The dam serves as the confluence point where the Biała Wisełka and Czarna Wisełka rivers meet to form the Vistula, Poland's longest river.
The reservoir behind the dam holds approximately 4.5 million cubic meters of water.
The dam's primary purpose is to protect the downstream Vistula valley from catastrophic flooding.
The site is a major hub for regional hydro-technical infrastructure.
The surrounding forests are part of the Barania Góra massif, known for its protected nature reserves.
Zapora Wisła Czarne is a masonry dam constructed between 1968 and 1973 to regulate the flow of the Biała and Czarna Wisełka rivers. It creates the Jezioro Czerniańskie, a reservoir serving as a crucial source of drinking water for the region. The dam is located in the southern part of Wisła, deep within the Silesian Beskids mountain range. The structure stands 37 meters high and spans a crest length of 270 meters. It functions primarily as a flood control measure for the Vistula River valley. Visitors can walk across the dam crest to access scenic views of the reservoir and the surrounding forested mountains. The area is a departure point for hiking trails leading toward Barania Góra. It is situated within the Landscape Park of the Silesian Beskids.
From the center of the dam crest looking toward the reservoir with the Barania Góra peak in the background.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching near the reservoir shoreline.
Check the weather forecast before departing, as mountain weather in the Silesian Beskids can change rapidly.
Ensure your footwear is suitable for walking on concrete surfaces and potential mountain trail mud.
Do not attempt to descend to the water level, as the shoreline is largely protected and inaccessible to ensure water purity.
Swimming, fishing, and boating are strictly prohibited in the reservoir due to its function as a drinking water source.
