Waterfall in Sopotnia Wielka

The waterfall in Sopotnia Wielka is the largest waterfall in the Polish Beskids, located on the Sopotnia Stream in the municipality of Jeleśnia, in the Silesian Voivodeship, at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level. It is characterized by a height of 10 meters and a unique type, known as a cataclinal waterfall, meaning that the rock layers dip in the same direction as the water flow. The Sopotnia Stream, with its rocky bed reaching depths of up to 15 meters, is surrounded by a natural hardwood forest, and the water plunges into a deep plunge pool with overlapping, steeply inclined rock slabs. The natural values of the waterfall are highlighted by its location in the picturesque Beskid Żywiecki and its exceptional aesthetic appeal, described by, among others, Kazimierz Sosnowski, who compared the falling water to a silver cascade forming an emerald pool. Historically, the waterfall was used to power a sawmill, underscoring its economic importance to the region. Today, it is a protected natural monument, attracting tourists with its beauty and features such as strong water vortices, which can be dangerous for swimmers. The area around the waterfall is also enriched by a pine grove and a small chapel, adding to its unique atmosphere.