Zemplínska Šírava: The Summer Lake of Eastern Slovakia

What the lake is

Zemplínska šírava is an artificial lake in the Michalovce District of the Košice Region, in the historic Zemplín area. The Laborec river feeds it and also carries its outflow, which eventually reaches the Bodrog. The reservoir has a volume of about 334 million cubic metres, and it also supplies cooling water to the Vojany power station. The name Slovak sea reflects its size by Slovak standards, and the shoreline holds a string of recreation areas.

Nearby settlements around the reservoir include Hôrka, Medvedia hora, Kamenec, Paľkov and Biela hora. Names and boundaries of beach areas change, so use the local map when you arrive.

Lake at a glance

What to do

Most visitors come for swimming and sunbathing, and the shoreline has beaches, campsites, chalets and food stalls in season. Boats, pedal boats and windsurfing are common on a lake this size, and a promenade and flat shoreline paths suit walking and cycling. Facilities vary by area, from simple camping to larger resort complexes, and many operate seasonally, so confirm dates before you arrive.

Families use the lake for easy beach days. Couples and groups often combine a day on the water with an evening meal in Michalovce. For other water options see thermal spas in Slovakia and aquaparks in Slovakia.

Choosing a shore

The reservoir is long, and the character of the shore changes from place to place. Some areas are built up with chalets, restaurants and organised beaches, while others are quieter, with a simple path and a patch of grass. Pick the busy end if you want services and nightlife, and the quiet end if you want space. Look at a current map, and ask your host or the local information point which beach has lifeguards, parking and shade on your dates.

Parking at popular beaches can fill by late morning on hot weekends, so arrive early or use a transfer, which leaves the driver to deal with the car.

Best season

The swimming season is the warm summer period, roughly July and August, and weekends are the busiest. June and early September are calmer and good for walking, cycling and quiet days, but beach services may be limited. Spring and autumn suit cycling and bird watching more than swimming. See Slovakia in summer and best time to visit Slovakia.

Because the lake is shallow it can warm quickly, and warm water can bring algae in some summers. Check for local notices on water quality before you swim, and follow lifeguard instructions where beaches are supervised.

How to get there

From Košice the road to Michalovce is a regular route, and the lake is a short drive beyond. Allow roughly one to one and a half hours by car, depending on traffic and which part of the shore you choose. Trains also run toward Michalovce, but you need a bus or taxi for the lake shore. See car rental in Košice, Košice airport to the city centre and driving in Slovakia.

Cycling and walking

The shoreline has paths that suit easy cycling, though surfaces differ by area. If you do not bring a bike, check local rentals at the resorts. For general advice read cycling in Slovakia and bike rental in Slovakia. A lap of the whole reservoir is long, so plan sections rather than the full shoreline in one go.

Combine it with other stops

The lake pairs naturally with the towns of eastern Slovakia. Add Prešov or Bardejov on a longer trip, or head to Poloniny National Park for forest and dark skies. A road trip from Košice could include the lake, the Slovak Karst and a night in a guesthouse, see Slovak Karst and day trips from Košice.

Practical tips

• Book summer accommodation early, since July and August fill up.
• Bring sun protection, water and cash for small stands.
• Check water quality notices and swim only in marked areas.
• Expect crowds at weekends and plan arrival before late morning.
• Travelling with a pet? See Slovakia with a dog for rules.

Step by step: a lake day from Košice

1. Check the weather and water quality notices the day before.
2. Leave early to beat weekend traffic and to find parking.
3. Pick a beach area with services, and bring a towel, sun protection and water.
4. Swim in marked areas and keep children in sight.
5. Have lunch at a lakeside stand and spend the afternoon on the water or on the path.
6. Return before the evening traffic, or stay for dinner in Michalovce.

Who should skip it

The lake is a domestic holiday area, so it does not offer the sights of a major tourist destination. If you have only a few days in Slovakia and want castles, mountains and old towns, put Bratislava, the High Tatras or Slovak Paradise first. The lake works best for travellers who are already in the east, who travel in summer and who like a relaxed beach day more than a sightseeing list.

Visitors who dislike crowds should avoid peak weekends, and anyone who needs well-organised public transport should plan carefully, since local buses are limited in the evening. A quiet weekday in late June or early September gives most of the benefit with far less crowding.