The waterfalls in the Małopolska region, of which there are more than a dozen, may not be the most magnificent in the world, but still, no one can deny their beauty and unique charm. Each of them has something amazing and original in itself. Each one is a unique sight. Below we suggest a trip to several of them.
Mickiewicz Waterfalls (Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza), Great Siklawa (Wielka Siklawa)
- Region: Tatras
The best-known waterfalls in the Polish part of the Tatra Mountains are the Great Siklawa and the Mickiewicza Waterfalls on the Roztoka stream. Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza are also called Wodospady Mickiewicza. The first part of its name originates from the powerful roar of the falling water, especially after heavy rainfall. Although Mickiewicz himself did not visit the Tatra Mountains, the waterfall took his name in 1891 to commemorate the bringing of his ashes to Wawel Royal Castle the year before. Located in the High Tatras (in the place connecting the Białka Valley with the Roztoka Valley), the series of cascades consists of three larger and several significantly smaller rapids. The intermediate waterfall’s visibility is quite good from the bridge on the trail to Morskie Oko.
The Great Siklawa is the highest and largest waterfall in Poland. The Famous Siklawa (also known as Wielka Siklawa), separating Roztoka Valley and the Valley of Five Polish Ponds (Dolinę Pięciu Stawów), falls from the Stawiarska Wall (Ściana Stawiarska), from a height of about 70 metres. Depending on the water level in the Big Pond (Wielki Staw), the Great Siklawa may flow in two or four falling streams. The unique atmosphere is created by a characteristic mist formed by water broken into tiny droplets. A green hiking trail leads to the highest waterfall in Poland.
Szum Waterfall (Wodospad Szum), Będkowice
The Szum Waterfall is one of the few waterfalls which can be found in the Krakow Valleys. It is located in the picturesque Będkowska Valley, near the Brandysówka mountain hostel. Also known as Szeroki Waterfall, Szum is the largest waterfall in the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland. It is situated among trees in the central part of the Będkowska Valley on the Będkówka River. It was formed on a four-metre-high limestone berm.It is a must-see for all those who intend to visit one of the seven valleys that form the Krakow Valleys Landscape Park. It is an ideal place for walks with children and a weekend break away from the city. The valley also features attractive gorges and impressive rocks with many climbing routes, caves and rock shelters, among which the popular Bat Cave (Jaskinia Nietoperzowa) is open to visitors.
Mosorne Waterfall, Zawoja
- Region: Żywiec Beskids
This is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Beskid Mountains, one of the attractions for those who enjoy their holidays in Zawoja and the surrounding area. It is located just above the last buildings of Mosorne, which is a hamlet of Zawoja, in a secluded, quiet and forested location. The Mosorne settlement itself is located between Zawoja Centrum and Zawoja Widły, on the slopes of the Mosorny Crest (Msorny Groń). The waters of the Mosorny Stream flow here from a height of eight metres through several rock berms. It is surrounded by several-metre-high walls. The waterfall can be reached by following the blue trail leading from Zawoja Mosorne to Śmietanowa Hall and further to Kiczorka. The trail is easy and pleasant, so families with children can easily complete it. It is a good place for rest in the nature. At the foot of the waterfall there is no water kettle holes, so it is possible to go up right to the waterfall.
Zaskalnik Waterfall, Szczawnica
- Region: Beskid Sądecki
It is also known as Sopotnicki Waterfall or Sewerynówka and is situated three kilometres from Szczawnica. It was formed on the Sopotnicki Stream in the Radziejowa Range (Pasmo Radziejowej) in Beskid Sądecki. The sandstone ledge of the waterfall reaches about five meters in height. You can get to the waterfall by an unhurried walk in 45 minutes, on a bicycle or on horseback. From Szczawnica, you can also get to the waterfall by a horse-drawn carriage, which is often in use, or by a stylised train. The water in it is crystal clear, you can cool your feet in it on hot days. There is a bright large meadow above the waterfall, perfect for a picnic or a sunbath in the summer.
Great Waterfall (Wodospad Wielki), Obidza
- Region: Beskid Sądecki
The Great Waterfall (Wodospad Wielki) is often ranked among the ten most beautiful waterfalls in Poland, next to the Great Siklawa in the Tatra Mountains. It may not be as impressive or recognisable, but due to its natural features, it is certainly worth visiting. The Great Waterfall is located in the Łącko municipality (gmina), in Obidza. It can be easily accessed both from Nowy Sącz and from Krościenko nad Dunajcem. The waterfall is located in the Majdan housing estate, on the Majdański Brook (Majdański Potok). It is a natural cascade waterfall, 5 metres high, below which falling water carved a kettle under the ledge, which keeps growing as a result of the swirling movement of water. The waterfall in the stream valley with steep walls makes a very nice impression. To get there, you have to turn in Jazowsko to Obidza and follow the road up to the church, where you will find the first signpost.. This is where starts the asphalt side road to Majdan hamlet starts. Follow it for about 2.5 km and in order to reach Majdan Brook, where we will see the second signpost that will direct us to the waterfall.
Spad Waterfall, Szczawa
- Region: Gorce
The Spad Waterfall is located on the Kamienica Gorczańska River in Szczawie on the Koszarki estate. It measures a little over 2 metres. The waterfall is not the highest, but it’s the largest in the Beskids in terms of the quantity of falling water, which falls in two streams. This makes it even more attractive when the water level is higher.
It is a natural waterfall that tumbles over a ledge of hard, erosion-resistant sandstone. The cascade is located on the section of the river that flows along road No. 968 from Mszana Górna to Zabrzeże. From here, accessing the waterfall is very easy – you need to stop at the Bukówka car park, and from there just cross the bridge and head towards the Koszarki estate.