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.
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) co-funded 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
Realization:
Art Manager: Konrad Rogoziński
Text: Maria Kościelniak
Proofreading: Agata Kościelniak
Translation: Ewelina Natanek-Rogozińska
Design: Klaudia Stochmal
Typesetting Klaudia Stochmal
Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl
Apart from: P. 2-3 © Łukasz Świętach
Szczawnik is one of 10 villages within Muszyna Commune. We could not be more wrong thinking all of them are alike. Each of them is unique.
Szczawnik spreads on the slopes of the Jaworzyna Krynicka Range, by a mountain stream which is also called Szczawnik. It is situated at 520 – 600 m. Its name was coined after acidulous waters (‘szczawa’ in Polish) which are present in the area. Locals must have known them already in the Middle Ages as they called their settlement after them.
The village was established two times. For the first time, it was founded for German settlers but they did not enjoy life in the mountains. For the second one, it was founded for Wallachian shepherds who found their place on earth in this region. They led a good life working and grazing their sheep in the shadow of Muszyna which was becoming more and more powerful. They led their life 3 km
from the centre in a peaceful, green area. With time, they started to be called Lemkos and after the Second World War they were resettled as they were not considered Polish. When they left their land, they also abandoned a wooden Orthodox church, roadside crosses and undisturbed peace between green hills.
Szczawnik is a beautifully located village. It is famous nationwide for a mofetta where, according to legends, one may hear and smell the devil’s breath (although scientists claim that it is just carbon dioxide). Szczawnik is also popular due to its proximity to mountain trails. From there, one may go (on foot or by bike) to Bacówka over Wierchomla (a tourist shelter, 887 m), Pusta Wielka (1,061 m), Runek (1,080 m) or Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m). It is also a great starting point if you want to visit local attractions and villages located by the Poprad with their Orthodox churches. The place is interesting and beautiful in every season.
In the valley of the Szczawnik and Złocki
Only 3 km from the centre of Muszyna, in the fork of the Szczawnik and the Złockie Streams, in a valley in the Beskid Sądecki, Eliza Villa – a cosy accommodation facility – is situated. A beautiful area, mountain air, the proximity of mountain trails and numerous attractions, either for amateurs of sports or culture, make the place
A cosy house
Eliza Villa is a small facility which can accommodate 18 guests (although it is possible to place additional beds). Inside there are five rooms and a spacious dining room.
attractive. Great interiors, comfortable rooms and good food definitely create a great place to stay during our holidays or a weekend trip. A sauna, a garden jacuzzi and a Russian banya are a cherry on top. A small playground with a trampoline will make children really pleased.
A living room, available to everyone, is particularly cosy –there is a fireplace and a relaxation area, a children’s corner, table football, books and games.
A garden
The villa is surrounded by a big garden behind which one can admire forested hills of the Beskid Sądecki. This is a perfect spot for rest and relaxation – magnificent views, clean mountain air and peaceful neighbourhood.
Rooms
Eliza Villa has 5 comfortable, well-equipped rooms for 2, 3 or 4 guests. Every room has an ensuite bathroom and in one of them there is a kitchenette. The interiors are bright and cosy, the decor is classical and the furniture is modern. The rooms are equipped with a TV, a kettle, glasses and cutlery. Wifi is available as well. From the windows, magnificent views of picturesque mountains stretch – they are different in every season but equally exceptional.
The garden offers deck chairs, a swing, a barbecue site and a campfire ring. One can take advantage of a sauna, a jacuzzi or a Russian banya. Children will definitely enjoy a small playground with a trampoline.
Meals
If you stay at Eliza Villa, you may take advantage of the board. The price of your stay includes breakfast in the form of a buffet with classical, Polish breakfast and regional delicacies. If you wish, you can also choose dinners. This is a great option for active tourists who, after a day full of impressions, want to eat a nourishing,
A bus for guests
Due to the fact that Eliza Villa is situated far from the biggest attractions of the region, the hosts offer a bus which can transport 15 passengers to a given spot. If you
homemade meal. Regional dishes reign on plates and the chef’s specialty is Polish dumplings (pierogi) – with cheese, meat or cabbage filling. The dining area is cosy and spacious at the same time, hence, it is a great place to organise a bigger feast or a party.
go skiing, hiking into the mountains or if you are planning a trip to Krynica, the bust is at your disposal.
Do you know that…
The history of the sauna starts in the 7th century B.C. in Asia by the Black Sea? Archeologists discovered that the Scythians who inhabited those areas built something which resembled a sauna in order to get warm. During harsh winters, it helped them survive – it served as a kitchen, a hospital, a labour ward and a place of worship. The word ‘sauna’ itself comes from Europe – Finland to be more specific. However, not everybody knows that the Finnish are a group which came to the Scandinavian Peninsula from the area of the Ural Mountains – the mountains which mark the border between Europe and Asia. Relying on the knowledge on heating which came from Asia, the Finnish created their own saunas. Not only did they warm them up, but also had a sanitary function. Before the soap was invented, people had cleaned themselves through sweating and whipping themselves with birch twigs. Then, they rinsed their bodies in a river or rolled around on snow. It was Greeks who discovered a relaxation function of the sauna. Their saunas were beautifully decorated (as everything in Ancient Greece) and served as places of relaxation for the richest.
The most significant conveniences
In the vicinity
The Orthodox Church of St Demetrius
The church was built in 1841 by Lemkos who inhabited Szczawnik at the time. It is a typical tripartite, one-nave temple of log construction with a tower which rises above it. Although it serves as a Catholic church now, the Orthodox style inside has been preserved. The iconostasis which dates back to the turn of the 18th and 19th century is definitely worth our attention. The wooden construction is beautifully integrated into the landscape of the Beskids. Its value was appreciated as it has become a site of the Wooden Architecture Route.
SankoLandia
Sankolandia is a special sledding run located on the slopes of Kotylniczy Wierch in Złockie, only 3 km from Szczawnik. It is an ideal spot for fans of sledges, snowboards, trikke skkis. The most popular and, at the same time, the most difficult red run called śliskostrada (slidepiste) is 2,000 m long and an easier, blue one is 3,000 m long. There are two separate runs for Trikke Skki and Nordic walking. From the top of Sankolandia (1,023 m) cross-country skiing trails lead. At the place we can rent special sledges with brakes and helmets. Moreover, we
Baszta Castle Ruins – 1.8 km
Bardejov in Slovakia – 40 km
Rafting on the Poprad in Muszyna – 2.2 km
A panoramic tower in the Sensory Gardens in Muszyna
The Square in Muszyna – 3.8 km
The Biblical Gardens in Muszyna – 2.9 km
can take advantage of transportation which will take us to the top.
Mountain trails
Szczawnik is a popular starting point for trips into the Jaworzyna Krynicka Range. The most popular trail, which is partially marked red, leads along a gravel road to Bacówka over Wierchomla (a tourist shelter, 887 m). It is an easy walk (7 km) for every tourist. The effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the
Tatras from Bacówka. The trail is also perfect for cyclists or skiers. From there, we can head for Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m). More demanding hikers can choose the yellow trail which leads to Pusta Wielka (1,061 m) – the trail connects with the blue one at Wyżne Młaki (929 m). Going along the blue trail, we will reach Bacówka, then Runek (1,060 m) where the trail connects with the Main Beskid Trail. Following its red signs south, we will get to Jaworzyna Krynicka (1,114 m). If we follow it to the north, we will reach Hala Łabowska (1,061 m).
SankoLANDIA in Złockie – 3.3 km
Deptak in Krynica-Zdrój – 13.7 km
Słotwiny Arena Ski Centre – 17 km
Henryk Ski Centre – 15,2 km
Bacówka over Wierchomla – 7.7 km
The Sensory Gardens in Muszyna – 4.5 km
Jaworzyna Krynicka Ski Station – 15 km
The Orthodox Church of St James in Powroźnik – 8.4 km