Solina Dam

Solina Dam (pronounced roughly "so-LEE-na") is the tallest dam in Poland and one of the icons of the Bieszczady region in the country's southeastern corner. Its concrete wall, 82 m (269 ft) high and 664 m long, holds back the San River to form Lake Solina, the largest reservoir in Poland by volume. Walking across the crest, with the lake on one side and the deep San valley on the other, is a highlight of any trip here – and guided tours take you inside the dam itself.

Where it is and how to get there

The dam is in the village of Solina, about 45–50 km south of the town of Sanok. The nearest airport is Rzeszów-Jasionka (RZE), roughly 2 to 2.5 hours away by car; from Kraków, allow about 4 hours. A car is by far the easiest option. Leave it in one of the parking lots in Solina and walk – you cannot drive onto the power plant grounds.

History and key numbers

The dam was built between 1960 and 1968, and the hydroelectric plant began operating in July 1968. Anchored between two hills, Plasza and Jawor, the structure weighs about 2 million metric tons and holds back up to about 60 m of water. The reservoir stores roughly 500 million cubic meters of water (some sources give 472 million) and covers about 22 km² (8.5 sq mi). Several villages, including the original Solina, disappeared beneath it.

The power plant, now run by PGE Energia Odnawialna, was upgraded in 2000–2003 to 200 MW. Two of its four turbines are reversible: when demand is low they pump water back up from the smaller Myczkowce reservoir below, then generate power again at peak times. In 2015 artist Przemysław Truściński created an eco-mural of Bieszczady wildlife on the dam wall – made not with paint but by selectively cleaning the concrete.

Walking the crest

A wide promenade runs along the top of the dam. It gets very busy on summer weekends, so come early in the day or in September and October for a calmer stroll. A boat landing nearby offers lake cruises in season.

Inside the dam: tours and tickets (as of October 2026)

Guided tours of the dam interior and power plant run Tuesday to Saturday, with available slots shown in the online booking system. A visit lasts 60–70 minutes, including a film. Know before you go:

• adults need photo ID,
• photography and filming are prohibited, and backpacks and bags are not allowed (lockers are provided),
• everyone wears a hard hat, and it is only about 7°C (45°F) inside, so bring a sweater,
• arrive at least 15 minutes early at the Renewable Energy Center ticket office by the main plant gate (Solina 61).

Prices (from May 10, 2026): 47 PLN adults at the ticket office, 42 PLN reduced; online 43 PLN and 38 PLN plus a 1.80 PLN service fee. Children under 6 are free. If you need English commentary, ask the operator in advance whether it can be arranged. Contact: +48 13 492 12 75 or +48 605 442 511 (Tuesday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm), zwiedzanie.eos@gkpge.pl.

Is it worth it? The crest walk is free and spectacular; the tour is a great add-on for anyone interested in engineering.

Nearby

• Solina Gondola Lift – the lower station is right by the dam, with an observation tower at the top,
• Lake Solina cruises from Solina and Polańczyk,
• Myczkowce Dam and lake, a few kilometers downstream.