Once we have traversed the length and breadth of the Kłodzko Land mountain ranges, it is worth taking a moment to look at what lies a little lower down. One of the first things that will strike your eye as you travel through the region is the incredible accumulation of small spa towns with architecture lifted vividly from Thomas Mann’ s Magic Mountain.
In a small area there are as many as five villages famous for their healing waters. We will introduce you to three of them!
Spas of the Klodzko Land – a word about history
The first visitors may have stayed in this area as early as… the 13th century, as evidenced by bathing devices found in Lądek-Zdrój.
The era in which our ideas of what spas are were formed in the 19th century. At the time, the Kłodzko Land emerged as a health resort melting pot where the whole of Germany, but also numerous patients from different parts of Europe, were treated.
The development of spa tourism was followed by architecture. Based on the “garden city” concept that was fashionable at the time, urban and spa developments were harmoniously combined with green spaces.
Today, in the towns of the region we can admire extensive spa parks, walking halls and pump houses. The parks are soothing to the eye with their ubiquitous greenery, and the mild climate, peace and quiet will make you feel like a true bather!
Polanica-Zdrój
Polanica-Zdrój is a small spa town in the picturesque valley of the Bystrzyca Dusznicka River. It is called the pearl of Polish health resorts. Outdoor enthusiasts will find their oasis here. There are plenty of mountain trails all around, which, after a short scenic walk, lead back to the center of the town.
When visiting this city, a must-see is a stroll along the promenade, which houses many atmospheric cafes and restaurants. There we can meet a distinctive bear statue and a chess park. There are also beautiful, centuries-old rhododendrons, which are under protection. In the spring, the shrubs literally trickle down the park with beautiful cascades of lilac flowers.
At the heart of the park is the Mineral Water Pump Room, where you can taste water from the Wielka Pieniawa intake. It is worth mentioning that water gushes from the springs thanks to its own pressure, without the need for any pumps, and has been used here for more than 120 years.
Duszniki-Zdrój
The basis of treatment in Duszniki is waters with special properties, gushing from four springs. Frederic Chopin himself was treated here for his tuberculosis. To commemorate this event, the Chopin Festival – the oldest musical event of its kind in Poland – is held every year in the local manor house. Its first edition was held in 1946.
The part with health resorts of Duszniki-Zdrój is located outside the city center. In the center, it is worth seeing the historic market square, and nearby, a unique paper mill, which hosts the Museum of Papermaking. Both in the spa area and in the center you can enjoy the services of numerous restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and, of course, one of several sanatoriums.
Walking through the spa park you can admire the unusual old-growth forest, and in summer – beautiful palm trees displayed in huge pots. The final point of a stroll through Duszniki may be a visit to the classicist Mineral Water Pump Room.
Lądek-Zdrój
Only half an hour drive separates Duszniki from the oldest health resort in the Kłodzko Land, which is Lądek-Zdrój. Much evidence suggests that it is also the oldest health resort in Poland. Evidence shows that bathing facilities existed here as early as 1241.
Such people of the great world as Empress Catherine II, Emperor Alexander I, Prussian kings, Goethe and even John Quincy Adams – the President of the United States – were treated in Lądek.
The most important building in Ladek-Zdroj is the representative sanatorium “Wojciech” with neo-baroque decorations, built directly over the hot mineral water spring, which is still active today. It features a pump room and a circular pool with water from a thermal spring. It is surrounded by 19th-century marble tubs for bubble baths.
On the first floor there is a charming cafe and a terrace with a beautiful view of the park. It allows you to enjoy the blissful tranquility of the resort. Nearby is the “Jerzy” Sanatorium, which is one of the oldest facilities of its kind in Europe. It was built in 1498 on a water source by one of the owners of Lądek-Zdroj – Jerzy z Podiebradów.
It is especially worth visiting Lądek-Zdrój in early September, when the Mountain Festival takes place. An interview with Maciek, its organizer, can be found here.
EXPLORE THE REGION – KŁODZKO LAND
