Krynica Górska, Poland, April 2025

After the long journey from Caracas to Nowy Sącz in April 2025, I wanted nothing more than to spend some peaceful, joyful time with my mother. To celebrate our reunion and the beginning of my holidays, we decided to take a day trip to one of the most charming places in southern Poland—Krynica-Zdrój. It turned out to be a perfect choice.
 
The day was everything we could have hoped for: bright spring sunshine, lush greenery everywhere, and a vibrant atmosphere as people flocked to enjoy the beauty of the season. Together, we talked, laughed, and simply savoured each other’s company, grateful for the moments of closeness after months apart.
 
Krynica-Zdrój, often referred to simply as Krynica, is one of Poland’s most beloved spa towns, known for its healing mineral waters and stunning architecture. Nestled in the foothills of the Beskid Sądecki mountains, the town combines natural beauty with elegant charm. Krynica’s history as a spa resort dates back to the 19th century, when it became a fashionable destination for those seeking rest and recuperation. Even today, it retains a nostalgic air of a bygone era, while still welcoming visitors with modern amenities.
 
One of the highlights of our visit was taking the delightful little funicular railway to the top of Góra Parkowa. The “Góra Parkowa train,” as it is affectionately known, has been carrying visitors up the hill since 1937. The ride, though short, is a journey into another world: as we ascended, the panorama of Krynica opened up below us, bathed in spring light. At the top, we strolled around the Parkowa Mountain Park, enjoying the views, the fresh mountain air, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature.
 
Back in the centre of Krynica, we wandered through its beautifully preserved streets. The architecture of the town is a feast for the eyes—an eclectic blend of Art Nouveau, Swiss-style wooden villas, and historic spa houses. Among the gems are the Old Spa House (Stary Dom Zdrojowy) with its grandiose façade, and the picturesque Wooden Pump Room (Pijalnia Główna), where visitors can still sample the town’s famous mineral waters. Every corner of Krynica seemed to whisper stories of its golden age, when it was frequented by writers, artists, and aristocrats seeking health and inspiration.
 
After spending a few wonderful hours exploring, we decided to extend our adventure and return to Nowy Sącz via Muszyna, driving along the enchanting road that hugs the Polish-Slovak border. The scenery was breathtaking—gentle hills, dense forests, and the winding Poprad River creating a serene landscape that felt untouched by time.
 
On the way, we passed through Żegiestów, a once-renowned spa town that shares the same cultural and geographical tapestry as Krynica. Żegiestów, like much of this border region, is steeped in a rich, complex history, blending Polish, Slovak, and Lemko traditions. Though quieter than Krynica today, its old spa buildings and natural beauty hint at its former splendour. The entire Polish-Slovak borderland is an area of unique charm, where cultures meet and nature reigns supreme.
 
As we drove home, with the sun slowly setting behind the hills, both Mum and I felt a deep sense of contentment. It had been a simple day, but a profoundly beautiful one—a celebration of family, spring, and the deep roots that connect us to home.
 
This trip to Krynica was not just a lovely excursion; it was the perfect beginning to my holiday, a gentle and heartwarming reminder of the simple joys that matter most.

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