Dziki Wodospad (Wild Waterfall) in Karpacz
Dziki Wodospad (Wild Waterfall) is a cascade on the Łomnica stream in Upper Karpacz, formed at a stone debris dam built in 1910–1915 near the lower station of the Kopa chairlift. It is a few minutes’ walk from the car parks on ul. Olimpijska, or about 40 minutes uphill from the pedestrian street in central Karpacz.
Warning — Karkonosze National Park notice (as of 15 September 2026): because of damage to the dam on the Łomnica stream in Karpacz, crossing the fences and markings from the Olimpijska street side and the yellow trail is strictly prohibited; going near the damaged dam is dangerous. Do not cross the fences and check the current KPN notice (opens in a new tab) before your visit.
What is Dziki Wodospad?
It is not a natural rock step but a cascade over a debris dam on the Łomnica, with a drop of about 2–2.5 metres. The dam was built in 1910–1915, after the disastrous flood of 1897, to protect the valley — and it proved its worth in the 1997 flood. The cascade looks most impressive after rain and during the spring thaw. Note: a restaurant in Karpacz has the same name; this page is about the cascade.
How long is the walk?
- From the car parks on ul. Olimpijska: a few minutes (about 150 m).
- From the pedestrian street in central Karpacz: about 40 minutes, uphill all the way.
Is it good with children?
Yes — from the car park it is a short, easy walk, ideal combined with a ride on the Kopa chairlift. Walking up from the centre involves a steady climb, so a baby carrier works better than a pushchair. Keep an eye on children by the water; the stones can be slippery.
Can you visit in winter?
Yes, all year round. When frozen, the cascade looks quite different — watch out for icy paths.
What is nearby?
- The Kopa chairlift — from Kopa it is about an hour’s walk to Mount Śnieżka.
- The green trail through the Pląsawa valley towards Polana, entering Karkonosze National Park (park ticket required there).
- The gravity hill on ul. Strażacka — an optical illusion where the road seems to rise although it actually descends. It is a road with traffic, so take care.
