Sosnówka Reservoir

Sosnówka Reservoir is a large artificial reservoir in the Jelenia Góra Valley, in the Podgórzyn municipality, at the foot of the Karkonosze, between the villages of Sosnówka and Marczyce. Its banks and the surrounding hills offer views of the Śnieżka massif, making it one of the more popular starting points in the Karkonosze region of Lower Silesia.

Origin of the name

The reservoir was built on the site of former fish ponds. Construction ran from 1986 to 2001, when the reservoir was finally filled with water. The main frontal dam is about 1.5 kilometres long and 30 metres high, an earth structure faced with reinforced concrete slabs, supplemented by a side dam 300 metres long. The reservoir's area ranges from 145 to 170 hectares, and its total capacity reaches 14 million cubic metres, of which 11 million is usable capacity. It is fed by the rivers Podgórna, Sośniak and Czerwonka. In 2017 seepage was detected in the frontal dam, prompting repair works completed in 2021, when the water level was lowered by 2 metres.

By the water

Sosnówka serves as a retention and water supply reservoir - it is a source of drinking water for Jelenia Góra and the surrounding area, which is why swimming in it is banned. Even so, the area around the reservoir is a popular destination for walks and cycling trips, mainly because of the views of the Karkonosze and Śnieżka that open up from the water and from nearby hills such as Grodna and Lisiura. The land around the reservoir connects to trails leading further into the Karkonosze National Park.

Nearby

Right by the reservoir stands Henry's Castle, a popular viewpoint and destination for trips. Nearby rise the hills of Grodna and Lisiura. For families with children, ZOObaczysko is an interesting option, and horse lovers can make use of the offer at Zielona Stable. A little further, in Podgórzyn, it is worth seeing the Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa and Podgórzyn Ponds.

Practical information

• Access: the reservoir lies on the road linking Podgórzyn with Sosnówka and Karpacz, a few kilometres from Jelenia Góra.
• Parking: available near the dam and by the trails leading to the reservoir.
• Route: walking and cycling trails run along the shore and the surrounding hills, with views of Śnieżka.
• Seasonality: swimming in the reservoir is banned all year round because of its drinking water role; walks and views are available regardless of the season.