Bukowina Tatrzańska

Bukowina Tatrzańska is a rural municipality located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, within the Tatra County, boasting a rich history and significant tourist importance. It covers an area of 131.84 km², of which approximately 47% is forested land. The municipality is home to numerous localities, such as Białka Tatrzańska, Czarna Góra, Jurgów, and Groń. It plays a major role in winter skiing recreation, with numerous ski resorts. In Bukowina, you can find the Turnia Ski Station and Rusiń-Ski, while in Białka Tatrzańska, the Kotelnica Białczańska Ski Resort features seven chairlifts. The region is also a well-known destination for skiing, with available pass systems such as "Tatra Ski," which also includes the resort in Jurgów. Besides skiing, Bukowina Tatrzańska is an attractive spot for aquapark enthusiasts, with complexes like Terma Bukowina and Terma Bania. The municipality has a rich cultural heritage, being part of the ethnographic regions of Podhale and Spisz, where traditions related to folklore, music, and highland dance can be encountered. From a historical perspective, the municipality of Bukowina was established in 1934, undergoing various administrative changes, and during World War II, it was incorporated into the General Government. At that time, the municipality had 3,248 inhabitants. After the war, it regained its original borders, and in 1973, it was reactivated with a new area, including new village districts. Demographically, according to data from 2004, the municipality stands out for the presence of Roma and Slovak minorities, adding to its ethnic diversity. Although small, Bukowina Tatrzańska is a place with a rich history and a diverse tourist offer, attracting both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation in thermal waters. Rysy—the highest peak in Poland—is located within the municipality, further emphasizing its mountainous character. The municipality borders Slovakia, which influences the cultural and tourist connections of the region.