Amazing nature, extensive catering services and professional facilities for playing different sports, and even a zoo - Malta offers all this to its visitors.
Near the city centre, in the eastern area of the city, are located the favourite recreation areas of the inhabitants of Poznań. This area is Malta Lake, an artificial reservoir created in 1952 with the damming of the Cybina River. Popular Malta owes its name to the former owners of the land, The Knights Hospitallers, who at the invitation of Prince Mieszko III the Old settled here at the end of the twelfth century. The headquarters of the Order, famous throughout Europe for the care of patients, however was for centuries the sunny island of Malta. Hence the noble Knights Hospitallers were often later called the Knights of Malta, and the name of Poznań lake and the surrounding recreation areas was drawn directly from that of the idyllic island on the Mediterranean Sea.
Poznań, City-Host... but not only of UEFA EURO 2012™
At Malta Lake one of the most modern regatta courses in Europe is held. For many years there were various sporting events. For world championship medals fought here rowers and canoeists. Every year Poznań is also the organizer of the World Cup in Kayaking and Rowing. On the southern shore of the reservoir is also a swimming area.
Ride the narrow gauge railway!
Along the north shore of Lake runs a narrow gauge railway: the "Maltanka" route, which was started in 1972. In 1994 a diesel railcar called "The Snout", because of its shape, also began to operate here. It is currently the oldest diesel railcar in Europe. The train "Maltanka" commutes to the New Zoo.
See ZOO
Poznań Zoo was opened in 1974. There are nearly 2,000 animals representing 260 species. All animals are keeping in conditions close to their natural environment. In 1995 a Nocturnal Animals Pavilion opened here. Since May 2002 in the Zoo it has been possible to see Siberian tigers for which an enclosure was specially constructed. In early June 2007 the construction of a new elephant house began, which took just over two years. With a view to visitors next to the main enclosure an "African village" was built in which there is a bar and cafe. From the high terrace of the village you can observe the natural panorama of the Zoo and the elephant enclosure, with a little stream and waterfall. Around the enclosures in free spaces are interactive teaching boards. Children use the playgrounds.