Krynica-Zdrój

Krynica-Zdrój is a resort city, situated in the north-eastern part of Beskid Sądecki at the height of 560 m. The location is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and lies in the valley of Kryniczanka and its tributaries. Besides being a popular resort, many other interesting events take place here: opera festival named after J. Kepura, sledge and hockey European Championships as well as annual Economic Forum, unofficially named as 'Eastern Davos'.

First mineral springs were discovered here by the Polish geologist Rudolph Zuber in the 13th century. On the basis of discovered fountains, Krynica-Zdrój started to develop rapidly as one of the most famous spa resorts of Poland. One of the sources of the mineralized groundwater to the surface is called 'Zuber Water', named in honor of its discoverer. During 1920-1930s it was assumed that treatments at the spa were especially effective for women, who suffered from infertility. But during 1940-1950s the percentage of women who have recovered significantly decreased. Balneology experts link this up to the fact that over the 20 years, chemical composition of mineral waters has changed.

Krynica-Zdrój is not only a popular balneological, but also one of the most popular ski resorts. Also it is the second town after Zakopane that is popular among the Ukrainians who have decided to spend the vacation in Poland. The ski trails in Krynica-Zdrój are layed on the mountain Parkowa, where the funicular rises (length — 642 m, elevation — 148 m), the lower station of it is situated almost in the town. Here are paved trails for the downhill and skiing. In Słotwiny (Krynica-Zdrój region, located in 3 km from the centre) there are nine operating trails with the length from 120 to 950 m and with the elevation of 27-195 m. There are also trails for downhill and skiing. In the village of Tylicz, which is located in 6 km from Krynica-Zdrój there are also many lifts, the most popular group of which is situated in the station 'TOP-Ski' (there are four lifts with the length from 125 to 705 m and the elevation of 30-145 m). The most interesting ski resort is located on Jaworzyna mountain, 6 km from the centre of the resort. One can climb the top of the mountain in the cabin by the cableway (length — 2211 m, elevation — 35-250 m). Generally there are such centres of mountain tourism in Krynica-Zdrój:

• Henryk ski resort
• Gromada ski lift
• Słotwiny ski resort
• Jaworzyna Krynicka ski resort

For the outdoor activities one can also visit the modern ice stadium in the centre of Krynica-Zdrój. Also you can take a sleigh ride. The sleigh track is laid on Słotwincy mountain. The local Polish have a tradition of drinking heated beer with spices (grzaniec), it is considered to be one of the most popular drinks of the local cuisine. From the local dishes żurek (soup with meat, which is served here in loaves) is worth tasting. There are many museums in Krynica-Zdrój, ranging from the museum of mountain tourism to the toy museum. The estate-museum of Nikifor-Kryniczansky, the painter-primitivist, who lived for a long time here, is worth visiting. His real name is Yepifan Drovnyak and he comes from Ukraine.

 Walking and biking tourist trails:

In the suburbs of Krynica-Zdrój there is a wild forest thicket of Jaworzyna Krynicka's ridges that may be a good place for hiking. You can reach Jaworzyna (1114 m), the highest point, in the carriage of the cableway. For shorter trips you may choose the route nearby Parkowa m. (742 m), where the funicular goes.