Iwonicz-Zdrój

Popular Healing Waters and Famous Guests in the Low Beskids

Old Palace in Iwonicz-Zdrój, photo by Archive of the Municipal Office in Iwonicz-Zdrój

Already in 1578, the court physician of King Stefan Batory, Wojciech Oczko, provided the first information about the beneficial properties of the mineral waters of Iwonicz. This spa in the Low Beskids gained recognition beyond the borders of Poland as well. The healing influence of the local minerals was valued by, among others, the physician of Queen Marysieńka Sobieska and the medic of King Louis XIV of France.

The 19th century saw dynamic development in Iwonicz-Zdrój, when the then owners – the Załuski family – built the first bathhouse and guesthouses, surrounded by a charming park. At that time, Iwonicz-Zdrój became a center of social and cultural life. During this period, Dr. Józef Pol, the brother of the famous poet Wincenty Pol, who also often visited Iwonicz-Zdrój, was the spa physician. The Podkarpackie resort was also visited by Jan Matejko and Eliza Orzeszkowa, contributing to its popularity.

Wooden Architecture Trail

The town in the Low Beskids – once a real European resort, today impresses with its preserved original spatial layout with wooden villas and guesthouses from the 19th century. They were built in a characteristic Swiss style, which gives this place a unique atmosphere. The axis of the development is a charming promenade and the picturesque Dietl Square.

Bazar Tower in Iwonicz-Zdrój, photo by M. Bosek

Among the attractions of the Low Beskids and the monuments of Iwonicz-Zdrój, the so-called Old Palace – the oldest of the buildings – stands out as the summer residence of the Załuski family. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Iwonicz-Zdrój Spa Administration. From those times, there is also a pavilion in the shape of an octagonal gloriette. From later years come impressive buildings, such as the two-story Spa House, the charming Krakowiak, eclectic Belvedere, Bazar with its characteristic clock tower, Villa Ustronie, Mineral Baths, and Villa White Eagle. These architectural gems, also under the sign of wooden architecture, attract attention and make Iwonicz-Zdrój emanate an extraordinary historical charm.

READ MORE ABOUT THE ATTRACTION ON THE WOODEN ARCHITECTURE TRAIL WEBSITE

Natural Curiosities, Enchanting Views, and Clean Air in the Low Beskids

Iwonicz-Zdrój is famous for its therapeutic qualities. The city has been known for centuries for the healing impact of its mineral waters on various ailments. Valued and described for ages, they have a favorable effect on the digestive system, urinary system, and respiratory tract. This Beskid town is not only a healing place but also an oasis of peace surrounded by natural treasures. From the city center, a nature trail leads to the enchanting source of Bełkotka, associated with a legend that says that years ago, lightning struck the calm water surface, and its powerful energy was trapped in the spring's depth. Continuous efforts to release this energy result in the water churning. It's worth adding that in the past, Bełkotka enjoyed the reputation of being the most valuable healing source in the area; today, it remains a charming attraction of the spa.

Scenic trails of the Low Beskids, photo by K. Kłysewicz

From the hills towering over Iwonicz-Zdrój, picturesque views of the Low Beskids unfold. From Góra Winiarska, one can admire, among others, the eastern part of the spa, the Rymanowskie Hills, Kamieniec Castle, or the surroundings of Krosno and the heart of the Low Beskids – Cergowa Mountain with its lookout tower.

Located at an altitude of 410 meters above sea level in the picturesque valley of Iwonicz Stream, Iwonicz-Zdrój offers not only healing waters but also a unique environment. This makes the spa a perfect place for those wishing to regenerate their strength surrounded by nature. Its charming location among the green fir-beech forests of the Low Beskids, on the slopes of the hills, means that the climate of this spa is classified as sub-mountainous.

 

It is characterized by little temperature variability throughout the day, which generates moderate thermal stimuli. In addition, the rich forestation naturally protects against wind, and the terrain creates excellent ventilation conditions. All this, combined with clean air, also creates favorable bioclimatic conditions, placing Iwonicz-Zdrój among the best natural spas in Poland.

An asset is the aforementioned numerous sources of mineral waters, which are an important healing resource of the spa. Although some of them are no longer exploited, there is still a wealth of natural health properties of drinking waters waiting for spa-goers and tourists.

Iwonicz-Zdrój - how to get there?

Planning a visit to the picturesque Iwonicz-Zdrój, one of the oldest health resorts in Poland, it's worth knowing the best ways to reach this charming corner of the Podkarpackie region. So, how to get to Iwonicz-Zdrój?

Whether you're traveling by car, train, or bus, access to Iwonicz-Zdrój is convenient and straightforward.

By car: Traveling by car, Iwonicz-Zdrój is in a convenient location, easily accessible from the main cities of the region thanks to a well-developed road network. A direct road from Krosno, the nearest larger city, leads to Iwonicz-Zdrój, allowing for quick and comfortable travel.

By train and bus: For those who prefer public transport, the nearest railway station is in Krosno, from where buses regularly run directly to Iwonicz-Zdrój. Additionally, direct bus connections from larger cities, such as Rzeszów or Kraków, provide easy access for visitors from further parts of the country.

When planning a trip to Iwonicz-Zdrój, it's worth checking the current timetables and available connections to effortlessly enjoy everything this unique health resort has to offer.

Tourist Attractions of Iwonicz-Zdrój and Its Vicinity

Mineral Springs

Iwonicz-Zdrój is famous for its unique mineral springs, whose health properties have been appreciated for centuries. It's worth visiting the brine and medicinal springs to experience their impact on health and well-being.

 

Spa Park

A walk through the picturesque Spa Park allows for relaxation among the greenery and enjoying the fresh air and peace provided by ancient trees and beautifully maintained alleys.

Promenade in Iwonicz-Zdrój, photo by G. Joniec

Tourist Trails of the Low Beskids

Iwonicz-Zdrój is an excellent place for active tourism – hiking and cycling. Marked trails lead to the most interesting scenic and tourist spots, offering not only physical activity but also the opportunity to contemplate nature. Discover the charms of the Low Beskids on foot or by bike, enjoying the contact with nature. There is also a network of bicycle rental shops in the area, making it easier to organize cycling escapades.

SEE WHERE TO RENT A BICYCLE

Kamieniec Castle

The surrounding attractions of the Low Beskids – including the mysterious Kamieniec Castle in Odrzykoń, located close to the "Prządki" nature reserve – also invite visits. Known from Fredro's drama "The Revenge," the castle also serves as a cultural center, organizing various events and exhibitions.

Worth seeing i Iwonicz-Zdrój:

The Old Palace (headquarters of the resort management)

• promenade

• statue of Wojciech Oczko

• sculpture of the Mother Thrice Admirable from the 19th century

• 19th century villas and spa buildings with designs referring to Swiss-style spa architecture

• Bazaar with the clock tower

• Spa House

• Old Mineral Baths

• Pump Room with an indoors promenade

• Belvedere

• Krakowiak Spa House

• Biały Orzeł Spa House

• Ustronie Spa House

• Pod Jodłą Spa House

• Wooden Spa chapel from 1845 dedicated to St. Ivo

• Nature path leading to the spring called Bełkotka (Mumbler), releasing bubbles of flammable gas

• stone obelisk from 1845, honouring memory of Karol Załuski, the founder of the spa facility

Photo: Gabriela Joniec