Many people associate a trip "to the waters" with the traditions of bygone eras, but modern spa medicine is experiencing a renaissance. The Pieniny Mountains, with their unique microclimate and wealth of natural resources, are one of the most important places on the Polish health map.
What are spas and how do they affect our health?
Spa This area has legal status confirming its exceptional medicinal value. To obtain this status, it must possess natural resources (e.g., mineral waters or mud), a therapeutic climate, and appropriate medical infrastructure (sanatoriums, pump rooms).
A stay in such a place has an invaluable impact on our body, including:
- Baths and drinking mineral water treatments provide the body with essential elements that cannot be supplemented through diet.
- The specific mountain air, free from pollution, supports the treatment of asthma and allergies.
- Working in a "slow" mode, contact with nature and the lack of urban stimuli drastically reduce cortisol levels, which translates into better immunity.
Szczawnica - the pearl of the Pieniny Mountains and its "slaked"„
The brightest star in the region is undoubtedly Szczawnica. Its spa character was established in the 19th century, largely thanks to the efforts of the Szalay family. It was here that nature created ideal conditions for the regeneration of the respiratory and digestive systems.
Sorrel These unique bicarbonate-chloride-sodium waters, saturated with free carbon dioxide, are the "liquid gold" of Szczawnica.
The heart of the spa is Dietl Square with beautiful architecture. In stylish pump rooms you can taste waters such as Stefan, Josephine (oldest source), Magdalena Whether Jan.
The location in a deep valley means that the air here is constantly filtered and saturated with negative ions, which acts as a natural inhaler.
The name of the town comes directly from the above-mentioned „"sorrel"”. The region's ancient inhabitants used this term to describe the sour mineral waters that "stinged" the tongue when drinking them. Over time, the term became a permanent part of the city's name, becoming its trademark.
5 places with healing springs
The Pieniny Mountains and their surrounding area offer much more than just Szczawnica. Here's a list of places where you'll find healing waters and a spa-like atmosphere:
- Krościenko on the Dunajec River - there are three famous springs here: Stefan, Michalina and Mary. The water from here is excellent for digestive and urinary problems.
- Szczawnica (Pump Room at Dietl Square) - a must-visit place for every spa visitor, offering the widest selection of medicinal waters in the region.
- Czorsztyn (Maniowy) - a protected health resort area where respiratory tract conditions are treated, taking advantage of the soothing influence of the vicinity of Lake Czorsztyn.
- Piwniczna-Zdrój - although it is located right next to the Pieniny Mountains, it is famous for its "piwniczanki" waters, ideal for treating diabetes and stomach diseases.
- Wysowa-Zdrój - an intimate and peaceful health resort located a little further away, known for its extremely strong healing waters (e.g. Francis Whether Henry), helping with urological conditions.
When heading to the Pieniny Mountains, it's worth combining mountain hiking with regular drinking of water – it's the easiest way to achieve natural biological regeneration that you'll feel long after returning home. And after spending time in spas or on mountain health trails, we invite you to our Smile Hotel for delicious regional cuisine and regeneration for the next days of wonderful hiking.
