Dam on the Łomnica River in Karpacz

The dam on the Łomnica River in Karpacz is one of the lesser-known but interesting places in the Karkonosze Mountains. It is an artificial hydrotechnical structure that plays an important role in water management in the region. Although not as recognizable as other tourist attractions of the Karkonosze, it significantly enriches the landscape values of the area.

History of the dam on the Łomnica

The dam on the Łomnica was built between 1910 and 1915. Made of concrete and stone, it aims to retain the waters of the Łomnica River, which, although only 20 km long, can be unpredictable and has caused local floods in the past.

Over the years, as technology development allowed for more advanced water management methods, the dam's role in flood protection decreased, but its importance as a landscape and tourist element increased.

Construction and appearance - Karpacz water dam

The Łomnica dam was built in the classic style of early 20th-century dams. Its structure is stable and solid, with the entire construction being just over 100 meters long. The water retained in the reservoir creates a picturesque pond, which once served as a city bathing area. Combined with the surrounding forests and mountains, it forms a wonderful scenery encouraging tourists to take walks.

Within the dam area, there are also several technical devices, such as culverts and mechanisms that allow regulation of the water level. At its peak, a small shelter operated by the dam. The charming wooden building offered accommodation and was famous for its excellent atmosphere. In the evenings, concerts were held here that attracted not only visitors but also the local community. Although those times are behind us and tourists today cannot explore the interior of the dam, the surroundings still guarantee relaxation in nature.

Ecological significance of the dam on the Łomnica

Besides flood protection, the dam also has ecological importance. By retaining water in the reservoir, it enables the formation of specific ecosystems in which fauna and flora related to water develop. The reservoir around the dam is home to many species of fish, birds, and other aquatic organisms.

Karpacz - access to the Łomnica dam

The Łomnica dam is conveniently located in Karpacz, near popular tourist and mountain trails. It can be reached on foot by choosing one of many picturesque walking routes.

It is also a frequent stop on excursions around Karpacz, combined with other tourist attractions such as Śnieżka, Łomnica Waterfall, or Czarci Młyn. However, it is worth remembering that due to its technical functions, the dam is not a place where you can bathe or practice water sports.

How to get to the Łomnica dam?

The dam on the Łomnica is located in Karpacz at 3 Maja Constitution Street. By car, it takes about 5–10 minutes from the center of Karpacz. Public transport users should get off at the "Karpacz – Biały Jar" stop, from which the dam is about 200 meters on foot.

Traveling from Lake Hill Hotel Karkonosze takes approx. 15 minutes by car.

Is there an entrance fee to the dam? Łomnica dam price list

Entry to the dam is free and accessible to everyone. After descending the stone steps located on the right side of the dam, you can additionally view the dam from below and admire it from a different perspective.

Łomnica dam route and walk around the reservoir

After visiting the dam, it is worth taking a short walk around the Łomnica Reservoir. The path leads along the left side of the reservoir and forms a pleasant loop, ending at the starting point. There are benches to rest on and a small catering point nearby. Along the way, beautiful views of the main ridge of the Karkonosze catch the eye.

Karpacz dam - parking - Where to park?

Several parking lots are located around the dam, both municipal and private. During the tourist season, these can be crowded, so it is advisable to arrive early or use parking lots a bit further from the dam.

Closest parking lots:

• Parking at 3 Maja Constitution Street – located directly by the dam but often congested in the season.
  
  

• Municipal parking no. 10 – Rybacka Street, about 200 meters from the dam.

• Municipal parking no. 5 – Świętokrzyska Street, about 300 meters from the dam

Łomnica Karpacz attractions - what is worth seeing nearby?

When visiting the dam, it is also worth going for a walk on nearby tourist trails.

1. Łomnica Waterfall (Wild Waterfall)

Right next to the dam, there is a picturesque waterfall called the Wild Waterfall. It is one of the more popular spots in the area, ideal for a short walk. The waterfall is especially impressive after heavy rains, when water crashes loudly over the rocks.

2. Tourist trails near the dam

The dam on the Łomnica is near several popular tourist trails. From here, you can start hiking trips using:

• The trail to Śnieżka – starting the hike from Karpacz, the dam on the Łomnica serves as a stopover before continuing upwards towards the highest peak of the Karkonosze – Śnieżka.
  
  

• The trail to Czarny Kocioł - an attraction near the dam. Czarny Kocioł is a beautiful, picturesque place surrounded by mountains, relatively rarely visited by tourists.
  
  

3. Educational path near the dam

Near the dam, there is also an educational trail passing through protected areas of the Karkonosze National Park. It enables both adults and children to learn about local flora and fauna. Information boards along the trail provide visitors with knowledge about the nature of the Karkonosze, unique species of plants and animals, as well as information about the region's history.

4. Hiking along the Łomnica

The Łomnica River flowing through this area is also an attraction for tourists. Walking trails run along its banks. The water in the Łomnica is clean, and the banks in many places invite resting in nature.

5. Mountain climbing and hiking tourism

The vicinity of the dam is also an ideal place for lovers of mountain climbing and high-mountain tourism. The Karkonosze offers many routes for both beginners and advanced tourists. From the dam on the Łomnica, you can reach higher parts of the mountains and more demanding trails.

6. Relaxation in nature

For those who prefer a more peaceful rest, the dam and its surroundings are an excellent place to relax. You can walk here in silence, photograph beautiful landscapes, or simply rest surrounded by forests and mountains.

The dam on the Łomnica in Karpacz - with children?

The dam on the Łomnica in Karpacz - although not a main or mandatory tourist spot, is a great base for exploring the Karkonosze and discovering the charms of this mountainous area. It offers attractions related to history and hydrotechnical infrastructure as well as interesting hiking trails, including those leading to the Łomnica Waterfall or to higher parts of the Karkonosze. Additionally, as a less-known place, it usually provides peace and quiet, valued by many tourists. It is an ideal spot for many - those looking for active recreation but also a relaxing walk, especially with small children unaccustomed to high mountain trips.