Szczawnica

Szczawnica is an urban-rural municipality in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, established on January 1, 2008, as a result of the transformation of the former urban municipality. As part of this change, several rural areas, including Jaworki and Szlachtowa, were separated and granted village status. The municipality of Szczawnica borders Krościenko nad Dunajcem, Łącko, Piwniczna-Zdrój, and Rytro, as well as the municipality of Stary Sącz and Slovakia. The seat of the municipal authorities is the town of Szczawnica, which had a population of 7,351 in 2010. This municipality is particularly attractive due to its location in the picturesque Pieniny region and the presence of the Pieniny National Park. The area also includes the Poprad Landscape Park and numerous nature reserves, such as the Homole Gorge and Nad Kotelniczym Potokiem, which protect unique ecosystems and landscapes. Szczawnica is also home to many natural monuments, including 22 animate and 4 inanimate monuments. Parts of the municipality fall within Natura 2000 areas, such as the Ostoja Popradzka and Małe Pieniny. It is worth noting that the southern part of the municipality is covered by the South Lesser Poland Protected Landscape Area. The municipality is characterized by beautiful mountain landscapes and rich flora and fauna, attracting tourists and nature enthusiasts. Szczawnica also holds cultural significance; the region is known for its folklore, local traditions, and cultural events held throughout the year. The history of the municipality includes many interesting threads related to the development of tourism and spa culture, which have attracted visitors from various parts of Poland and abroad. As an urban-rural municipality, Szczawnica offers a perfect blend of stunning nature, rich history, and unique culture, making it an interesting place both to live in and to visit.