The dam on the Bílá Desná was built together with the Souš reservoir as part of a system of waterworks. Shortly after its completion, however, it burst in 1916, and its destruction became a tragic event that influenced the further development of dam construction. Today, the remains of the dam and the valve tower are the most visible traces in the landscape, standing as a memorial on the site of the former reservoir. The area is protected as a cultural monument.
Desná Dam can be reached on foot or by bike; motor vehicles are not allowed. The trip leads through the valley of the Bílá Desná and works well for visitors who want to discover a less typical destination in the Jizera Mountains than the classic lookout towers and ridges. On site, you will find an educational trail, a footbridge and a viewpoint that help place the whole event within both the landscape and its history.
