Podgórna Waterfall

The Podgórna Waterfall is the third-highest waterfall in the Polish part of the Karkonosze, hidden in the forest near Przesieka. The water of the Podgórna stream falls from a 10-metre rock ledge in two cascades, and granite cliffs reaching 15 metres rise on both sides of the waterfall.

What the waterfall looks like

The Podgórna stream falls here in two cascades into an erosion pothole carved out at the base of the rock ledge. The surrounding granite walls are up to 15 metres high, which together with the 10-metre drop of the water makes it one of the more impressive waterfalls of the Karkonosze on the Polish side.

Surroundings and trail

A black tourist trail from Przesieka to Sosnówka passes by the waterfall. An inn once stood below the waterfall but no longer exists. The whole area around the waterfall is protected within a Natura 2000 site.

Dispute over a hydroelectric plant

In 2007 a plan emerged to build a dam and a small hydroelectric plant on the Podgórna stream, which would have deprived the waterfall of about 70 per cent of its water. Although the local authority issued a building permit, the decision was ultimately overturned and the investment was never carried out, allowing the waterfall to keep its natural flow of water and its present character.

Nature protection

The whole area around the waterfall lies within the boundaries of a Natura 2000 site, meaning the land is subject to special nature protection. This is one of the reasons it was possible to stop the construction of the power plant on the stream - the investment would have conflicted with the site's conservation aims.

Practical information

• The waterfall lies in the area of Przesieka, by the black tourist trail towards Sosnówka.
• It is the most important natural attraction of Przesieka itself, popular also with people who bathe in the icy water in winter.
• Nearby, within a few kilometres, are, among others, Chojnik Castle and the Wild Waterfall.
• Access is by a walking trail; suitable footwear is worth bringing, as the path runs through forest and rocky terrain.
• Because of the rocky surroundings and the granite cliffs by the waterfall, caution is advised, especially with children and on wet rocks.