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Krynica-Zdrój is the ideal place for a holiday getaway. The area is famous for its unique sub-Alpine microclimate, attractive hiking trails and mineral and healing waters. What should you see in Krynica-Zdrój in summer? Introducing the best summer attractions for children and adults in Krynica.
Krynica-Zdrój — what to see here in summer?
There is a reason why Krynica-Zdrój is called the “mountain pearl of Polish spas”. The town has a unique subalpine microclimate and is home to some of the most famous mineral and healing waters in Poland. But these are not all the reasons to visit Krynica-Zdrój. There are many more attractions here in summer and winter! Below we present the best of the must-see places on your holiday.
Krynica promenade and mineral water pump rooms
A must-see item of the itinerary in Krynica-Zdrój is to take a walk along the Krynica Promenade, along the route of the beautiful historic villas and the Mineral Water Pump Rooms. You can try Krynica’s most famous waters with healing properties at the Main Pump Room and the Old Baths. If you want to drink water for therapeutic reasons, try the Kryniczanka water, as well as the Zdrój Główny, Słotwinka, Jan, Józef, Tadeusz, Mieczysław and Zuber intakes.
Parkowa Mountain and Spa Park in Krynica-Zdrój
In the very centre of Krynica-Zdrój, you will find the Parkowa Mountain. The summit, 742 metres above sea level, can be reached on foot or by funicular railway. On its slopes lies the Spa Park with its historic gazebos from the 19th century and beautiful barrier lakes, the so-called Czaple Stawy. There are also two springs with exceptional properties:
- Bocianówka — drinking water from this spring and stroking the stork figure is recommended for women having problems getting pregnant;
- Źródło Miłości — drinking water from this spring is recommended for couples. According to legend, a great love will bond the drinker to the first person they see after tasting the water from the spring.
Słotwiński Park in Krynica-Zdrój
In the northern part of the town of Krynica-Zdrój lies the Slotwinski Park. An interesting place to visit here is the wooden structures of the so-called Chinese Pavilion, as well as the orchestra pavilion from 1870. Słotwiński Park also features a brine graduation tower with brine from the Bochnia salt mine. This is a good place to visit for people with respiratory diseases.
Treetop path in Krynica-Zdrój
One of the newer attractions in Krynica-Zdrój is the Treetop Path in the Jaworzyna Krynicka range. From the top of the wooden observation tower, at almost 50 metres, you can admire beautiful views of Beskid Sądecki, Beskid Niski and the Lewockie Mountains.
Jaworzyna Krynicka
The highest peak in Krynica-Zdrój is Jaworzyna Krynicka. The 1114-metre-high mountain can be reached on foot from the town centre, such a walk takes about two hours each way. It is also possible to take the longest gondola lift in Poland, from Czarny Potok, to take you to the top. The longest trail in the Polish mountains, the Main Beskid Trail, which is almost 500 kilometres long, runs through Jaworzyna Krynicka.
Trail of Lemko Churches
The municipality of Krynica-Zdrój was inhabited by an ethnic group called the Lemkos. Orthodox churches built by Lemkos at the turn of the 18th and 19th century have survived in this town and its surroundings to this day. The oldest wooden church in the Polish Carpathian Mountains, dating back to 1600, is located just 10 minutes by car from Krynica-Zdrój. The Orthodox Church of St. James the Apostle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Toy Museum in Krynica-Zdrój
The basement of the New Mineral Baths, not far from the promenade in Krynica, houses a very interesting Toy Museum. The collection consists of more than 3,500 exhibits and includes toys from all over the world — treasures from archaeological sites, sacral toys, film props, party games and much more. Some of them are more than 100 or 200 years old!
Nikifor Krynicki Museum in Krynica-Zdrój
While in Krynica-Zdrój, it is also worth visiting the Nikifor Krynicki Museum. The artist’s real name was Epifaniusz Drowniak and he spent most of his life in poverty, painting the landscapes of Krynica. Drowniak’s work, including self-portraits, depictions of Krynica villas and Orthodox churches, was done in the so-called primitivism style, similar to the works of Henri Rousseau or Louis Vivin.
Not far from Krynica-Zdrój there is also another interesting spa town – Muszyna
While enjoying a longer stay in Krynica-Zdrój, it is also worth visiting a nearby town located about 12 minutes by car – Muszyna. The small spa town is located in the picturesque Poprad Valley, in the middle of the Beskid Sądecki Mountains. It makes an excellent base for hiking and cycling, and offers many interesting activities for the whole family. Below we present some of the best ideas.
Mineral water pump rooms in Muszyna
One of Muszyna’s greatest attractions is, as in the case of Krynica-Zdrój, mineral water pump rooms. The oldest spa pump room in Muszyna is Antoni. The Pump Room can be found on Aleja Zdrojowa, near the Magic Gardens (Love Gardens)
Magic Gardens (Love Gardens) in Muszyna
The Magic Gardens (Love Gardens) in Muszyna are a leisure and recreation area of more than 27,000 square metres. They feature numerous walking paths and recreational ponds, surrounded by greenery and sandstone statues. This is also where you can meet many interesting animals in the so-called mini zoo located at the end of the Magic Gardens. The gardens are open 24 hours a day and are well worth visiting both during the day and in the evening or at night.
Malnik Mountain
Approximately 40 minutes on foot from the centre of Muszyna is the Malnik Mountain. The peak, 727 metres above sea level, provides beautiful views of the Beskid Sądecki Mountains, the Slovak ranges and the Tatra Mountains. The viewpoint can also be reached by car. A viewing tower is currently being built on Malnik Mountain.
Sensory Gardens and Bible Gardens in Muszyna
An interesting attraction in Muszyna is the Sensory Gardens with a viewing tower and the Bible Gardens. The Sensory Gardens are used for therapeutic and educational purposes and were designed to appeal to all the senses. Meanwhile, the Bible Gardens feature plant species mentioned in the Bible, while the architecture refers to various biblical events, from the creation of the world to the resurrection of Jesus.
Mofettes in Muszyna
Not far from Muszyna you can find so-called mofettes, which are volcanic vents with temperatures below 100°C. Mofettes eject large amounts of carbon dioxide from inside the earth into the atmosphere. A similar attraction can be found in Iceland — vents can be found for example in the Hverir geothermal fields.
