If you want to find some of the most fantastic waterfalls, you need to know that they’re mainly located in the mountains of Poland. You’ll find some that are quiet and small, while others will captivate you with the thunderous sound of thousands of liters of water cascading from great heights.
Despite their size, these waterfalls are always enchanting. I believe the most spectacular falls can be found in the Tatras, although the Sudetes also have plenty of jewels in their crown. I’ve been mesmerized by waterfalls in Iceland and Norway, but I am convinced that the ultimate waterfall dream is the famed Niagara.
Polish Waterfalls – A Visual Spectacle
We have carefully curated a subjective list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Poland. Let me say, it was tough to choose the most enchanting one, which is why we opted for a geographical arrangement, guiding you from west to east. This ensures no disputes and makes it easier for you to pick your favorite. And let’s not forget, the most beautiful waterfalls are best viewed in sunlight, especially after a rain shower.
Kamieńczyk Waterfall in the Sudety Mountains
Allow me to start with a showstopper, the Kamieńczyk Waterfall. It’s a sight that commands attention with its long cascading waters. This waterfall holds the title for being the tallest in the Sudety region of Poland. Located near Szklarska Poręba in the Karkonosze Mountains, this waterfall tumbles down in three cascades from a height of 27 meters.
↳ PRO TIP: Do you like traveling? Then before you buy any ticket or book an attraction, check if it's available in this worldwide Viator Database. You may save a lot of money and time. No need to thank me :)
You can enjoy the grandeur of the Kamieńczyk Waterfall from an upper platform without spending a dime. But if you want a closer experience, you can opt to enter the Kamieńczyk Gorge. However, this option comes with a small fee, and you’ll get a helmet for your safety. Trust me, it’s worth the adventure! I can tell you, the Kamieńczyk Waterfall is one of the most impressive in my collection.
Szklarki Waterfall
Szklarska Poręba is indeed a lucky city as the next waterfall on our list, the Szklarki Waterfall, is also nearby. The Szklarki Waterfall stands as the second tallest waterfall in the Karkonosze Mountains, measuring 13.3 meters high.
Despite its modest height, it manages to win over the hearts of hikers and tourists alike. All it takes is a quarter of an hour to reach this romantic waterfall, and a small entrance fee to the Karkonosze National Park. And let me add, the Kochanówka shelter situated right next to the waterfall serves as a cherry on top.
Podgorna Waterfall
During a chat with our local hosts in Karkonosze, we asked them to recommend a waterfall to visit. Instead of the popular Kamieńczyk or Szklarka Waterfalls, they suggested the less-known Podgórna Waterfall. I think it’s worth saying that this waterfall is the third tallest in the Polish part of the Karkonosze Mountains.
The Podgórna stream plunges dramatically from a 10-meter-high rock ledge in two cascades, making a spectacular splash. I can tell you, reaching this hidden gem will only take around 15 minutes, and the best part? There’s no entrance fee!
Wild Waterfall in Karpacz
Now, the Wild Waterfall in Karpacz is an interesting one. Nature may not have directly created it, but it’s undoubtedly a natural spectacle. Originally, the unruly Lomnický štít stream wreaked havoc in the area, leading to the decision of constructing an anti-debris dam for the safety of Karpacz.
This venture, which took place from 1910-15, resulted not just in a safer city, but also an added attraction. I am convinced it’s an essential visit if you’re planning a chairlift ride to Kopa in the Karkonosze Mountains. You’ll find the Wild Waterfall near the lower station of the cableway.
Wilczki Waterfall in Międzygórze
Our final recommendation from the Sudeten region is the Wilczki Waterfall, competing for the title of the most beautiful waterfall in Poland. Nestled in the Śnieżnicki Landscape Park, on the Wilczka River in Międzygórze, this waterfall used to be known as Wodogrzmoty Żeromskiego.
Boasting a height of 22 meters, it ranks as the second-largest waterfall in the Polish Sudetes, right after Kamieńczyk Waterfall. Before 1945, it was 30 meters high, but it was later discovered that the waterfall was artificially heightened.
Waterfall on the Vistula River
Our first recommendation from the Beskids region is the waterfall on the Vistula River. Like the Wild Waterfall in Karpacz, this 8-meter-tall waterfall was man-made, constructed in the 1950s on the Wisełka stream, which flows from Lake Czerniańskie. It’s situated slightly above the center of the Vistula.
Right next to the waterfall, you’ll find a series of small water rapids that allow fish to wander along the river. I believe this handcrafted charm adds to the natural beauty of the surroundings, making it a must-see.
Waterfall in Sopotnia Wielka
In Sopotnia Wielka, resting in the folds of the Beskid Żywiecki, and fed by the Sopotnia stream, is the tallest waterfall in the whole Polish Beskids. With a plunge of roughly 10 meters, it’s a sight to behold.
This cascade is known as a cataclinal waterfall, where the rock layers steeply descend in the direction of the water flow. I believ this is a unique feature that makes this waterfall special.
Szum Waterfall
Close to Krakow, nestled in the lush valleys near Będkowice, you’ll stumble upon the Szum Waterfall, cascading on the Będkówka stream. Sometimes called the Wide Waterfall, it claims the title of the tallest waterfall in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. Standing at 4 meters, this waterfall is neighbored by fascinating Jurassic rocks, including the renowned Elephant’s Assy.
Siklawica Waterfall
Our first feature from the Tatra range is Siklawica. Located in the upper part of the Strążyska Valley, it sits beneath the peaceful Giewont. To get there, follow the yellow, then the black trail. Even if you’re an amateur hiker, I can tell you, it’s a manageable journey.
Siklawica stands tall at 23 meters, cascading in two stages – the lower wall dropping from 13 meters, and the upper from 10 meters. Its name, originally known as Siczaca, Siczawa, or Siklawa, was derived from Siklawa in the Valley of Five Polish Ponds.
Wielka Siklawa Waterfall
Here we have Siklawa, also known as the Great Siklawa. Found in the High Tatras, in the Roztoka Valley, en route to the Valley of Five Ponds, this waterfall is incredibly popular. Why wouldn’t it be? It plummets in two or three streams from a dizzying height of 65/70 meters. This makes Siklawa the biggest and tallest waterfall in Poland.
I know at home we often debate whether Siklawa or Kamieńczyk Waterfall holds the crown for the most beautiful waterfall in the Polish backyrd. It’s a tough call, but one thing’s for sure – they’re both stunning!
Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza Waterfall
On your way to Morskie Oko or to see Siklawa, chances are, you’ll encounter the breathtaking Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza. Nourished by the Roztoka stream, it’s a waterfall with three larger and several smaller cascades, each ranging from 3 to 10 meters high. Now, don’t expect flashy names for these cascades.
They’re simply known as High Wodogrzmot, Intermediate Wodogrzmot, and Lower Wodogrzmot. Interestingly, the waterfall was named to commemorate the transfer of Mickiewicz’s ashes to Wawel a year prior. I find it worth mentioning, though, that Mickiewicz had no ties to the Tatra Mountains and had never visited.
Zaskalnik Waterfall
Although administratively part of Szczawnica, Zaskalnik Waterfall is situated on the southern slopes of the Radziejowa Range, nestled between the peaks of Bereśnik and Wysoka, and not in the Pieniny. Formed by the waters of Sopotnicki Potok, it may be small, but boy, can it make some noise.
Waterfall in the Witches’ Gorge (Wąwóz Czarownic)
How about a trip to the fantastical? Tucked in the enchanting Petrified City in Ciężkowice, close to Tarnów, lies our mystical waterfall. Now, I believe it’s worth saying that it’s more of a watercourse than a roaring waterfall, but trust me, the trip is well worth it. Especially considering the walk won’t take much of your time.
Szepit Waterfall
Finally, let’s talk about the last waterfall on my list. If you find yourself in the Bieszczady Mountains, I highly recommend checking out the local waterfall on the Hylata stream, located near the village of Zatwarnica.
It might only be a few meters high, but the sight is undeniably charming. And while you’re in the area, why not visit the Underground Waterfall in Złoty Stok, the Great Waterfall in Obidzy, the Magurski Waterfall, the Waterfall in Iwla, the Three Waters Waterfall, the Waterfall in Wisłoczek, the Waterfall in Dołżyca, and the Olszanka Waterfall? I am convinced you won’t be disappointed!
References:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategoria:Wodospady_w_Polsce
