Pilchowice Dam

The Pilchowice Dam, also known as Bobertalsperre Mauer, is the highest stone and arch dam in Poland and the second tallest dam in the country. It is located on the Bóbr River near Pilchowice. Its construction began in 1902 and was completed in 1912, initiated as a response to catastrophic floods that struck the region in the late 19th century. The dam was designed by Professor Otto Intze, and construction was carried out by the company B. Liebold & Co. AG under the supervision of Albert Cucchier. With a height of 62 meters, a crest length of 290 meters, and a base wall thickness of 50 meters, it was the largest stone-concrete dam in Europe at the time of its commissioning. The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Pilchowickie, covers an area of 240 hectares and has a depth of 46 meters, allowing it to store 50 million cubic meters of water. The structure not only served as flood protection but also generated electricity, which played a significant role in the region's development. A power plant built on the dam, after recent modernization, increased its capacity to 13.364 MW. The inauguration of the bridge connecting the dam to the railway line took place in 1912 in the presence of Emperor Wilhelm II. Interestingly, the area around the dam served as inspiration for a location in the game "The Vanishing of Ethan Carter," where elements of the dam were reflected as the backdrop for in-game events. Over the years since its completion, floods have occurred only rarely, demonstrating its effectiveness in regulating water management in the Bóbr Valley. Today, the dam is not only an important engineering structure but also a tourist attraction, drawing enthusiasts of architecture, history, and scenic landscapes.