several species of fish live in the lake; common ones include carp and pike, while catfish, zander, and eels are frequently observed, and freshwater jellyfish occur exceptionally in autumn.

Summer attracts vacationers to Košariská who like to refresh themselves in the crystal-clear water, which is nearly drinkable in quality, as proven by repeated official tests. Not all shores of the lake offer equally good access to the water; the best is from the gravel beach located in the eastern part. The more daring and free-spirited can visit the nudist beach. The remaining shores are steep, built up with holiday cottages in some places, and therefore often inaccessible. At the lake, food stands, toilets, and water sports equipment rentals, including pedal boats, are available for visitors. Sun loungers with umbrellas can also be rented here. The most common way to get to the lake is by car; riding a bicycle is not recommended, as there is no cycle path.

If you visit this area, make sure not to limit yourself to swimming and sunbathing by the water. Take a look at Bratislava as well, and discover the history and culture of the capital city. Art lovers are recommended to visit the Danubiana art museum at the Vodné dielo Gabčíkovo dam project. Adrenaline enthusiasts should head to the Areál Divoká voda complex in Čunovo.

Finding accommodation near Nové Košariská will certainly be easy, as it is just a stone's throw from Bratislava, which offers truly all types of accommodation. It depends on whether you prefer peace and quiet, choosing private accommodation on the outskirts of the city, or need all services close by, opting for an apartment in the centre. You can also choose based on your budget; hotels, guesthouses, and low-cost hostels are available.

Čunovské jazerá lakes consist of two bodies of water, Veľké and Malé, and, according to general consensus, they are among the most beautiful lakes in the vicinity of Bratislava. These former gravel pits are situated between the Bratislava city districts of Rusovce and Čunovo, surrounded by a floodplain forest. They form part of the Ostrovné lúčky reserve and also belong to the CHKO Dunajské luhy protected landscape area, falling under the fourth level of nature protection.

In the past, the lakes served as a water source, which is why swimming was prohibited. Water recreation was later permitted; however, this subsequently led to water pollution (primarily caused by sunscreens), and swimming was banned once again. Although this ban remains in effect today, it does not deter holidaymakers, who arrive at Čunovské jazerá in large numbers during the summer season. Most frequently, they make use of two sandy-grassy beaches featuring a gradual entry into the water. Malé Čunovské jazero lake has become a favorite spot for nudists, as it features a beach sheltered by trees that offers privacy. The surroundings of the lakes are dotted with numerous small beaches, though entering the water is often more challenging. Since the lakes do not officially serve recreational purposes, no amenities such as snack bars or restrooms are available on site.

The ideal way to travel to Čunovské jazerá is by Bratislava public transport; the Čunovské jazerá stop is located 900 meters, about a 10-minute walk, from the water. You can also arrive by car, but parking directly by the water is not possible, so vehicles must be left further away. Another great option is reaching the lakes by bicycle along the Petržalská hrádza dike. A hiking trail connecting Rusovce and Čunovo also passes near the lakes.

We recommend starting your search for accommodation near Čunovské jazerá in Rusovce, where you can comfortably stay, for instance, in a guesthouse. This city district boasts the Roman fortification of Gerulata. You can also look for available accommodation capacity in Rovinka, where locals frequently provide private accommodation. Located near this municipality is another popular lake, Nové Košariská I. Accommodation in Bratislava is truly varied, and if you are willing to stay a bit further from the lakes, you can choose from a wide range of options.