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The Spa of Szczawno-Zdrój

The spa of Szczawno-Zdrój flourished in the 19th century thanks to the healing properties of its waters and the favourable microclimate of the Szczawnik stream valley at the foot of Chełmiec (850 m above sea level) in the Central Sudetes. Few Polish towns have such rich green areas — parks and gardens cover over 170 ha here.

A resort with famous guests

For centuries famous and wealthy spa guests came here: Emperor Wilhelm II, King Constantine of Greece, Cardinal Adam Sapieha, the creator of Esperanto Ludwik Zamenhof, Hipolit Cegielski and Jan Brzechwa. The town's German name, Bad Salzbrunn, recalls the times when it was an international resort filled with the multilingual bustle of the season.

Wieniawski and the spa today

The resort was linked with the violinist and composer Henryk Wieniawski, who came here for treatment and gave concerts during his stays. Since 1966 festivals named after him have been held in Szczawno, and the spa park bears the composer's name. Today the spa combines centuries-old traditions and 19th-century spa architecture with the achievements of modern medicine.

Practical information

The heart of the resort is the Dom Zdrojowy and the pump room with medicinal waters at Ratuszowa and Sienkiewicza streets, open all year round. Szczawno-Zdrój lies in Wałbrzych County and is a good base — 5 km away is Książ Castle, and the Church of Peace in Świdnica is also nearby.