What is worth seeing in Szczawnica?

Located between the Radziejowa range and the Small Pieniny mountains on the Dunajec River, Szczawnica is one of the most beautiful towns, which, due to its characteristic architecture, stunning trails, and health-promoting waters with an exceptionally rich mineral composition, is frequently visited by tourists and spa guests. Due to its location, it is often referred to as the capital of the Pieniny. When planning a visit to this spa town, it is worth getting acquainted with these attractions:

1. Pieniny National Park

This is one of the 23 national parks located in Poland. Here we can find trails to the most important peaks of the Pieniny, such as Wysoka, Sokolica, and Trzy Korony, from which spectacular views of the Tatra peaks can be enjoyed.

2. Dunajec River Rafting

Undoubtedly one of the most important attractions of the Pieniny summer season for both adults and children. While floating on traditional rafts, we have the opportunity to get acquainted with the unique flora and fauna of Pieniny. Meandering along the Dunajec, we can see the grandeur of the limestone walls towering above us. And all of this is accompanied by stories from the raftsmen. The rafting starts in Sromowce and ends right in Szczawnica.

3. Dietl Square and the Mineral Water Pump Room

It only takes a moment to deviate from the main street running through Szczawnica to Zdrojowa Street to find oneself in an extraordinarily charming place. Around a small cobblestone square, there are wooden buildings that clearly reflect a harmonious combination of local and alpine styles. In the middle of the square, we find a fountain with a sculpture "Woman with a Jug". The most frequently visited spot in this area is the Mineral Water Pump Room, where we can find six types of waters: Stefan, Józefina, Józef, Jan Helena, Magdalena. The properties of each can be found on a large board hanging on the wall of the building. When in the square, it is essential to visit the Cafe Helenka, located in the place of the former Promenade Gallery, where spa guests used to stroll while drinking water. Today, we can enjoy delicious coffee and desserts there.

4. Lower and Upper Park

It is enough to walk a few meters away from the Pump Room to enter the Upper Park. While strolling along its alleys, we have the opportunity to see numerous sculptures, ponies, and historical objects, including the Inhalatorium and the spring chapel. If we want to visit the Lower Park, we need to find the PKS bus station located on the main street of Szczawnica.

5. Promenade by the Grajcarek Stream

If you wish to escape the noise of the city center, it is worth taking a walk along the Grajcarek stream. The promenade begins near the chairlift to Palenica. The path along the river will take us all the way to the raftsmen's landing.

Author of the photos and text: Ewa Bandyk