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) 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
Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing
www.digitalplaces.pl
Kraszewskiego 1/406
33-380 Krynica-Zdrój
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
Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl
Apart from:
P 2 and 3 © Łukasz Świętach
P 4, photos no 1, 2, 3; © Piotr Kuczaj
P 7, photo no 2; © Adobe Stock
In the south-west part of Lesser Poland, in the Rabczańska Valley which is surrounded by mountains, there is Rabka-Zdrój – a small but extremely popular resort among tourists and health visitors. It is a magical, spa town called the Town of Children of the World. The place offers numerous tourist attractions for both children and adults. Its location in a valley surrounded by the Gorce, the Island Beskids, the Żywiec Beskids and Podhale enables us to hit a variety of trails – on foot, on a horse, with skis or by bike. A few of them, including the Main Beskid Trail, cross the Spa Park. If you enjoy history and art, there are numerous museums, galleries and historic churches. In order to get familiar with the culinary and cultural heritage, visit a number of regional restaurants
and participate in cultural events. On the basis of brine, which is present in Rabka Commune, a spa was formed. Tourists take advantage of its properties in sanatoria, mineral water pump rooms or brine graduation towers. Nothing else lets us relax and run away from the hustle and bustle of a big city than the mountain climate.
Thrill-seekers should head for Rabkoland Fun Park. One can also have a time of their life in the National Puppetry ‘Rabcio’ or in nearby Chabówka where the Open-air Rail Museum is situated. Rabka is also an excellent spot for those who love active leisure — there are a number of places where you can cycle, climb on a climbing wall, ski, have fun in a line park or wearing bounce shoes.
A place which creates so many possibilities of active leisure is also full of talented people who will show you plenty of ideas on how to spend your time in an active way in Rabka and beyond its borders. One of such people is Łukasz Pędzimąż from Rabczański Line Park and Kum-Ak Sport – an instructor of climbing, snowboarding, alpine, cross-country skiing or ski-touring. He is a positive all-rounder who will teach children or adults everything he knows.
Rabczański Line Park is situated in Orkan Street in the Spa Park near the Amphitheatre. It is a place where small and big fans of climbing will have fun. The park offers two routes. The low one available to children over the age of four and the high one for children over the age of 10 and adults. The first one has climbing walls, hung bridges and three aerial runways between trees. All the attractions and obstacles are hung 3 metres from the ground which ensures safety. Everything is additionally secured by nets which protect against falling and instructors supervise everything at all times. The high route is hung from 6 to 12 metres from the ground. It is equipped with a safety system which protects against falling. Moreover, you do not have to change snap-links and you are not allowed to disconnect a safety rope yourself. The high route also abounds in obstacles such as aerial runways, climbing walls, lines or hung bridges.
Bounce shoes are not very popular but when you decide to try them out, you will definitely enjoy them. They consist of very durable and flexible spring platforms under the sole. Thanks to them you can feel as if you were a kangaroo or jump as high as a basketball player.
Another attraction for thrill seekers is the Climbing Wall situated by the Boulevards by the Poniczanka. The Boulevards are a relatively new place which has been created to enable residents of Rabka and tourists to spend their time in an active way outdoors. There, you can walk, ride a bike, relax by a brine graduation tower or by a pond surrounded by nature.
The Climbing Wall is a place where, under the watchful eye of experienced instructors, you can take your first steps climbing or perfect your abilities. It is a great place for children too. The instructors have the right touch with them and will instil fascination for this sport in them. It is possible to organise a birthday party in the Line Park or at the Climbing Wall.
Cross-country skiing is a sport which can be done even in the centre of the resort. In the Spa Park there is a 3.5 km cross-country skiing route which is lit until late. Kuma-Ak will train you and take you for cross-country skiing tours not only to the Spa Park but also into the Gorce or even the Tatras. Everything depends on your abilities and willingness. However, if you prefer alpine skiing, mild slopes of ‘U Żura’ Ski station will be ideal during the process of learning.
Those who want to try something else, snowboarding lessons or snowshoeing tours are available. It is an interesting, less popular but constantly developing activity which is definitely worth trying.
