Echo Ponds

The Echo Ponds in Zwierzyniec is the name of four ponds in the former basin of Świerszcz stream, in the Roztocze National Park. The reservoirs and dikes that divide them are under protection. There is Refuge of Konik (Polish primitive horse) on the shore. By the largest pond there is a beach, a scenery path, and an observation tower.

The Echo Ponds were created in the interwar period. They were built on the swampy basin of river Świerszcz. The ponds have a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. They are drained for the winter period. Hard-to-reach banks are used for preserving breeding of Polish primitive horse.

The public open-air swimming baths are located by the largest pond. Until the Rudka reservoir was built, it had been the only beach in Zwierzyniec. Today it is much less crowded. The building of the beach led to coastal erosion. To prevent it, a wooden platform walking path was built on the sand dunes. It is accessible for disabled people. There is also another route leading from Zwierzyniec through the forest and dunes to Echo Ponds. There is also an observation tower on the shore, from which one can sometimes see grazing koniks.