Poland News, June 21 – High temperatures have hit Poland in recent days, with temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius. Cool the groundwater in droves of Poles. Many residents of Warsaw go to Masuria or the northern seaside for a long weekend. However, some remained in the city and decided to rest in the nearby sunbathing area. On Sunday, I visited the most popular beach near Warsaw – w Nieporęcie nad Zalewem Zegrzyńskim in Nepolent County.
Nepolente County is small and inhabited by less than four thousand people. It is a village in the province of Mazovish. It is located on Lake Zeglenski, close to Warsaw – just 25 km from the city center and 11 km from the city border – making it a popular destination for the inhabitants of the capital. Especially on hot days. Meanwhile, hot air hit across Poland last weekend. That's why I decided to go to the most popular bathing area near Warsaw to see how Poles relax.
You can reach Neborent County in a number of ways. The most common option is, of course, the car, as it is also the most comfortable, especially when travelling as a family. The problem is that when too many people choose this type of transportation — as they usually do — you can get stuck in a huge traffic jam in front of your destination. Sometimes such a trip requires a lot of patience. It's also not easy to find a parking space.
You can also take trains and suburban buses to Nepolente County, but the latter can be very crowded. I chose another option – I went by bike. The fascinating route stretches along Lake Zeglenski, partly on gravel roads and partly on asphalt bike paths. If anyone likes to find happiness this way - I highly recommend it.
Arriving at the destination beach at 11 o'clock is already crowded. It's clear: the first to arrive will be in a better position. Of course, everyone is on their own standards – for some, it will be a location close to the water, for others, for example, in the shade. I was passing by a family who were choosing a place.
- Maybe here? - A man about 30 years old points to a spot on the grass on the right side of the pier. "No, it's too close to those grills." On top of that, the grill was very loud — his partner said he was holding a little boy's hand and was running toward the lake. "Calm down, you're just playing by this water's edge," she said to him.
However, they spread blankets 10 meters away from the lake. Not because I don't want to get close to the water. Rather, these places are already occupied by crowds of laughter. The beach is covered with colourful mattresses, towels and blankets. Parasols are already everywhere. There are also a couple of screens, more characteristic of coastal beaches, well, maybe that's a matter of habit or our original colors.
Many people have "died" in the water. Some of them walked up to the knees of the river and stood there. Still others are already swimming a few meters from the shore. Kids frolick, dive or swim on flamingos, dragons, unicorns and other inflatable animals, and they have the most fun. The first pedal boats also appeared on the lake.
It is important, especially for those with children, that there is a designated swimming area on the shore, guarded by lifeguards. Interestingly, there were signs outside prohibiting swimming, but no one cared. In these places you can also meet swans, which have become accustomed to the presence of people and swim towards them without fear, apparently hoping to get some food.
We sat down in a slightly shaded place. The location is also popular as not everyone likes to sit in the sun all day. On the right side there is a designated barbecue area. It's not time for lunch yet, but it's already starting to smoke, and the smell of grilled sausages, pork, and kebabs is spreading on the beach.
The crowd became denser and denser as time passed. There are other attractions to play on the lake - sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, jet skiing, jet skiing. There's even a banana boat that can accommodate a dozen people, providing great emotion for lovers of fun on the water. The price of these attractions? For example, the average cost of a pedal boat is 40 PLN per hour, while kayaking is 20 PLN. Even more comfortable is the possibility to rent loungers - 15 PLN all day.
In the afternoon, some people go to the bar. I looked at the price: a spicy pizza mixed with cheese, mushrooms, chicken, dachshund and olives - 14 pln. Fries 8 PLN. But the set menu is cheaper - sausages and fries 20 PLN. 10 PLN of beer, juices and carbonated drinks - 5 to 8 PLN.
Around 14-15 o'clock, the flow of people on the beaches of Neborent peaks. People who come here in the morning and those who decide to go to the beach only after lunch line up in the bar. Someone was waiting in line for marshmallows or ice cream. In the barbecue area, a group of revelers usually has their own amplifier sound, and the famous disco polo songs are getting louder and louder. There is also live singing. In our tracks, we have hit songs like "Hey Falcon" or "Green Eyes." Someone is celebrating a birthday because they sing "100 years" for him.
I asked a few people why they would choose this special place to relax. - Overall, I liked the beach. The bottom line is that it's close, you can take a towel for a run, you don't have to wade up and down the water to get here, and it's also away from the hustle and bustle of the city – said Mr Zbigniew from the Prague district of Warsaw.
- My kids loved this beach. Maybe you can find a lot of peers here. They love these pedal boats and stay where they are. Only those who ride water scooters can swim farther from the shore instead of showing off next to the pier. This seemed dangerous to me because I had heard of dangerous accidents involving them before. That's why I don't let the kids go too far and let them play in this separate area – Marta explains that she is the mother of two boys of a few years old.
- There's sun, there's sand, there's pretty girls, what more do you want? We had a great time. You just have to come here with a good team. I guess that's why so many people in this place want to come here - 18-year-old Kuba from the capital laughs.
- Go to the beach or go to Matsuri. Everything is getting more and more expensive, fuel, accommodation, food. The long last weekend in Nepolent was good. Here is enough to satisfy the rest. This buzzing noise is an element of every beach, right? That's how I treated him, says Margarita of Legionowo.
It is worth adding that the beaches in Nepolente County were built with investment by the local government a few years ago. Sidewalks, playgrounds, outdoor gymnasiums and full sanitation facilities were created. It is important that lifeguards with water rescue services monitor the safety of the beach.