Dog-Friendly Beaches and Lakeside Spots in Poznan

A 64-hectare artificial lake built in 1952 right inside the city, with a sandy city beach (Plaza Malta) on the south shore, the Malta Ski slope (open year-round), the New Zoo on the north shore, and a popular 5 km promenade loop. Dogs on leash are welcome on the promenade and in the green areas year-round, the floating bars in summer are happy to set up a bowl of water, and there are short staircases down to the lake where dogs can dip their paws on hot days. Not a swimming beach for dogs (the swim zone is roped off in summer), but the easiest place to spend a summer afternoon by the water with your dog without leaving the centre.

A natural lake of about 36 hectares in a wooded park 15 minutes by car or bus from the centre, and the cleanest swimming water in Poznan. The official swim season is policed by lifeguards and excludes dogs from the marked swim zone in July-August, but the surrounding pine-shaded paths and grass banks accept dogs on leash year-round, and outside the swim season many locals let their dogs swim from the unguarded sections. The closest reliable place to give a Poznan dog a real water fix.