ENGAtrakcjeturystyczne

The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.

CONTENTS

The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (no RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) cofunded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.

The Foundation for the Development of Regions www.f-rr.org

The Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl

Art Manager: Konrad Rogoziński

Text: Maria Kościelniak

Translation: Ewelina Natanek-Rogozińska

Proofreading: Agata Kościelniak

Design: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz

Typesetting: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz

Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing www.digitalplaces.pl

Kraszewskiego 1/406

33-380 Krynica-Zdrój

Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl

Apart from:

P 2, photo no 1, p 6-7 photos no 1 i 3; p 18-19, photos no 2 i 3; p 26 photo no 1; p 30-31, photos no 1 i 6; p 32 photo no 1, p 38 photo no © Łukasz Świętach

P 3, photo no 1; p 4 photo no 2; © Piotr Kuczaj

P 29 photo no 1; p 30-31 photos no 2, 3, 7 i 8; p 35 photo no 1 i 2

© Wiktor Baron

P 34-35, photos no 3 i 7 © Mirosław Hobora

P 50, photo no 1; p 53-54 photos no 2 i 5 © Piotr Gaborek

P 3 photo no 3 © Joanna Dragon; P 5. photo no 1 © Adobe Stock

P 10 photo no 2 © Muzeum Krakowa; P 11 photo no 2 © R. Sosin

P 28 photo no 2 © Arch. PKL Palenica; P 34 photo no 4 © Arch.

UMiG Piwniczna

Introduction

We associate spas mainly with mineral water pump rooms, lazy promenades with spa buildings and bath houses, with hiking paths, sanatoria where various treatments are carried out and health visitors who treat their ailments and seek relaxation. The spas of Lesser Poland are definitely something more.

All of them are located in beautiful places, among mountains, in valleys. All of them offer rich spa facilities – beautiful, often historic mineral water pump rooms, swimming pools with brine or thermal water, promenades surrounded with impressive spa architecture, usually wooden one in a Swiss style, brine graduation towers, modern sanatoria and hotels with treatment and SPA zones. This is just the beginning of what can be seen in

the resorts of Lesser Poland. Furthermore, the spas are tourist spots where new attractions are created year after year.

Swoszowice is a part of Cracow with its cultural heritage. Uście Gorlickie has Lemko churches and hucul ponies. Czarny Dunajec is a place where the culture of Highlanders from Podhale blooms. Szczawnica is surrounded by the attractions of the Pieniny. Krynica-Zdrój is the capital of the Beskid Sądecki. Muszyna has been flourishing with more and more attractions among which gardens take the lead. Piwniczna equals the Poprad Valley and the heritage of Black Highlanders. And what about Rabka? It is the Town of Children of the World. Such a place has to have plenty of attractions. See for yourself!

The route of the trip

Mountain trails, mineral waters, highlander folklore, museums, a fun park, ski slopes – Rabka Commune tempts people with numerous attractions. Additionally, it is beautifully situated and definitely can boast of a spa climate, has a long history and traditions which it uses well. It also has Rabka-Zdrój – the Town of Children of the World!

Rabka Commune is located in the south-west part of Lesser Poland, in the Rabczańska Valley surrounded by mountains – the Gorce, the Island Beskids , the Żywiec Beskids and Podhale rise over the valley. The centre of the commune is Rabka-Zdrój with neighbouring villages – Chabówka, famous for its Museum of Rail, Rdzawka and Ponice. Each part of the commune is a bit of a different

character and offers different attractions to tourists. We will find here both peaceful trails and fast carousels. The greatest treasure of the place is brine which triggered the development of the spa. We can take advantage of its healing properties in mineral water pump rooms, sanatoria or brine graduation towers. Mountains are the second treasure of the place. A lot of places in the commune are starting points for hiking, cycling or skiing trails which lead into the picturesque Gorce or Island Beskids. Last but not least, the culture of the area is of great value – the heritage of Highlanders and stories connected with cistercians and brigands who used to inhabit this area. The treasure of the commune is at hand as Rabka-Zdrój is at the crossroads of communication routes from Cracow to Zakopane and from Bielsko-Biała to Nowy Sącz.

Spa Park

As befits a resort, Rabka-Zdrój is full of attractions which serve as treatment facilities or the ones connected with brine. The Spa Park is located in the central part of the town – its foundation dates back to the second half of the 19th century. The most important spa buildings are located by the park; however, it is an attraction itself, a place where we can take a walk, relax, play and spend time in a nice way. The western part of the park is the so-called sun zone which is devoted to rest and recreation. There are thematic gardens, a brine graduation tower, a playground, tennis courts, a trial park, a skatepark and a cafe. The eastern part in the shadow zone created in the style of an English garden where we can walk and

calm down. On the edge of the park there is the Brine Graduation Tower and the Mineral Water Pump Room. The Boulevards by the Poniczanka stretch along the Spa Park – they are an ideal place for walking or cycling.

Rabkoland is a fun park dedicated to children. It is full of roller coasters and carousels, attractions for the younger and the older ones – there are over 30 of them. There is the Ferris Wheel which is 28 m high, the Flying Bus, the Auto-Scooter, the Great Circus, the Funny Farm, the Haunted House or the Crooked House. The Museum of the Order of the Smile is a special place within the park. The Order of the Smile is the only distinction given to adults by children. The First World Rally of the Chevaliers of the Order of the Smile took place in Rabka-Zdrój. The souvenirs connected with this event are gathered and displayed in the museum.

rabkoland.pl

A pinch of madness in Rabkoland

Museums of Rabka

The Museum of Władysław Orkan

The Museum of Władysław Orkan is situated in a wooden church which dates back to the 17th century. The temple was transformed into the museum as the building itself constitutes a historic site of the Wooden Architecture Route. The pipe organs with a choir balcony from 1778 are the most precious part of the church (in summer organ concerts are still organised there) and the polychromy from 1802. In the four rooms you will see the exhibition of pottery, pasturing, outfits and former folk sculptures.

muzeum-orkana.pl

The Open-air Museum of Rail in Chabówka is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the commune. It was established in the area of a former steam locomotive bay which had existed in Chabówka since the 19th century. You will find here the biggest collection of railway rolling stock in Poland. There are steam, diesel and electric locomotives, wagons, snow plough trains and railroad cranes. There is also an exhibition presenting the history of the rail in the region. One can also go on a retro train with a steam locomotive and in summer have a ride along the most beautiful routes in the region.

skansenchabowka.pl

The Museum of Highlanders and Brigands is located in Rabka-Zdrój, in a historic cottage from the 19th century (the House under Three Madonnas) and presents the traditional life of highlanders in a modern, interactive way. Visitors can do the chores of former Highlanders and even get a Brigand Tracker Badge. You can also see the works of Jan Fudala – Jasiek from the Gorce Mountains and Zygmunt Pytlik.

chataartystyczna.wixsite.com

The Museum of Highlanders and Brigands

The Open-air Museum of Rail in Chabówka

Centre of Tourist Promotion and Information

In order to visit Rabka without skipping any interesting attractions, you should consult with the local travel agency. BIT-BORT Tourist Centre offers services for children, teenagers and adults (health visitors and tourists) who stay in the commune. There is an information spot whose staff will show you the most interesting places and attractions, help you find accommodation or a good restaurant and answer all your questions. One will be able to purchase some souvenirs at the place. BIT-BORT organises a variety of sightseeing trips including hiking and coach ones with numerous attractions such as highlander campfires, carriage rides, sleigh rides, horse riding, quad rides, skiing lessons, glass painting lessons, pottery, sculpting or embroidery. We can also choose a trip to Podhale, the Pieniny, Orava, Spiš, Sądecki Land, the Żywiec Beskids, the Island Beskids and even to Slovakia! The centre offers guide services and helps to book accommodation.

The centre offers:

tourist information, a shop with regional souvenirs where you will buy various objects made in Rabka Commune and also the ones which will always remind you about the place, town guides (museums, historic sites, interesting places),

mountain guides (hiking trips into the Beskids, the Gorce, the Pieniny, the Tatras and the Bieszczady),

regional guides (the most interesting places of Lesser Poland),

booking services (private rooms, tourist farms, guest houses, apartments and sanatoria).

Address: 34-700 Rabka Zdrój, ul.Orkana 49

E-mail: info@bit-bort.com.pl

Phone: + 48 18 26 70 210

bitbort.rabka-net.pl

A spa in Cracow

Swoszowice is a peaceful, spa district of Cracow located in the south of the city. People come here to rest, heal, undergo various treatments, have sulphide baths and have a walk in the beautiful Spa Park. A few kilometres further there are city districts full of life, historic sites from different epoques, art, museums, cultural events, restaurants, cafes and UNESCO sites. The place has a well-developed sports infrastructure, cycling paths and even places where you are able to climb, dive, go kayaking or have a balloon ride! The city is full of attractions. There is no other spa like this one – tranquil, peaceful, full of healing sulphur

While talking about Cracow, we may discuss its history, art, historic sites, various physical activities, beautiful views, nature and also the spa, nevertheless, it seems that history and art are the most significant topics. After all, the historic sites of Cracow come from distant epoques and the art of Cracow was created by world famous artists. The greatest attractions of the city are based on them!

and located in one of the most beautiful cities in Poland – the city of museums.

The Museum of War Matters

When you think about Swoszowice, greenness, sulphur and the Spa Park come to your mind. However, the place also has a long history connected with mining. Sulphur was extracted there a few hundreds years ago and constituted an important resource for the region as it was an ingredient of gunpowder. Thanks to mining, this district of Cracow which used to be a village, could develop. The history of mining in Swoszowice was the reason why the Sulphur Mining Trail was created – it leads to the most important facilities of the spa – the tenement of the Administrator of the Mine, the Smeltery, mine slag heaps, a mine shrine or an ammunition bunker. The trail ends at the Parish Church in Wróblowice. There are 10 boards with information on the places on the trail. It starts close to Swoszowice Fort 51 ½, the seat of the Museum of War Matters, which was built as a part of Cracow Fortress by Austria-Hungary. Inside, we can see the exhibition presenting the history of weaponry and army equipment from the First World War and the field hospital room.

Łagiewniki

Łagiewniki is one of the most popular parts of Cracow located between the Old Town and Swoszowice. It is famous for the Divine Mercy Sanctuary – a sacred complex connected with the life and activity of Faustyna Kowalska – a saint of Catholic Church. In this place there is the famous, worshipped painting ‘Jesus, I trust in You’. It was painted by Adolf Hyła according to the directions of Faustyna to whom Jesus had revealed. The painting was placed at the side altar, in the chapel of St. Joseph in the neo-gothic Monastery of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. After the beatification of Faustyna, the chapel was upgraded to a sanctuarium. The bigger Basilica was erected next to the monastery which was supposed to house all pilgrims who came to Łagiewniki. The 77 metre panoramic tower rises over the Basilica. Today Łagiewniki constitutes the world centre of Divine Mercy. There is also the Centre of John Paul II. Close to this place of worship, we will find the Solvay Soda Plant which exploited the limestone quarry in Zakrzówek. Karol Wojtyła would work there during the Second World War.

The Old Town – the heart of Cracow

The Main Square together with the surrounding streets is the most popular place in Cracow. Crowds of tourists flock there annually! The long history of the former capital was the reason why so many historic sites from different epoques are located in the centre. The Old Town is a small part of today’s Cracow but historically it is the most important one. Nowadays, it is surrounded by the Plant Park where the town walls used to stand. Going through the park, you can go around the whole Old Town! There are a few hundreds of historic tenement houses, more than a dozen churches, over twenty museums and almost two millions of movable works of art. The most recognisable historic sites in the area of the Old Town are St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, St. Florian’s Gate, the Collegium Maius or the Town Hall Tower. The streets of the Old Town are also incredible – Bracka Street which owes its popularity to Grzegorz Turnau, St. Anna Street between the buildings of the Jagiellonian University or St. Jan Street on the side of which royal tenement houses were constructed including Czartoryski Palace. The Wawel Castle, Kazimierz and Stradom district and the Old Town were enlisted as one of the first twelve UNESCO sites. The famous Royal Route leads through the Old Town along which kings and their guests entered the town. The route starts in Kleparz which used to be called Cracow Florence – the name was derived from the Church of Saint Florian. Further it leads next to the Barbican, through St. Florian’s Gate and along St. Florian’s Street, then, along Grodzka Street to the Wawel Castle.

The Wawel Hill

The Wawel Hill is the most distinguishing spot on the map of Cracow. For a hill, it is quite small and rises to a height of 228 m but thanks to the location by the Vistula, it is definitely visible. Here, at the Wawel Castle, the royal history of Cracow was created! The greatest kings of Poland reigned from this place. You will see there the beautiful courtyard, the cathedral, and the castle whose interiors are definitely worth seeing. The first stone castle was erected at the beginning of the 11th century when Cracow became the seat of Polish kings and it was rebuilt repeatedly. It gained its Renaissance look in the 16th century. After the fire, which was supposedly caused by Sigismund III Vasa during his alchemic experiments, it was largely destroyed. Sigismund moved the capital from Cracow to Warsaw. Now it delights us as it always has. It is worth going inside to see representative chambers or the collection of tapestry. The Cathedral is a must. Apart from beautiful chapels including Sigismund’s

one or the Coronation Altar, you will admire royal crypts and the Silver Bells Tower with the most popular of bells – the Sigismund’s Bell. Beyond the walls of the castle, right by the Vistula, the Wawel Dragon which belches out fire and his den await visitors!

The museums of Cracow

Going to the museums of Cracow is a great introduction to getting to know the city. One of the most popular ones is the Underground Square Central Museum which is a part of the National Museum in Cracow. It is a beautifully prepared interactive exhibition located underground, under the Main Square (an entrance through the Cloth Hall). On the first floor of the Cloth Hall there is the Gallery of Polish and European Art which is also a branch of the National Museum. The Town Hall Tower, Saint Mary’s Basilica with the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss (opened at 11:50 on weekdays and at 14.10 on holidays and closed at 18:00), the Krzysztofory Palace where an exhibition of nativity scenes is held during Christmas period can be visited in the Main Square. Not far away from the square, we can come across the Archeological Museum of Cracow (Poselska Street), the House of Jan Matejko (Floriańska Street), the Museum of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Maius where we will see the musical clock performance at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00 (the procession of historical figures which move outside are connected with the Cracow Academy) and the Princes Czartoryski Museum (8 Pijarska Street) where we can admire the Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci. The Living Museum of Obwarzanek (a kind of Polish bagel) by the Kleparz Square is also an attractive proposition – we can participate in the process of baking this traditional delicacy.

The Museum of Cracow and its branches:

https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/

The National Museum and its branches:

https://mnk.pl/

The Museum of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Maius:

https://maius.uj.edu.pl/

The Living Museum of Obwarzanek

https://www.muzeumobwarzanka.com/

The Princes Czartoryski Museum

St Mary’s Basilica

The Krzysztofory Palace

The Collegium Maius

Next to the Old Town and the Wawel Hill there is Kazimierz, a district which used to be a town. King Casimir III the Great established it in the 14th century to relieve the overpopulated capital and called it in his honour. When in 1495 the Jews were banned from Cracow (after the Great Fire for which they were blamed), they found their refuge in Kazimierz. At the time, the Jewish part was separated from the Christian one with a high wall which was supposed to separate the two communities. With Austrian rule in the 19th and 20th century, all people were equalled irrespective of their faith. Due to this fact, the Jewish community received more rights and could move to other parts of Kazimierz, Stradom and, of course, Cracow. Until 1939 they created an extraordinary district full of magnificent architecture, soaked with their culture. They were violently forced out by the Second World War. At present, Kazimierz is one of the

trendiest districts of the city. It is a place where two different cultures combine – the Christian with the Jewish one.

Despite the fact that Kazimierz is called the Jewish district, the biggest number of places connected with their tragic war history is located in Podgórze. Together with the Second World War and German occupation, holocaust started. In 1941 a ghetto was established where all the Jewish community was resettled and, later on, deported to extermination camps.

In Zabłocie, within a walking distance from the ghetto, there is the former Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory which is now a museum (a branch of the Museum of Cracow). It is an outstanding place with the history of the Jewish people who were saved from extermination.

The districts of Cracow

Kazimierz

Steven Spielberg got inspired by the place and directed the famous ‘Schindler’s List’ .

Zabłocie has become a very trendy district, a post-industrial one with a special vibe appreciated by hipsters. It used to be an industrial district, hence its name (over the mud). All the production processes of factories, a tannery or a foundry took place there and were extremely troublesome for the citizens of Cracow. Hardly anyone ventured into the district without a particular reason. Nowadays, Lipowa Street has transformed into a place frequented by tourists. The district has an artistic vibe – there is MOCAK (the Museum of Contemporary Art) or Lipowa3.pl Glass and Ceramics Centre (former Glassworks). We may take part in glass forming shows or visit the museum and the gallery as well.

Another trendy district of Cracow is Nowa Huta. Not so long ago Nowa Huta (New Steel Mill) evoked negative associations. It was established after the Second World War, in suburban areas as a model town. It was built almost from scratch around a metallurgical enterprise where its inhabitants were supposed to work. It was designed according to the guidelines of social realism – it was supposed to be a model town. Bunkers from the 50’s of the 20th century constitute a curiosity in the district – they were constructed in case of another great armed conflict. One of them is available to the public by the Museum of Nowa Huta (a branch of the Museum of Cracow). The Manor of Jan Matejko or the Mogiła Abbey from the 13th century can be visited in Nowa Huta as well.

The Museum of Contemporary Art MOCAK

Piłsudski Mound

Ronald Reagan’s Central Square in Nowa Huta

GoCracow.eu

Trips around Cracow by melex

Sightseeing by melex

Cracow abounds in places which should be visited. Instead of sightseeing on foot, you can choose to explore the city by a melex – a famous golf cart. Trips by electric carts in the designated areas of the Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze will enable us to see more attractions in one day. The carts are equipped with multilingual audio-guides, thanks to which we will gain knowledge on the places we go past and the history of Cracow. GoCracow.eu has a permit to enter the restricted traffic area in the Old Town, offers trips around Cracow and will collect you from your door.

Address: ul. Borsucza 7, 30-408 Kraków

E-mail: info@gokrakow.eu

Phone: + 48 730 044 040

gokrakow.eu

Ster

The Centre of Sailing on the Vistula. Accommodation on a ship.

Panoramic cruises on the Vistula are a great alternative to traditional sightseeing. From an unusual perspective of a ship or a small catamaran, you will see such places as the Wawel Castle, the Monastery of Pauline Fathers, the Monastery of Norbertines, Kazimierz, Podgórze, Dębniki, Przegrzały or even the Monastery in Tyniec. The offer is diverse and is constantly developing. Thematic cruises with a guide, cooking cruises with an unusual atmosphere or cruises to the rhythm of the Vienna Opera or techno music are popular among visitors. Ster – the Centre of Sailing on the Vistula – offers double decker catamarans which can take up to 12 passengers on a cruise or

ships which can accomodate 100 people, air-conditioned or heated depending on the requirements.

The traditions of sailing on the Vistula are long. One thousand years ago, the Wawel, Skałka or Salwator were islands on rivers or marches. With time, the area was drained and the Vistula, the Prądnik and the Wilga became regulated. In the following centuries, Cracow belonged to the Hanseatic League which encompassed merchant towns in Northern Europe in mediaeval and modern times. Thanks to the Vistula which reaches the Baltic Sea, barges and ships managed to make Cracow.

rejsykrakow.com

E-mail: biuro@rejsykrakow.com

Phone: + 48 601 560 250

Mateusz Tomaszczyk

A licensed city, mountain and regional guide

Mateusz Tomaszczyk is a licensed city, mountain and regional guide. Despite the fact that he was not born in Cracow, he has lived in the town for more than a dozen years and knows it inside out. He will show you Cracow from his own, unique perspective. He will tailor the route and visited place to a visitor’s requirements – historic sites, museums, rocks on the edge of the city, cultural events or local ones with good food. He will show you both popular places and the less obvious ones too. The Old Town, Kazimierz, Nowa Huta or Podgórze – we will be able to explore these places with him. He is also a mountain guide and will take you hiking into the beautiful Beskids and the Pieniny. Being a courier on tours, he will be of assistance in almost every corner of Europe or even the world. The guide also conducts courses for guides and couriers.

Jordan Group

WOW Cracow. The Legends of Cracow

WOW Cracow!

A trip on red cabrio buses around Cracow is a unique way to visit the city and the most attractive means of transport! During a trip, tourists see the most beautiful corners of Cracow sitting in a comfortable bus and listening to the history of the city and interesting facts. It is a great chance to see the most interesting districts of Cracow at a faster pace than on foot. The buses can take 32 passengers. WOWCracow! Organises regular trips for tourists who desire to visit Cracow and events on requests. They also rent cabrio buses.

The Legends of Cracow

Once upon a time, on the bank of the Vistula, in the den where an exceptionally cruel dragon used to live… – this is the way one of the most famous legends about the symbol of Cracow, the Wawel Dragon, starts. However, Cracow has many more legends than the one about the creature belching out fire which have been intriguing and enchanting for many years. Legends may be told in a variety of ways. WOWCracow! has the newest technique to present them – a theatre with mechanised effects which allows us to feel the atmosphere of the old times. The dragon belching out fire, the history of the royal ring in a lump of salt, the power of the Sigismund Bell, Twardowski who flew on a rooster or the dancing Lajkonik – we can get to know, see and even smell these and many more stories during a show ‘the Legends of Cracow’. Various emotions – laughter, surprise or even fear – accompany us during the show. Visiting the corners of Cracow, the public has a chance to assess how much truth is in the legends.

Address: ul. Gęsia 8, 31-535 Kraków i ul. Pawia 8, 31-154 Kraków

E-mail: info@wowkrakow.pl

Phone: + 48 601 502 129

wowkrakow.pl

wowkrakowtours

JTP Group

Tour service. Business tourism.

JTP Group is a company which has organised unforgettable trips for their customers for many years. A group of professionals who create the company makes sure that every trip meets the requirements of their clients and is an unforgettable event. All tours are unique, ideally tailored to a customer’s needs and at the highest level. They listen, analyse and create!

JTP Group serves customers from Poland and abroad. They deal with business tourism – business trips and business events, MICE sector i.e. the organisation of business meetings, corporate trips, conferences, fairs, congresses, expositions, group trips more or less formal.

JTP Group offers non-standard attractions in Poland and Europe. The company always cooperates with the best, licensed guides or couriers, professional drivers who speak English and comfortable vehicles also those of premium standard.

Address: Tatarska 9/Lu1, 30-103 Kraków

E-mail: office@jtpgroup.com

Phone: + 48 578 502 900

ALL IN Travel Agency

Outbound tourism. Slow travelling.

All in Travel Agency organises school and group trips, package holidays, corporate trips and various events. They will take you to the most beautiful parts of Poland, Europe and the world. In summer they will send you to sunny beaches of Greece, to enchanting Italy or by the Baltic Sea if you prefer to spend your holidays in Poland. You can choose from leisure holidays, round trips full of delightful places, historic sites and attractions. Children on their school trips will see the most important places in Poland and Europe, will see amazing cities and historic sites – they will have fun and learn at the same time. Corporate trips mean the biggest attractions, feasts and parties.

All in Travel Agency offers slow holidays and trips which are entirely devoted to relaxation, rest and regeneration. The yoga instructor and physiotherapist will take care of your backbone, will run pilates, stretching or yoga classes.

Address: Józefitów 6/5, Kraków

E-mail: rezerwacje@allintravel.pl

allintravel.pl

BPallintravel

Cracow Chamber of Tourism

Cracow Chamber of Tourism is an organisation which comprises almost 200 economic entities and companies which operate in and around the tourism industry in Cracow and Lesser Poland. Its main aim is to promote tourism and create a strong brand of Cracow tourist product, increase standards, educate and integrate all entities which operate within the field and represent their interests.

The organisation fulfils its aims by creating conditions for the development of tourism and tourist services in Cracow in cooperation with the government and local authorities or other organisations of this type in Poland. It also cooperates with the media in order to create a positive image of tourism. Cracow Chamber of Tourism shapes a touristic image of the whole region, promotes the city and Lesser Poland at various expositions in Poland and all over the world.

Address: ul. Św. Anny 9, III piętro, 31-008 Kraków

E-mail: izba@kit.krakow.pl

Phone: +48 12 429 44 50, +48 578 200 406

kit.krakow.pl

KrakowskaIzbaTurystyki

You will come across historic sites in the centre of Cracow at every turn

Right at the foot of the Tatras

In Podhale, right at the foot of the Tatras, one of the biggest communes in Poland stretches – Czarny Dunajec Commune. This is a beautiful land inhabited by highlanders, full of small villages with great architecture, beautiful landscapes and numerous interesting attractions.

The commune covers an area of 22,000 ha. It is located between the Tatras and Babia Mountain. Settlement started here in the 16th century. Today the area of the commune is strongly shaped by vanishing agriculture, a bit different from the nearby Tatra National Park, but also interesting. We can admire historic architecture integrated into amazing nature at every step. The natural treasures of the

commune include geothermal waters heated under the earth’s surface – they are used in Chochołów, in the biggest complex of thermal swimming pools in Podhale. The place abounds in natural places definitely worth our attention such as boglands which used to cover a significant part of the commune, magnificent hiking, cycling or skiing trails. The Czarny Dunajec River gives us a possibility to enjoy various water attractions such as rafting or swimming. Czarny Dunajec and surrounding villages are perfect for either summer or winter holidays. It is a great starting point for trips into the Tatras, the Beskids, the Gorce and the Pieniny.

The Baligówka Bogs – an educational trail

One of the raised bogs is located in Czarny Dunajec Commune. They used to stretch from Babia Mountain up to the Tatras but they were destroyed due to extraction of valuable peat. Now, they are present in the form of isolated islands. There is an educational path called ‘Baligówka’ which consists of 12 stops with boards displaying

various information connected with peatlands. You will see there plants typical for this kind of an ecosystem such as the peat moss, the round-leaved sundew or the bogbean. In order to explore the topic more, you need to drop in at the Peatland Museum in Chochołów.

The wooden architecture of Chochołów

The wooden architecture of Chochołów constitutes the most valuable historic site of the commune and a characteristic element of Podhale. You can admire there over 100 year old cottages which form a linear settlement along the main road. Every year in spring the houses are washed and scrubbed with yellow soap and water so that the logs remain white. The most interesting ones include ‘the house from one fir tree’ whose front wall was entirely made from the wood of one, huge fir tree, Jan Zięder Regional Chamber – a private museum and a sculpting studio of a folk artist , Aniela Stanek’s gallery of glass painting and the cottage of the Bafia family which houses the Museum of the Chochołów Uprising. The uprising broke out on 22nd of February 1846 in Podhale. This short but intensive rebellion of Highlanders against the Austrian Invader was a significant event in the region. The museum acquaints us with the history of the event, displays memorabilia connected with it and lets us experience the life of a highlander family from the 19th century.

The Monastery of Jasna Góra Pauline Fathers and Marian Sanctuary on Bachledówka Mountain

The Monastery of Jasna Góra Pauline Fathers built on Bachledówka (947 m) is a pearl of Podhale architecture. From the mountain where it stands you can see views of all four directions of the world. The monastery was founded after the Second World War, at the site of a house which belonged to two women who hid weapons and people during the war. When soldiers came to search the premises, one of the women prayed and promised the house to God if the German did not find the weapons hidden in a beehive. After the war, she did as she had promised – she gave the house to the Pauline Fathers from Jasna Góra.

The Oscypek Route

Shepherd’s hut on Baligówka

The Oscypek Route leads us from one to another shepherd’s hut where oscypek is made according to traditional methods protected by the EU certificate. There are 50 huts on the route – in each of them there is baca (a senior shepherd) attired in a traditional highlander costume who tells stories about sheep or his life and offers oscypek to visitors. Such a shepherd’s hut within Czarny Dunajec Commune is located on Baligówka.

Chochołowskie Thermal Baths

Chochołowskie Thermal Baths is the biggest complex of thermal swimming pools in Podhale. Geothermal waters (the ones which are heated under the earth’s surface up to at least 20℃) are used in the baths. The complex includes a swimming pool zone, a healing zone with barrels full of sulphide water and a swimming pool with iodised brine, a SPA zone with a normobaric chamber, bio juniper, dry, steam, aromatic and infrared saunas. Children can take advantage of a water playground, an artificial wave, a rapid river, a geyser, slides and a ship swimming pool. There is also a zone for the active ones – there is a swimming pool, a volleyball and basketball court or a gym. You can enjoy all these attractions and have a wonderful view of the Tatras. Visitors can dine at a catering zone.

Eko Taxi

Educational workshops. Round trips. Highlander watchfires.

Eko Taxi is a company which offers services based on the heritage and culture of Podhale. It creates an exceptional, tourist product by offering an exhaust-free, modern, electric vehicle which can transport 17 people including a driver. Apart from transport services, Eko Taxi organises free time for tourists – families, school groups, trips, companies and organisations. The customer always chooses the character of attractions and Eko Taxi organises a trip to meet all the requirements. The company is created by people who love what they do and know Podhale best!

MOST POPULAR SERVICES:

Educational workshops on nature for all age groups. During the workshops, multimedia educational sets are used. Groups go on field trips with a guide as well.

INFO-TOUR - a trip around Chochołów during which participants listen to stories and legends about places they pass by. The trip is 45 minutes’ long and during stops tourists can get acquainted with the places better. The service is conveyed in four languages i.e. Polish, Slovak, English and German.

Highlander Watchfire i.e. relaxation by the fire. A campfire with a feat is a part of the rich traditions of Podhale. Common singing, feasting, warm flames and delicious food have always brought people together. They enable

integration and relaxation after a whole day of sightseeing. This is a kind of attraction which will be remembered for a very long time.

the Museum on Rail Tracks – a route of a historic, narrow-gauge train, which used to transport peat, runs through Puścizna Wielka Boglands. The project ‘the Museum on Rail Tracks’ together with Eko Taxi allows us to visit renovated wagons which run through the bogs.

Transportation by a modern, electric vehicle for the maximum of 16 people. The service is offered to small, tourist groups and during events such as baptisms, weddings, birthdays.

chocholowskie.eu

E-mail: chocholowskietaxi@gmail.com

Phone: + 48 607 945 695

Chocholowskie.eu

‘Na Kamieńcu’ Holiday Lodge

In picturesque Podhale, by the Czarny Dunajec River, there is the quiet and green ‘Na Kamieńcu’ Holiday Lodge. It is a cosy place with a family and highlander atmosphere run by helpful and friendly hosts. It is an ideal spot for summer, family holidays, winter stays or camps.

‘Na Kamieńcu’ Holiday Lodge offers 55 beds in 2-,3,4- and 5-person rooms with ensuite baths. They are equipped with comfortable furniture, a TV and Wifi. Each room has a balcony or a terrace. Lit and roofed terrace, a barbecue site and a garden house are at guests’ disposal – they can feast during warm, summer nights. During the day one can spend time in the garden where a volleyball and football playing field is situated. In the building you will be able to play table football or table tennis. ‘Na Kamieńcu’ is famous for delicious food – regional dishes prepared from local, healthy ingredients are served there. Two spacious rooms are ideal for the organisation of special events.

Address: ul. Kamieniec Górny 37b, Czarny Dunajec E-mail: dwnakamiencu@gmail.com

na-kamiencu.pl

dwnakamiencu

In the heart of the Pieniny

Szczawnica is a commune located in one of the most beautiful parts of Poland, between the Pieniny and the Beskid Sądecki, by the Dunajec and the Grajcarek, at the foothills of Trzy Korony (982 m), Wysoka (1,050 m) and Radziejowa (1,266 m). It is located between limestone rocks, extinct volcanoes and hills from under which mineral waters flow out.

A long history, rich culture created by various ethnic groups, mineral waters and omnipresent nature combined together create numerous attractions for health visitors, amateurs of historic sites and the ones who love

spending their free time in an active way. People flock to the commune to hit the picturesque trails, admire sunrises from mountain tops, go rafting by a dinghy, kayak or raft through one of the most beautiful canyons in Poland. People come here to undergo treatment, regain strength after a disease and relax. Moreover, they visit the place to get to know the culture of Highlanders from the Pieniny and Ruthenians, taste the local cuisine, sheep cheese, participate in redyk (the trailing of sheep) and other regional, highlander events, watch historic sites connected with the spa or created by Ruthenians.

The spa part of the town is Upper Szczawnica – a place over which Bryjarka (679 m) rises. From under the mountain, mineral water springs flow out. Zdrojowa Street and Dietl’s Square by which the oldest buildings stand constitute the heart of the spa. At 3 Zdrojowa Street one of the first guest houses in Szczawnica is situated – Adria Villa which served as a hideout for Jewish people during the Second World War. A bit further, there is a monument of Henryk Sienkiewicz who used to visit the place regularly. Dietl’s Square was outlined by Józef Szalay himself who named it in the honour of his friend, Józef Dietl. On the square we can see the doctor’s obelisk and in its centre there is a sculpture presenting a woman with a jug of water from Szczawnica. The square is surrounded by villas designed in a Swiss style including Pałac Villa (Palace Villa) where Szalay used to live. ‘Nad Zdrojami’ Villa (Over the Springs Villa) houses a mineral water pump room and ‘Holenderka’ is the seat of the Museum of Szczawnica Spa. If we go further, we will see

the Upper Park where rare species of plants grow and the neo-gothic Spa Chapel from 1847 and a band shell.

Below the Spa Park, the Dolny Park stretches where we can see a historic guest house and a music house. The nature also delights – there are 100 year old lindens and very rare Douglas firs. This part of the town is also known as the Promenade over the Grajcarek – a popular hiking path which leads along the mountain creek. It finishes in the place where the Grajcarek flows into the Dunajec. This place also marks the beginning of the famous Pieniny Tract (Droga Pienińska) – one of the most frequented routes in the Pieniny for hikers and cyclists. It is 9 km long and leads along the Dunajec, between limestone rocks, which are 300-500 m high, up to the Red Monastery in Slovakia. The information pavilion is located right by the tract. There is an exhibition on the local ecosystem and a model of the Pieniny.

The Chairlift to Palenica (722 m) is one of the town’s main attractions. The route is 800 m long and during the ride one may admire a panorama of the town and nearby mountains. On the top of Palenica and on a nearby clearing, Szafranówka (742 m), in winter a ski station and in summer a slide operate. There are some catering spots as well. It is also an excellent place to start a hiking trip along a panoramic ridge of the Little Pieniny.

Rafting on the Dunajec

Rafting on the Dunajec is the landmark attraction of the Pieniny. Raftsmen tell a story about the Pieniny and highlanders from these mountains and tourists admire limestone rocks. Those in search of adrenaline can go rafting on kayaks or dinghies.

flisacy.pl

Nature reserves in the Pieniny

The Homole Canyon is a deep canyon with a length of 800 m and the Kamionka Creek flows through it. There are vertical walls of colourful limestone which reach the height of even 120 m – in a lot of places limestone has fanciful shapes. These very walls together with the wildlife of the canyon are under protection as precious elements of nature. You will see a lot of protected species there– the martagon lily, the common yew, and numerous kinds of moss and lichen. The canyon is home to the Eurasian eagle-owl, the common kestrel or the fire salamander. The area of the reserve includes Dubantowska Clearing with the legendary rocks – Czajkowska Rock and Kamienne Księgi (Stone Books). In the second one the fate of the world is supposed to be written but no one is able to read it. Not far away from the canyon there is Biała Woda Reserve (White Water Reserve) – the second most popular nature reserve of the Little Pieniny. The rocks which rise over Biała Woda create picturesque scenery. Smolegowa Skała (715 m) definitely is the most distinguishing one as it resembles a dinosaur.

The Museum of the Pieniny

The Museum of the Pieniny is situated in Szlachtowa and its displays will acquaint you with the history, culture and geography of the region. You will see regional costumes and objects which will inform you about the professions or customs of people who inhabited this area. The exhibition which presents the role of the Dunajec in the life of highlanders, the exhibition which shows the whole region and the one which displays local legends are also fascinating.

Biała Woda Nature Reserve The Little Pieniny

The Dunajec River Gorge

Pieniny Małe we mgle

At the foot of Trzy Korony

The Homole Canyon and the Little Pieniny

In the valley of the Poprad

Piwniczna-Zdrój Commune is located in the heart of the Carpathians, in the picturesque valley of the Poprad. It is a small town with neighbouring villages tucked into the ranges of the Beskid Sądecki: the Jaworzyna Krynicka and the Radziejowa Range. The villages are scattered in the valleys, on the slopes, in picturesque, green corners.

The centre of the commune is a small spa town – Piwniczna-Zdrój, whose history dates back to the 14th century. You can see the traces of the old times on every step.

A reconstructed well at the main Square of Piwniczna, war trenches on Węgielnik (498 m), the Trail of War Couriers which runs through Eliaszówka to Slovakia. The location of the commune in the mountains makes it an interesting place for hiking, skiing and cycling enthusiasts. The Poprad is a great river to go kayaking, rafting or simply to relax on its banks. Piwniczna Commune is an oasis of peace, an ideal place for those who seek relaxation and holidays in a slow mode.

The layout of the Square dates back to the establishment of the town (the 14th century) but the buildings are much younger. The Town Hall was built in the 19th century and the well in the Square is a reconstruction of a burnt down tank which provided water for the town from 1913. In its turret St. Florian stands – the only element which was not consumed by the fire. On the western frontage the Centre of Culture, which houses the Regional Museum, is located. Inside we can see objects made by Black Highlanders, equipment from former folk workshops and elements of folk outfits. A collection of skiing equipment, out of which the oldest item is 200 years old, is an interesting proposition. The ski of Adam Małysz, a famous Polish ski jumper, can be found there.

Rafting on the Poprad River

The Poprad River Valley is one of the most picturesque river valleys in Poland. Piwniczna-Zdrój is a starting point of a 10 km route which leads us along the river to Rytro. We can cover the distance by dinghies or kayaks.

Węgielnik– Rocks Park

Węgielnik–Rocks Park is situated on the top of Węgielnik (498 m). The maze of paths leads us between rock outcrops and reconstructed war trenches from the Second World War. The park abounds in sports and recreation facilities such as barbecue sites, a gazebo, a volleyball court, weight training equipment and a playground. A path with chains will lead us to a panoramic platform. At the foot of the hill, there is a figure of Mary the Mother of God with a mineral water spring at her feet.

The swimming pools in Radwanów are another summer attraction of the spa. There is a large outdoor swimming pool with lanes, a bath with a hydromassage, a sauna and a paddling pool for children.

A view of Węgielnik from a panoramic platform

The swimming pools in Radwanów

Eliaszówka towers over Piwniczna-Zdrój at a height of 1,023 m. It is forested but thanks to a 20 m panoramic tower on its top, we can admire beautiful views. The green trail leads to Eliaszówka from the centre of Piwniczna-Zdrój (about 8 km). On the way there is ‘Chata Magóry’ Shelter.

‘At Saint Kinga Spring in Głębokie’ Park

The Park of Saint Kinga in Młodów is a green, peaceful place devoted to Saint Kinga. One of the oldest mineral water sources in the region springs up at the place. We can also admire the statue of Saint Kinga and walk along an educational path.

The tower on Eliaszówka

In the town of gardens

Muszyna Commune is the southernmost commune of the Beskid Sądecki. It is located at a height of approximately 450 m, in the valley of the Poprad River, on the border with Slovakia. Muszyna, the town, lies in the centre of the commune. It is a place with a long history, the capital of the former Muszyna State and today it flourishes as the town of gardens. It is beautiful in every season, full of interesting tourist attractions for the active ones, for those who seek relaxation and amateurs of history, art or music.

The town is surrounded by small villages located in valleys and on mountain slopes, dominated by nature and full of historic places and mountain trails. There is Powroźnik with an Orthodox church listed as a UNESCO site, a cult spa, Żegiestów-Zdrój, which is being renovated and Leluchów which is situated ‘at the end of the world’. This part of the Beskid Sądecki is the former land of Lemko people and we can come across Orthodox churches, roadside crosses and small shrines in its nooks and crannies. These places located on the banks of the meandering Poprad have been called the Land of Gentleness by poets.

Zapopradzie and the gardens of Muszyna

Zapopradzie is a spa district of Muszyna situated on the slopes of Sucha Mountain. Its name indicates its location over the Poprad River (za – over, popradzie – the Poprad River). There is the Spa Park and one of the oldest mineral water pump rooms – ‘Antoni’ Mineral Water Pump Room. We can do numerous sports in the district – there is the Centre of Recreation and Sports with swimming pools, playing fields, a tennis table, a play room and a line park. The district can boast of the biggest number of gardens. On the slopes of Sucha Mountain there are the Sensory Gardens (the Gardens of the Senses) which consist of a few areas – the area of taste, smell, sight, sound, touch, the area of health, the area of Fairy Tales and Legends and the area of Aphrodite. At the very top, in the area of sight, there is a panoramic tower from which we can admire a panorama of the nearby mountains. Apart from recreational functions, the gardens have

a therapeutic influence on visitors. They are accessible by people with mobility impairments, parents with prams or the elderly. At the foot of Sucha Mountain, there is the Magical Garden (the Garden of Love). The place consists of alleys meandering between a variety of plants, antique sculptures and ponds. The place is particularly pleasant in the evening when it is illuminated with colourful lights. There is the Aviary where we will see exotic birds, for instance, the Indian Peafowl, the Mandarin duck or the black swan. The third zone of the gardens is located by the Church of Joseph the Bridegroom of Holy Virgin Mary – the Biblical Gardens – the biggest gardens of this type in Poland. They are divided into 5 areas where plants from the Holy Land and the ones mentioned in the Bible were planted. The story told in the Holy Bible is presented in an artistic way at the place. There is a ‘Maryja’ mineral water spring.

The Centre of Recreation and Sports

The Centre of Recreation and Sports Zapopradzie is the second biggest facility of this part of the town. This is a complex of attractions where everybody will be able to find something for themselves in every season. The place abounds in catering facilities. What is more, interesting events, either cultural or sports ones, are often organised there. The centre comprises recreational swimming pools open in summer where we can relax and have fun (a large recreational swimming pool, a shallow paddling pool, slides and a jacuzzi), a line park, a volleyball court, outdoor table tennis, an inflatable slide and a rental which offers electric bikes and scooters.

The Sensory Gardens in Zapopradzie

The Biblical Gardens

Go-karts in Muszyna

In Zapopradzie, which is a recreational part of Muszyna, opposite ‘Grzyb’ cafe, we may rent pedal go-karts for children and adults, which are suitable for one or two persons. Such entertainment is a great way of spending your spare time with your family or friends and visiting Zapopradzie. There are numerous wide paths which allow safe driving and sightseeing. It is worth mentioning that the rental operates in summer time on dry days.

Pedal go-karts are muscle-powered but apart from legs, we will also need our hands to steer the vehicle. They have three, massive wheels which will ensure safety and stability. If we end up going too fast, we will be able to hit the brakes. Go-karts constitute great and safe fun.

Address: Aleja Zdrojowa (naprzeciwko Grzybka), 33-370 Muszyna

E-mail: telefony.muszyna@gmail.com

Phone: + 48 503 993 005

www.t-gsm.pl

Gokarty-w-Muszynie

The Square in Muszyna is situated at the place where mediaeval trade routes crossed. In the past, it was a spot where fairs were organised and it was vibrant with life. The Square has been revitalised recently. In the years 2019 – 2021 the Town Hall was erected in its heart, on the site where historic cellars can be found. In the cellars we can see an exhibition which presents medieval instruments of torture, a captured robber and the last witch of Muszyna. The second room displays the way wine used to be stored. The ground floor of the Town Hall houses the Tourist Information Point, a cafe and a mineral water pump room. Kościelna Street which branches off the Square is also worth our attention. The historic buildings of the town have been preserved there. In the street, we can feel the atmosphere of Galician times. The houses located there date back to the 19th and 20th century. Their gates, which lead to the entrance halls, are particularly distinguishing – they are typical of towns located on trade routes.

The Park of Culture and Former Crafts

The Park of Culture and Former Crafts consists of the classical Manor of Starosts of Muszyna which dates back to the turn of the 19th century, a guardhouse where pottery and archeological workshops are organised and a roadhouse which is the seat of the Regional Museum of the Muszyna State. The manor houses the Centre of Culture, there is an auditorium, artistic workshops and a cafe. This is a place where the culture of Muszyna blooms and people of the town and tourists get together.

Othodox churches

Orthodox churches – they smell of wood, they are perfectly integrated into the landscape of the Beskid Sądecki and delight with their architecture and interiors. They were built by Lemko people who used to inhabit this land and are soaked with their history. All of them are sites of the Wooden Architecture Route – they create the greatest cultural heritage of the commune . There are nine of them – in Wojkowa, Dubne, Leluchów, Jastrzębik, Złockie, Szczawnik, Andrzejówka and Powroźnik. The last one is the oldest and the most precious one. The Orthodox Church of St James the Younger was listed as a UNESCO site. It dates back to 1600. It is a typical tripartite, wooden church with a shingled roof and a tower with a wooden tented roof over the vestibule. The temple presents beautifully outside but it is worth entering it to see the iconostasis from the 17th century, the valuable polychromy from 1637 and the Baroque altar. After the ‘Vistula’ operation and the resettlement of Lemkos from this land, it was transformed into a Greek Catholic church.

The Orthodox Church of St James in Powroźnik

the Orthodox Church of St Michael the Archangel in Dubne

Baba z Gór

Hiking and cycling trips, entertainment for children

‘Baba z Gór’ (the Hug from the Mountains) is a guide, an all-round entertainer and, first and foremost, a great lover of Sądecki Land! She is a guide for whom the impossible does not exist, who knows Muszyna and the Beskid Sądecki like the back of her hand! Energy, vast knowledge, a sense of humour and readiness to help – all these qualities make her stand out. She shows tourists around, goes with them on cycling trips, plays games, organises quests, either for children or adults, hikes in the mountains and in the valleys and is a tour leader on coach trips. She will take you to the most beautiful nooks and crannies of her beloved Land of the Prince Poprad, to springs of mineral water. She will show you breathtaking views. Baba z Gór deals with big groups or individual tourists. You should visit her website in order to gain information about trips and walks she organises if you plan to stay in the Beskid Sądecki.

Address: Al. Zdrojowa 4, Muszyna

E-mail: dlugoszzuzanna@gmail.com

Phone: +48 500 125 999

BABA Z GÓR OFFERS:

her own thematic games around Muszyna for families in the form of field games ‘Along the Bat Trail around Muszyna’, ‘In the Land of the Prince Poprad’, ‘Along the Trail of Light Constructions’, her own cycling game ‘the Cycling Game of Muszyna’, watching bats at night, walks for groups around Muszyna, Krynica-Zdrój, Tylicz also in the form of field games – quests, coach trips around Sądecki Land, mountain trips.

babazgor.pl

babazgor

Lena Złockie Shop

Muszyna is one of the most interesting places in the Beskid Sądecki. The resort is surrounded by smaller but equally interesting villages. They are worth visiting as they abound in attractions, accommodation facilities and restaurants. One of them is Złockie located by the Złockie Creek only 4 km from Muszyna. There are legends which tell stories about gold in the place. Even Długosz (a Polish chronicler) wrote that gold used to be present in this area. There is a mofetta, a wooden Orthodox church and beautiful mountain cycling and skiing trails. There is also ‘Lena’ – a small but well-stocked shop where we can buy souvenirs, local products and postcards. We will also find there guidebooks, maps of the mountains and information brochures. The staff is always ready to help, not only in the case of choosing the best souvenir! They will answer all the questions concerning the region (they know it very well), recommend places to visit, to stay or eat! It is a private tourist information point!

Address: Złockie, 33-370 Złockie (koło sklepu „Groszek”)

Phone: +48 696 421 753

LOCATION

The Orthodox Church of St Demetrius in Złockie is located near Lena Shop

Vector Travel Agency

Vector Travel Agency takes advantage of the potential of the Beskid Sądecki, Sądecki Land and more remote destinations while creating their offer. Everyone will be able to choose something for themselves irrespective of a season and a preferred form of activity.

Those who enjoy discovering new places can choose one of the coach trips. Not only will you be able to explore the Poprad River Valley, the Pieniny Mountains or go rafting, but also go to Slovakia and the beautiful Slovak Tatras, Hungary with wine and swimming pools – nobody will get bored. The travel agency offers trips for individuals or groups with an outlined programme and dates. Companies, local authorities, public administration institutions, schools and associations can have the agency organise a trip for them on the basis of their offer presented online. Moreover, organised groups can rent a coach. Individual customers can be assisted in the process of booking plane or international bus tickets. Last but not least, you will be able to book your stay in Muszyna and its vicinity at the office. The choice is vast and you can choose from villas, guest houses and hotels. The agency also offers services of a local guide.

Address: ul. Kity 24, 33-370 Muszyna

E-mail: info@btvector.com

Phone: + 48 18 47 18 003

www.btvector.com

The pearl of Polish spas

Krynica Commune is located in the south of Poland, in Lesser Poland. It lies in the east part of the Beskid Sądecki and partially in the Low Beskids, in the heart of the mountains. Its seat, Krynica-Zdrój, is one of the most popular Polish resorts which has been trendy and popular for many years. The location and landform makes Krynica a great starting point for those who enjoy spending their free time in an active way. It has a well-developed infrastructure for either winter or summer sports. The resort offers a lot of attractions and in the surrounding villages

we will find peace and quiet. The commune is crossed by various hiking trails including the Main Beskid Trail and cycling or skiing ones. The long history and local culture create a lot of possibilities for the amateurs of sightseeing, culture and art. In the area of the commune we can see spa architecture from the 19th and the 20th century and sites of the Wooden Architecture Route. This is also a place where you can get to know the history of people connected with the town – Nikifor or Jan Kiepura.

In Krynica at Deptak

Deptak is the centre of the resort where health visitors stroll with a mug of mineral water. In the past people said that Deptak was a place where you needed to be and where you could always meet somebody you knew or, with a bit of luck, somebody famous. Deptak has always been surrounded by beautiful buildings. The most significant sites are located at the place – there is the Old and the New Spa House, the Band Shell, the Peat and the Mineral Baths or the monument of Adam Mickiewicz. From Deptak you can set off to Pakowa Mountain through which the Main Beskid Trail runs. Above Deptak, in the Spa Park, there is the wooden Spa Church.

Dietl’s Boulevards

On the side of Dietl’s Boulevards wooden villas resembling the ones in Switzerland stand. The villas were erected in the second half of the 19th century at the time of the development of the spa. Guest houses, very often luxurious ones, modern treatment centres and the best restaurants were located inside. There is the famous ‘Wisła’ Villa where Emilia Burzyńska, the Jagiellonian University professor’s widow, invited young ladies from good homes. Then, we can see ‘Witoldówka’ built by Dr Skórczewski who ran a dietician centre in the building or ‘Małopolanka’ with ‘the House of Coffee and Wine’. Last but not least, there is the proudly presenting ‘Romanówka’ which houses the Museum of Nikifor Krynicki – a famous artist from Krynica. We will have a chance to see his works, portraits, drawings of buildings, self-portraits, tools which he used and his possessions.

A bit lower there is ‘Jan’ Mineral Water Pump Room, the monument of Nikifor Krynicki and the Museum of Toys. The most frequented building in Krynica is the Main Mineral Water Pump Room constructed in the second half of the 20th century in a modernist style. It was rebuilt at the beginning of the 21st century. This is a glazed construction where we can taste various mineral waters such as Jan, Słotwinka, Tadeusz, Zdrój Główny (Main Spring) and Zuber. There is also a cafe, the Winter Garden, stalls with souvenirs and cosmetics and a concert venue.

Park Mountain

Parkowa Mountain rises to a height of 742 m, right above Deptak. On its northern and eastern slopes the Spa Park stretches – a place with numerous alleys and benches. On the western slope of Parkowa Mountain landslide dams were formed – Czaple Stawy (Grey Heron Ponds). Michasiowa Polana (Michasiowa Clearing) and the Forest Sanctuary of Mother of God, the Queen of Krynica, are also interesting places. Trails which lead to the top of the mountain start at Deptak. We can also get to the top by the funicular which dates back to 1937! This is the oldest construction of this type in Poland. The down and upper stations are also unique – there we can go back in time and feel the atmosphere of Krynica from the interwar period. At the top, there are some catering establishments and panoramic spots.

The Słotwiński Park and a brine graduation tower

A bit further from the centre, the Słotwiński Park is located. There we can see the Chinese House built in 1806 (served as the first mineral water pump room). Moreover,

www.pkl.pl/gora-parkowa

a brine graduation tower awaits health visitors too. It uses brine which has a high content of iodine (conditions similar to the ones by the Baltic Sea).

Słotwiny Arena

The panoramic tower with a path among treetops

The panoramic tower with a path among treetops is one of the most popular attractions of the town. The tower is located at the top of Słotwiny arena Ski Station at a height of 896 m. You can get there on foot or by a chair lift. The whole construction rises to a height of 49.5 m. The climb is gently sloping so we can take a walk with children, prams or people with mobility difficulties – the whole path is 1,030 m long. Here you can take a pleasant walk surrounded by nature, look at it up close and admire magnificent views. The path serves an educational purpose – there are boards containing information on the local nature, history, culture and creative installations. Additionally, you can slide down a 60 m slide from the tower!

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The Gondola Lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka Panoramic platform 360°

The down station of the Gondola Lift to Jaworzyna Krynicka is situated in Czarny Potok. Its cable cars cover the distance of 2 km and the altitude difference of 456 m in 7 minutes. From the upper station a beautiful panorama stretches but you will see it better from a panoramic platform built on its roof.

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‘Łuczakówka’ Museum of Nature and Hunting

The exhibition prepared by Józef Łuczak displays dissected animals, most of which are protected. The exhibits have been gathered for over 30 years.

Tylicz is a village famous for popular ski stations, wooden churches, a golgotha and a legendary mofetta. It used to be the second after Muszyna, the most important town in the Muszyna State. At the time, it was called Miastko and was more significant than Krynica. Nowaday the square is the only proof of its municipal character. Tylicz was granted town rights two times! And it lost them two times too. It is definitely the place if you want to rest from the hustle and bustle of Krynica.

The Square in Tylicz is a green square surrounded by houses which combine both Lemko and highlander traditions, they date back to the end of the 19th century.

The Museum of Tylicz has a collection connected with the history of the place and mediaeval craft, works of artists from Tylicz, regional costumes, historic skates and skis.

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul from 1617. The church is a site on the Wooden Architecture Route.

The Orthodox Church of Saints Cosma and Damian with very rich equipment. The church is on the Wooden Architecture Route.

The Golgotha in Tylicz is a sacred attraction with rosary alleys and a panoramic tower modelled on the Tower of Babel.

Farma Lama is an agritourism farm and a horse stable. There is a mini zoo with farm animals and birds. Workshops, pony rides, archery and campfires are organised for groups.

Mofettas in Tylicz are located in the area of a tourist estate ‘Domki w Lesie’ (Huts in the Forest). You will see here 11 circles – in each of them water has a bit different taste.

The Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul

The Golgotha in Tylicz

Tylicz

In Lemko land

Uście Gorlickie is a commune in the south of Poland, right by the border with Slovakia, in the Low Beskids – one of the lowest mountain mastiffs in the Carpathians. The commune was inhabited by Lemkos – a vivid, pastoral people. Despite their tragic, post-war history, the region is still known for its multiculturalism and Lemko traditions still live here.

Even though this is a mountainous area, we will find more attractions in its valleys. Villages hide pearls of wooden architecture including Orthodox churches – Greek or Eastern ones. Some of them are still used by Orthodox

Wysowa Spa will give us a chance to relax and treatments with the use of mineral waters of the region will enable us to regain our health. Enthusiasts of active leisure can take advantage of hiking trails including more demanding ones, skiing and cycling routes. Gładyszów and Regietów are famous for their hucul ponies – small but very tough and intelligent horses.

congregations. We will find cemeteries from the First World War on forested hills.

The Spa Park and the Mineral Water Pump Room in Wysowa

The Spa Park is the most frequented place in Wysowa. There are mineral water springs – some of them are widely available and some may be only tasted in the Mineral Water Pump Room. The building is a reconstruction of a former construction which has integrated in the landscape. There is also the Old Spa House in which a restaurant and a hotel are located.

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Mineral water pump rooms in the Spa Park

Lemko Orthodox Churches

Orthodox churches constitute an integral part of the landscape. Wooden pearls are picturesquely integrated in the nature of the Beskids. The majority of Orthodox churches in this area are wooden and are included in the Wooden Architecture Route. The real pearls are the ones which were listed as UNESCO sites in 2013– the Orthodox Church in Brunary and Kwiatoń. You may come across stone temples too. The ones worth visiting are located in Uście Gorlickie, Izby, Śnietnica, Banica, Czarna, Hańczowa, Wysowa, Skwirtne, Zdynia or Nowica.

The Orthodox Church of St Demetrius in Czarna

The Orthodox Church of St Mary’s Protection in Hańczowa

The Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Brunary

The Orthodox Church in Brunary was built at the end of the 18th century as a tripartite temple. Several dozens years later the church was rebuilt – the mass of the church was lengthened. It is decorated with the polychromy which dates to the 18th, 19th and 20th century. The ornaments are various – baroque, rococo and classical ones. We can see floral, architectural and geometric elements. The baroque iconostasis dates back to the 18th century.

The Orthodox Church in Kwiatoń was erected in the second half of the 17th century. It is a model example of Lemko sacred architecture. It has ideal proportions with distinguishing three parts – a presbytery, a nave and narthex. Inside we can see the polychromy from the beginning of the 19th century and a complete iconostasis from 1904. Lemkos left the church in the 40’s of the 20th century but it is believed to be one of the best preserved Orthodox churches in Poland. At present, it serves as an auxiliary Catholic church for the parish in Uście Gorlickie and Greek Catholics use it as well.

The Orthodox Church of St. Paraskevia in Kwiatoń

Huculs from Lemko land

Huculs – small but extremely intelligent and tough mountain ponies are one of the oldest breeds in Poland. They were mainly connected with Hucul Land but they have been bred in the Low Beskids, in Gładyszów and Regietów, for many years. Thanks to their gentle character, they are perfect for equine-assisted therapy. The Hucul Stable in Regietów is the biggest stable in Europe which breeds these horses. This is the place where in September Hucul Days take place. During this event sports, breeding and artistic programmes are presented. Apart from horse riding classes, horseback tours, carriage rides and, in winter, sleigh rides, are organised here.

Cemeteries from the First World War

The First World War left its mark on the region. The front line ran through the Low Beskids and fierce battles took place there, especially at Gorlice-Tarnów offensive when Austrian-Hungarian armies broke the Russian front. Numerous temporary graves were left in the mountains after those dramatic fights. After the war, they were ordered and turned into sad but beautiful places. On Rotunda Mountain (771 m) we can see a representative military cemetery whose artistic executive was Dušan Jurkovič –a Slovak architect. He created a cemetery in a proto-Slavic style using wood as the base material. We can reach the place following the red trail from Regietów or Zdynia.

A Greek Catholic sanctuary on the ridge of Jawor Mountain (720 m) is one of the most interesting places in the region. In 1925 Mother of God was supposed to reveal herself on the top of the mountain. At the place, the wooden Orthodox Church of St. Mary’s Protection was erected. After Lemko people had been resettled, the church was transformed into a watchtower and the ecclesiastical equipment was burnt down. Lemkos regained their temple in 1956 and renovated it. Currently, it constitutes a popular destination for pilgrims of the Eastern Church.

Holy Jawor Mountain

‘Stara Cegielnia’ Recreation Centre and the horse stable

‘Stara Cegielnia’ (Old Brickyard) is situated in Gładyszów, in the central part of the Low Beskids. It offers an exceptional form of active leisure – horse riding. Horses are a lifetime passion of the owners who enthusiastically pass it on to the next generations. Camps, school camps, carriage rides, sleigh rides and horse shows are organised at the place. The horses from ‘Stara Cegielnia’ acted in

films such as ‘Janosik’ or ‘Bitwa Warszawska 1920’ (Battle of Warsaw 1920). Since 2010 ‘Stara Cegielnia’ has been a certified PTTK (Polish Tourist Sightseeing Society) facility and a PTTK training centre. As a consequence, if you want to become a guide of mountain equestrian tourism, you can do your guide practice at the place. You will be able to gain PTTK riding badges there as well.

Accommodation with a vibe and Russian banya

The centre offers 40 accommodation places in a few buildings, in 2-, 8- and 9-person rooms with ensuite bathrooms or common ones. There is a spacious dining room, a common room with a fireplace, table tennis, billiards and table football. ‘Stara Cegielnia’ has two independent holiday cottages – a big one with 4 double bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, a fireplace, 2 bathrooms, a porch and a roofed terrace. The second one is a bit smaller and can accommodate 4 people. There is a bathroom, a kitchenette and a tiled stove. Additionally, a Russian banya is at guests’ disposal.

A banquet in the heart of the former brickyard

The former brick furnace situated in the main building

was transformed into an event venue. At the place, one will be able to organise an unusual party for up to 50 people. Guests will be served homemade meats, lard, pickled red pine mushrooms, oscypek, kwaśnica (regional soup made of sauerkraut), bigos (a stewed dish made of sauerkraut and meat), Bogrács or Strogonow goulash. Guests can also take advantage of a barbecue site with a special hearth.

The Museum of Horse Riding

The Museum of Horse Riding operates by the centre. The collection gathered by the owners comprises 40 saddles from different parts of the world including historical and military ones from Europe, interesting stirrups and bits. Moreover, there are historical uniforms and cold steel.

Address: Gładyszów 70, Uście Gorlickie

E-mail: tkario@wp.pl

Phone: 503 068 055, 502 677 460

Ośrodek

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„Stara Cegielnia” Gładyszów