Klimkówka: Reservoir, Trails and Film History

Get to know Klimkówka through its distinctive landscape, two different trails and a unique film history. At its heart is the Klimkówka Reservoir, called Jezioro Klimkowskie in Polish. Its location and origins shape the character of the place; the trails offer different ways to explore the surrounding area. Another facet is the lake’s connection with the film “Ogniem i Mieczem”. Together, these themes can help you get your bearings when considering Klimkówka as a travel destination.

A reservoir in the Ropa Valley

The artificial reservoir lies in the village of Klimkówka in the valley of the Ropa River and was created in 1994. Hills of the Beskid Niski surround the water. This brings together a man-made expanse of water and a hilly landscape—two features that set the place apart from a trip to the coast or a city, without equating Klimkówka with other destinations.

The lake is about 5 kilometres long and up to 400 metres wide. These approximate measurements give you an idea of its size; the actual area may vary depending on the water level. To get your bearings, it helps to think of the lake as more than just a name on a map: its location in the Ropa Valley and the surrounding hills of the Beskid Niski are also part of the picture of Klimkówka. The year it was created, 1994, adds a point of reference in time and makes clear that this is an artificial reservoir.

Two trails, different routes

For cycling and hiking, there is a circular trail about 4 kilometres long that runs through the grounds of Stanica Wodna in Klimkówka. It follows the reservoir towards Uście Gorlickie. Its approximate length and circular route give you a concrete point of reference when planning a trip with a manageable stated distance. The direction towards Uście Gorlickie helps you understand the route.

Another option is the “Gorlickie Pieniny” nature trail, which runs from Łosie through the centre of Klimkówka and on to the lake. The two trails therefore differ in their described form and route. The circular trail runs through the grounds of Stanica Wodna alongside the reservoir; the nature trail includes Łosie and the village centre along its route. When choosing between the trails, you can consider whether you prefer the circular route or one that passes through the centre. Check local trail conditions and access requirements before setting out.

A film story by the reservoir

The Klimkówka Reservoir served as a filming location for scenes in “Ogniem i Mieczem” depicting the Dnieper. This gave the waterscape a role in a film story that reaches beyond today’s description of the place and its landscape: on screen, the lake stood in for another river. For travellers interested in film locations, this connection is a reason in its own right to see Klimkówka as more than just its trails or location.

A plaque on the road to the dam, bearing words from the film character Rzędzian, commemorates the use of the reservoir for “Ogniem i Mieczem”. The film history therefore has a tangible memorial at the site. Together, the lake as a filming location and the plaque tell two sides of the same story: the filming and its commemoration in Klimkówka.

Considering Klimkówka as a travel destination

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Klimkówka, your main interest can be a useful first filter when choosing a destination. Are you most interested in the artificial waterscape in the Ropa Valley, its setting among hills, one of the two trails or the film history? These questions can help you assess Klimkówka based on its specific features. The trails differ in their form and route; the lake brings together the landscape and the film connection.

Discover more destinations: Sękowa, Bobowa, Ropki, Kwiatonowice, Stróżówka, Czarne, Nowica, Kunkowa.

For the overview of the wider area: Gorlice.