Poland’s Spa Towns: Healing Waters and History

Spa travel has a long tradition in Poland and its historic spa towns each have their own attractions and health specialties. American Travel Abroad and Orbis Travel offer programs that can take clients to many of the country’s top health resorts. Here, a list of favorites from the Polish National Tourist Office.

Krynica, 100 miles south of Krakow in the Carpathian Mountains, is the best-known spa town in Poland, according to the tourist office. In addition to its stunning wood and brick architecture, the spa has one of Europe’s most beautiful pump rooms with an indoor promenade, winter garden and theater complex. Treatments are available for maladies such as diabetes and blood diseases, while the Eris Spa, connected to Eris cosmetics, features a pool, sauna and fitness center.

Naleczow in southern Poland, 20 miles from Lublin, is a spa town catering to coronary disorders. Located in a 50-acre Spa Park are five sanatoriums, including one specializing in cardiology; the Malachowki Palace is the most popular spa treatment facility. Cultural attractions include an annual carnival of folk traditions (January) and the International Piano Festival (August).

Polanica lies in the Bystrzyca River Valley, 70 miles southwest of Wroclaw, surrounded by forested mountain slopes and flowering park landscapes. The qualities of the spa’s mineral springs have drawn spa-goers here for therapeutic treatments since the 19th century. Treatment specialties are circulatory and digestive system disorders.

Duszniki Zdroj, a health resort in the picturesque Bystrzyca Dusznicka Valley, lies on the Czech border, about 90 miles southwest of Wroclaw. The resort is known not only for its healing-power waters but also its cultural life, including an August Chopin festival.

Kudowa Zdroj, a health resort in the Sudety Mountains known for its mineral springs, boasts Lower Silesia’s largest sanatorium and pump room for drinking waters and baths. Other facilities include a running track, a pool, tennis court and fitness center.

For more information, contact the Polish National Tourist Office, 5 Marine View Plaza, Suite 208, Hoboken, NJ 07030 – 5722; (201) 420-9910, www.poland.travel; and American Travel Abroad, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 801, New York, NY 10018; amtainfo@amta.com, (212) 586-5230 www.amta.com.