Szczawnica

Szczawnica is a picturesque spa town located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the Grajcarek Valley, at the border of the Pieniny and Sądecki Beskid Mountains. It offers a rich array of architectural attractions, including numerous villas and sanatoriums from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as "Pod Bogurodzicą" or the "Modrzewie" sanatorium. The history of Szczawnica dates back to 1413, and its development as a spa began in the 19th century thanks to Józef Szalay, who was a pioneer of local health tourism. Residents enjoy the second-largest spa in Poland and beautiful landscapes that attract tourists for hiking and rafting on the Dunajec River. Various cultural and sporting events take place in Szczawnica, such as amateur skiing and mountain biking championships, concerts, and Easter palm competitions. It is worth noting the unique "Szalay emblems," wooden plaques assigned to buildings, which are a local tradition indicating the possibility of renting a room. Szczawnica is also home to many walking paths in the Upper Park, designed by Szalay. Natural mineral water springs with health benefits can be found here, attracting visitors from all over Poland and beyond. The town is also rich in green areas and is surrounded by the Pieniny National Park, which promotes ecotourism. A visit to Szczawnica is enhanced by historic chapels and cemeteries, as well as developed tourist infrastructure, including modern hotels. An interesting fact is that on July 22, 1962, Szczawnica was granted town rights, and in 2008, it gained the status of an urban-rural municipality, reflecting its dynamic development and adaptation to the changing needs of residents and tourists. The town's international cooperation with foreign partners, such as Leśnica in Slovakia, fosters cultural exchange and joint initiatives. Szczawnica is a place where nature, health, and culture harmoniously intertwine, making it an attractive destination for tourists and a home for its residents.