THE OLD SPA HOUSE
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 8, photo no 1; © Adobe Stock
P 8, photo no 2; p 9, photo no 2; © Freepik.com
A spa in the Low Beskids
It is said that the Low Beskids are the wildest mountains in Poland. Wilder than the Bieszczady Mountains which are full of tourists nowadays. The Low Beskids are considered to be the most peaceful mountains in Poland as well. Additionally, they are beautiful, green, not very high but offering really ambitious climbs and, most importantly, they are not overcrowded with tourists but full of history. The mountains used to be inhabited by Wallachians who were later called Lemkos. They lived there for hundreds of years, worked, created their unique traditions, regional cuisine and built Orthodox churches. After the Second World War they were forcefully resettled and had to abandon their land. They left their villages and their wooden churches behind.
In these mountains full of nature and history a small spa famous for its beneficial climate and healing mineral waters, Wysowa-Zdrój, is located. Despite the fact that people live there peacefully, it is full of attractions. Health visitors stay there to undergo treatment and rest. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts visit the area to take advantage of numerous trails. Amateurs of wooden architecture sightsee Orthodox churches. In autumn mushroom pickers pop in to take part in the Feast of Red Pine Mushroom and in summer those interested in herbs come to participate in the fair ‘Villages Smelling of Herbs in Lesser Poland’. Sometimes people who visit neighbouring Regietów and the Hucul Pony Stable or stay by Klimkówka come to the town too. It is also quite close to Krynica-Zdrój from where tourists come to Wysowa to find peace and quiet.
Wysowa-Zdrój
THE OLD SPA HOUSE WYSOWA-ZDRÓJ 4
In the Spa Park
The Spa Park is the most often visited place in Wysowa-Zdrój – it is the heart of the resort. There you will find mineral water springs and a beautiful building of the Mineral Water Pump Room, which is a reconstruction of a former building, picturesquely integrated into the landscape. The Spa Park is also a place where various events, concerts, the Feast of Red Pine Mushroom, ‘Villages Smelling of Herbs in Lesser Poland’ are organised. One of the most interesting buildings of the spa is located there – the Spa House, which is 100 years old, with a hotel and a restaurant.
A hundred-year-old house in the Park
In the heart of the park, among old trees and lazy alleys, the Spa House is situated – a house which is over a hundred years old! It is a beautifully integrated into the landscape white villa in the style of Krynica with equally beautiful interiors which remind of good, old times and idyll. Initially, the building served as a bathhouse but it fell into decline with time. In the 1980’s, when the owner changed, it became a cosy hotel with a cafe. Today it has a few guest rooms in the attic, a restaurant and a cafe. Its location, friendly owners and a one hundred year old history make it a special spot on the map of Wysowa-Zdrój.
IN THE SPA PARK A HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD HOUSE IN THE PARK 5
A morning with a mug of water and an evening under the stars
A stay in the Old Spa House is a great opportunity to spend a night in the Spa Park. Although during the day the place is often visited by tourists or hosts numerous cultural events, evenings and nights are quiet, peaceful and beautiful. In the morning, before breakfast, you can take a walk or go jogging along the green alleys of
the park to the sound of birds’ singing and drink a mug of mineral water to whet your appetite. You will not be sorry as the restaurant offers a lot of delicacies. In the evening it would be a good idea to take another walk and listen to the sound of crickets. At night you will be thrilled observing the starry night through the windows.
THE OLD SPA HOUSE A MORNING WITH A MUG OF WATER ... 6
Rooms
The Old Spa House is a small and charming facility. It offers six 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-person rooms which are situated in the attic. Every room has its own, exceptional name which relates to garden flowers – this is the first sign of their cosiness. They are comfortable and well-equipped. Each room has a TV, Wifi and a kettle. However, furniture is the most fascinating part of the room – they are renovated vintage pieces of furniture. Every room is different but all of them are extraordinary. A small surprise in the form of a cookie and Wysowianka mineral water always awaits guests. The rooms have ensuite bathrooms with a hairdryer and towels.
A restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Old Spa House. You can have breakfast, dinner and supper, drink coffee or eat something sweet there. It is open to outside guests as well. They specialise in regional cuisine and can boast of a certificate ‘the Culinary Heritage of Lesser Poland’. They also take pride in using signs ‘the Culinary Heritage of Lesser Poland’ and ‘Karpating Local Brand’. Red pine mushrooms, which are marinated in the restaurant, have the certificate of the Traditional Product of Lesser Poland and are listed as the Traditional Product. The menu offers Jewish dishes which can be associated with Shtetl in Galicia. All the delicacies are prepared with the use of fresh, local products. Mushrooms, especially red pine mushrooms, prevail on the menu and are served in a variety of ways. Various vegetables and aromatic herbs add to the flavour of the food. The restaurant is filled with the aroma of homemade bread served with local cheeses, eggs, jams or thick cream. Homemade pasta or dumplings, żurek (soup made from fermented rye
flour) made on marinated red pine mushrooms, maczanka in Cracow style (stewed pork neck with sauce served in a roll), stuffed goose stomachs or various kinds of meat are served for dinner. A seasonal menu is definitely the most interesting – it is created from seasonal products. Among desserts you will find homemade cakes such as pascha, Fedor cake, apple pie or meringue.
The Spa Pantry
ROOMS THE SPA PANTRY 7
Wysowa to go
All the delicacies served in the restaurant can be bought and taken home. Jams, pickled red pine mushrooms, red pine mushroom butter, bread, homemade pasta, bigos (a stewed dish made of sauerkraut, meat and mushrooms), blackcurrant jelly or stuffed goose stomachs in a jar – this is just the beginning of a long list of dishes in jars or boxes thanks to which you can take the taste of the Low Beskids home. However, if Wysowa-Zdrój is not on your way, you can order some of the products online from Zdrowa Spiżarnia (the Spa Pantry) (https://zdrojowaspizarnia.pl).
THE OLD SPA HOUSE WYSOWA TO GO 8
In the vicinity
The direct vicinity of the Old Spa House is the Spa Park and its attractions – alleys, the Mineral Water Pump Room or a playground. This is an ideal place for peaceful walks, you can breathe in fresh air, admire nature and relax. You can visit the beautiful, wooden Orthodox wooden Church of St Michael the Archangel and the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary. Both churches are a part of the Wooden Architecture Route. Wysowa-Zdrój is a great starting point for hiking, cycling or skiing trips into the Low Beskids.
IN THE VICINITY 9
