Lake Malta in Poznan

Of Poznań’s many lakes it’s Malta - to the east - that is the best known, and its surroundings are well worth further investigation. Formed in 1952 as a result of damming the Cybina, this 2.2km long lake is the largest man-made lake in the city, with an average depth of 3.1 metres. Surrounded by parks and woodland, it is today one of the principal recreation areas in the region - in both summer and winter - with an ice-rink, ski slope (the first in former communist Europe), a world-class regatta course, zoo (p.47), water park, and dozens of other attractions, including several historical sights. Just east of the centre, but miles from the madness of the market square, if you’re in town to decompress, head to Malta.

MALTESE BATHS

Located on the north shore of Lake Malta this year-round facility offers sport pools (one Olympic-sized and another with a 10-metre diving tower), a water park (a series of 16 pools including a wave pool and children’s play pool), and 13 water slides along with two wild rivers. There is also the World of Saunas (14 saunas, two of which are outdoors, and a vapour bath) and, most recently, a full spa complex (Spa 1306) with underground thermal springs, offering therapeutic and beauty baths including Turkish Hammam and Rasul mud bath, massage, hydromassage, rehabilitation, Pollogen slimming and rejuvenating treatments, and more from the fully trained staff.

ul. Termalna 1, tel. (+48) 61 222 61 61, www. termymaltanskie.com.pl. Open 06:00-23:00; Sun 07:0023:00; SPA open 10:00-21:00; Sat, Sun 09:00-21:00.

Maltese Baths

MALTANKA MINI RAILWAY

Pleasing the paying public since 1956, this is one of the last 600mm narrow gauge railways in PL, faithfully pulled by ‘Borsuk’ (Badger) - a steam engine with two whistles. Operating from late April to September, it’s a unique attraction for rail buffs, and also a great way to view Malta. Better still, this is one of the most practical ways to get to the ‘New Zoo’ – catch it from the Maltanka stop near Rondo Śródka (M-6) and ride it to the end, namely the Zwierzyniec stop at the zoo. Trains run on the hour Mon-Fri and on the half hour Sat-Sun, with the first ride at 10:00 and the last one at 19:00; tickets 7.50/5zł.

M‑7, tel. (+48) 61 839 66 90, www.mpk.poznan.pl/turystyka/maltanka. Open 10:00-19:00.

Adrenaline Alpine Coaster

MALTA SKI PONTOON HIRE

Our first thought was boat rental, but nope, that would be too conventional for Lake Malta. This what happens to Poz’s 70m artificial ski slope in summer (May to the end of September to be exact) - people go speeding down it in plastic inner tubes.Q ul. Wiankowa 2, tel. (+48) 501 35 51 53, www.maltaski.pl. Open 10:00-21:00. Opening hours depend on the weather. 1 ride 5zł; 3 rides 10zł. Prices subject to change.

MALTA SKI MINI GOLF

18 hole mini golf course overlooking Lake Malta; hours and availability weather-dependent.Q ul. Wiankowa 2, tel. (+48) 501 35 51 53, www.maltaski.pl. Open 10:00-18:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-18:00. Admission 18/15zł. Prices subject to change.

ADRENALINE ALPINE COASTER

A 500 metre long roller coaster filled with twisting loops (even a 360 degree twist) that hauls screaming visitors around the track at 40km per hour.Q ul. Wiankowa 2, tel. (+48) 501 35 51 53, www.maltaski.pl. Open 10:0018:00; Sat, Sun 11:00-18:00. Opening hours depend on the weather. 1 ride in a 1-person cart 10zł; 3 rides 20zł. 1 ride in a 2-person cart 15zł; 3 rides 30zł. Prices subject to change.

GETTING TO LAKE MALTA

Lake Malta is situated just to the east of the city centre, and Rondo Śródka - at the lake’s northwest corner, is the best place to access it. Below are the public transport options from three main points in the centre. Alternatively, a taxi from the centre to the north shore will cost about 30-35zł.

From the main train station

Take tram number 6 from the ‘Poznań Główny’ stop (walk just past the Avenida shopping centre going east) directly to ‘Baraniaka’. The journey takes about 14 minutes.

From the Old Town Square

Take tram number 3, 16, or 17 from either ‘Pl. Wielkopolski’ (H-6) or ‘Małe Garbary’ (I-6) to ‘Rondo Śródka’.QM‐6.