In a bold leap for Polish tourism, officials have announced plans for the country’s first-ever underwater sightseeing attraction, allowing visitors to descend beneath the surface of the Solina Lake in the scenic Bieszczady Mountains. A specially designed passenger submarine will take tourists on guided dives through the submerged landscapes of this artificial reservoir — a project expected to offer both environmental immersion and historical intrigue.
Known for its picturesque setting, Solina Lake — often referred to as the “Bieszczady Sea” — is already a popular summer destination, drawing thousands with its serene views, mountain trails, and cruise offerings. But the new submarine venture is poised to change how visitors experience the region, transforming the tranquil waters into a hub for underwater exploration.
“This project gives us the chance to look beneath the surface — literally and culturally,” said a spokesperson for the private investor backing the initiative. “We want to expand tourism here beyond the traditional paths and showcase an entirely different side of this lake.”
A Submerged World Awaits
The centerpiece of the project is a state-of-the-art tourist submarine, designed with panoramic windows and capable of navigating to depths suitable for sightseeing. Onboard amenities will include a small café area, giving passengers the chance to enjoy refreshments while watching the underworld of the lake pass by their viewports.
Solina Lake, the largest reservoir in Poland by volume, was created in the 1960s through the construction of the Solina Dam. Its deepest areas reach around 60 meters (nearly 200 feet), making it viable for shallow to mid-depth underwater excursions. According to project planners, carefully mapped routes have been chosen to ensure both passenger safety and environmental sensitivity.
During the dives, tourists can expect to see a fascinating mix of natural and man-made features. Highlights will include:
- Sunken tree stumps and forests, remnants of the pre-reservoir landscape
- Aquatic life including native fish species
- Rock formations and sediment layers at the lake’s bottom
- Eerie traces of flooded villages and rural structures once present before the area was submerged
While Solina is a man-made lake, decades of underwater development have created a thriving, semi-natural ecosystem. For biologists, divers, and history enthusiasts, the submarine rides could offer a rare window into this quiet world.
From Vision to Reality
The submarine tourism project is being supported by a major private investor in cooperation with local authorities. The venture includes the construction of a launch facility — or “base station” — where passengers will board the vessel. The development is currently in its preparatory phase, with construction expected to begin soon.
If all goes according to schedule, the first underwater voyages could commence as early as the next tourist season. The Bieszczady region, long known for its peaceful natural retreats and slower pace of life, is increasingly embracing novel attractions to compete with more high-profile European destinations.
“We believe the submarine will complement the region’s identity rather than disrupt it,” the investor stated. “This is not mass tourism — it’s experiential, intimate, and deeply connected to place.”
Local officials have praised the project as both innovative and economically promising, noting its potential to draw new categories of visitors — from families to documentary filmmakers.
Concerns and Curiosity
Despite the excitement, the idea of placing a submarine in a lake has raised questions. Some locals expressed concerns about environmental disruption or excessive commercialization. However, environmental assessments and operational plans emphasize minimal ecological impact. The vessel will use quiet electric propulsion systems, and its navigational paths will avoid sensitive zones.
Tourism experts view the initiative as part of a broader trend in sustainable, experience-based travel. Similar ventures exist in places like Iceland, Switzerland, and Japan, but Poland’s version will be the first of its kind in Central or Eastern Europe.
“The underwater world fascinates people,” said Dr. Anna Kwiatkowska, a tourism analyst. “To offer that experience in the heart of the Bieszczady Mountains, with historical and ecological context, is genuinely compelling.”
Background: Solina Lake and the Bieszczady Region
Solina Lake was created by the Solina Dam, completed in 1968, which flooded a wide valley near the San River. Several villages were evacuated and submerged in the process. Today, the lake spans over 22 square kilometers and serves as a vital hydropower and flood control asset for the region.
Over the past two decades, Solina and the surrounding Bieszczady Mountains — once remote and sparsely populated — have blossomed into a haven for nature lovers, artists, and adventurers. Gondola lifts, lakeside promenades, and hiking routes have helped modernize the region without stripping it of its quiet character.
Now, the planned submarine venture promises to add a futuristic dimension to this traditional landscape.
