It looks like a volcanic crater. This extraordinary lake is located only an hour from Poland

There is a lake near the Polish border that, at first glance, may resemble the remains of an old volcano. However, the crater, as it was called, is a travertine formation, not a volcanic one. Although it is small, it is in fact the largest lake of this type in Slovakia – it is about 20 meters in diameter and two to three meters deep. Its characteristic feature is green-blue water and high temperature, reaching 24 degrees Celsius. There is a swimming ban in this place, although tourists constantly break it.

A magical attraction in a Slovak spa town

The Vyšné Ružbachy spa town in northern Slovakia, located less than an hour’s drive from the Polish border, is known for its healing mineral and thermal waters. Tourists also come here to see the famous Crater Lake. It owes its unusual shape to the processes taking place around a calcium-rich mineral spring. Over the years, the travertine deposited formed a dome, the central part of which collapsed over time, creating a depression filled with water. Its temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius, which means that the reservoir does not freeze even in winter.

A bathing ban does not always stop tourists

Although the water temperature may be particularly encouraging for swimming, entering the lake is prohibited. The crater has been a protected natural monument since 1967, and breaking the rules can result in a high fine. There are signs on site informing about restrictions.

Despite this, as the reviews of the place left on Google show, many tourists regularly decide to violate the ban. Next to the lake there is a restaurant and a hotel where you can use thermal pools adapted for swimming.