A place for treatment and rest
The healing effect of the waters at Szczawnica was described as early as the 17th century, but organised spa activity began in 1839 on the initiative of Józef Szalay. Today it treats respiratory and digestive conditions and rheumatic complaints. The historic spa quarter with its Swiss-style wooden guesthouses has largely been restored.
What to see
- Plac Dietla — the main square of the spa quarter, with the wooden Magdalena pump room
- The Lower Park — the historic spa park with its pavilions
- The Upper Park — a higher-lying layout with views of the Pieniny
- The chairlift up Palenica — 722 m a.s.l., with views of the Dunajec and the Tatras
- The end of the Dunajec raft trip — where the gorge trip finishes
Practical notes
Szczawnica lies about 30 km from Nowy Targ and 110 km from Kraków. The chairlift up Palenica runs all year (in winter it also serves as a ski lift); at the top there is a viewing terrace and places to eat. Szczawnica is worth several days — the Dunajec raft trip, walks in the Pieniny and strolls through the spa quarter.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- At the foot of the Pieniny, on the Dunajec, 30 km from Nowy Targ
- The waters
- Sodium-chloride-iodide mineral waters, used since 1839
- The chairlift
- Up Palenica (722 m), all year; a ski lift in winter
- The promenade
- Plac Dietla with the Magdalena pump room, reached on foot
- Nearby
- The end of the Dunajec raft trip, Sokolica, the Three Crowns
- Time needed
- A stay of 2–3 days
When to go
The spa season starts, quiet, with the parks in bloom.
The height of the season, busy, with plenty of events.
Golden parks, the best time for a cure and fewer visitors.
The ski season on Palenica and quiet spa stays.
Other sights in Pieniny
Straight-line distances from „Szczawnica — the spa town" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Szczawnica — the spa town within walking distance or a short drive.
