www.visitmalopolska.pl

Projekt współfinansowany przez Unię Europejską w ramach Małopolskiego Regionalnego Programu Operacyjnego na lata 2007–2013

UNIA EUROPEJSKAEUROPEJSKI FUNDUSZ

ROZWOJU REGIONALNEGO

The Joy of Water

www.visitmalopolska.pl

Project co-financed by the European Union within the Malopolska Regional Operational Programme 2007–2013

EUROPEAN UNIONEUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Małopolska 8 UNESCO sites

250 attractionson the Wooden Architecture Route

Wadowice – town of birthof Pope John Paul II

Salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia

9 spa resorts

6 national parks

4 geothermal pools

Rafting down the Dunajec gorge

2600 km of bicycle trails

3360 km of mountain trails

250 ski runs

Małopolska

Wysowa-Zdrój

KRAKÓW

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MałopolskaCapital of the region: KrakówMajor cities: Tarnów, Nowy Sącz, OświęcimSurface area: 15,190 km2 (about 5% of the surface area of Poland)Population: 3.28 mil. (about 8% of the population of Poland)Landscape: the tallest peak – Rysy: 2499 m asl mountains – Tatras, Beskids, Pieniny, Gorce foothills – Carpathian Foothills uplands – Kraków-Częstochowa Upland lowlands – Vistula valley main rivers – Vistula, Dunajec, Poprad, Raba, Skawa, Biała water reservoirs – Czorsztyński, Rożnowski, Czchowski, Dobczycki, Klimkówka the highest located, cleanest lakes – Morskie Oko, Czarny Staw, the lakes of the Valley of Five Polish Lakes the largest and deepest cave – Wielka Śnieżna Cave: over 22 km of corridors, 824 m deep

Publisher Department of Tourism, Sport and Promotion at The Office of the Marshal of the Małopolska ProvinceRegional Tourism Information System Teamul. Basztowa 22, 31-156 Krakówmsit@malopolska.mw.gov.plwww.visitmalopolska.pl

Text Iwona Baturo, Krzysztof Bzowski

PhotosT. Gębuś, J. Gorlach, M. Zaręba, D. Zaród, iStockphoto.com photo archive, Kraków Water Park photo archive

PublishingAmistad Sp. z o.o. – Program ul. Stolarska 13/7, 31-043 Krakówtel./faks: + 48 12 4229922biuro@polskaturystyczna.pl, www.polskaturystyczna.plProduction management: Agnieszka Błaszczak, Małgorzata CzopikProject coordination: Katarzyna ThorPublishing concept: Anna NiedźwieńskaEditor: Aurelia HołubowskaProofreading: Agnieszka SzmucCover design, graphic design: PART SAMaps: Wydawnictwo Kartograficzne Daunpol sp. z o.o. Typesetting, preparation for print: Michał TincelTranslation and proofreading: EuroInterpret Dominik Moser

Kraków 2010, ISBN 978-83-63091-00-2 The authors and publishers have made every effort to ensure the text is accurate, however, they cannot be responsible for any changes that took place after the materials have been prepared for publishing. Materials prepared as of 29 October 2010.

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Thermal baths and water parks have recently become extremely popular. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as the healthful qualities of water have been known since antiquity, while it is just the extent

of practical application of that knowledge that has been expanding since the 19th century. Not many people know that the fashionable term spa is an acronym of the Latin expression sanus per aquam – healthy through water. This is why new health clinics and hotels, where water is used for health purposes, are called spa centres. For health and beauty, one can also opt for wellness treatments, which improve the mental state, as well as relax and unwind. They usually include a session in a sauna or a bath, which lets you feel extremely fresh and invigorated.

In Małopolska, where hydrotherapy has been present for a long time, a number of towns are renowned health resorts, e.g. Krynica-Zdrój, Szcza-wnica, Piwniczna-Zdrój, Muszyna, Rabka-Zdrój. Today, next to the old san-atoria, new luxurious spa hotels are constructed, where European stand-ards go hand in hand with exquisite offers. This is confirmed by certificates and awards, as well as customers appreciating the atmosphere and pro-fessionalism in these facilities.

Health through water means not just spa & wellness centres, but also swimming pools and bathing resorts. Most thermal waters have therapeutic properties. Poland can boast a wealth of thermal springs, with a larger number of them only in Słovakia and Hungary. During the colder months of the year, bathing in warm water becomes a mag-ical experience, and lets you get close to the so sought-after state of wellness (harmony of body and mind). Water parks constitute anoth-er pro-health element of the mosaic. Extremely popular, they combine relaxation with excellent fun.

A waterfall in the Magurski National Park, photo by D. Zaród

Spis treściChapter I. Thermal pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Chapter II. Water parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Chapter III. By the water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MAŁOPOLSKAThe Joy of Water

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Thermal poolsBańska Niżna, Podhale Thermal SpringsThis cosy thermal bath complex situated 700 m asl is open all-year-round. The pools are fed with geothermal water coming from a 3000 m deep well. The water makes its way to the baths through the well, and is cooled down to a temperature of 30– –38°C. Mineralised water (containing, among other things, calci-um, iron, magnesium, sulphur, chromium, manganese, chlorine) has a beneficial effect on the muscular and articular system, eases the symptoms of skin diseases and soothes the nerves.Pools. The facility comprises 4 pools (depth not greater than 1.2 m) and a paddling pool for children. The indoor pools are quite small: the first, with a 3-track water slide, is mainly for children, while the second one, with bubbles, i.e. hydro massage, is ideal for relaxation. Nearby you will also find a jacuzzi and a steam bath. The third swimming pool is much larger and has both a roofed and an unroofed part, while the fourth pool is entirely outdoors. Both pools feature a variety of devices for hydro massage: power showers, benches and couches with bubbles, geysers etc. The outdoor pool also features a separate part with the so-called rapid river.

AccommodAtion And food. The bathing resort offers accom-modation in suites for 1–4 guests (150–480 PLN per night, free for children under 3). The price includes buffet break-fast and access to the swimming pools including all the at-tractions. The complex has two restaurants, one of which is situated within the pool area. Payment in this restau-rant is not made by cash. The transaction is registered on an electronic chip and settled upon leaving.oPening hours And Prices. The facility is open: daily 8am––10pm, last admission at 8:50pm. Tickets: 16–45 PLN, day pass 50 PLN. Passes: 120–360 PLN.

Podhale Thermal Springs (Termy Podhalańskie), ul. Osie-dle Nowe 20, Bańska Niżna, \ +48 18 2001500, / www.ter-mypodhalanskie.pl. The complex is situated 300 m from the popular Zakopianka (road no. 47), 11 km from Zakopane, and 8 km from Nowy Targ.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSZakopane, which needs no recommendation. Nowy Targ with its wooden church od St. Anne (Niwa district). There is a number of wooden temples in the area, i.e. in Harklowa, Łopuszna and Dębno – inscribed on the UNESCO list. In Ludźmierz you will find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Podhale.

Podhale Thermal Springs, photo by J. Gorlach The outdoor pool, photo by J. Gorlach

Podhale Thermal Springs, photo by J. Gorlach

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Bukowina Tatrzańska, Thermal SpringsBukowina thermal springs is a huge entertainment centre, and at the same time a recuperation and regeneration centre. On the vast premises (4 ha), in a sheltered area, with stunning views of the mountains, you can enjoy several swimming pools with wa-ter temperature of 28–36°C. Warm water is sourced from a well that goes 2500 m underground. Trace elements and other ele-ments contained in the water (sodium, calcium, chlorine, potas-sium, sulphur, magnesium, chromium) help lose extra pounds, have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and speed up recovery. Guests of the facility can also take advantage of the modern “Góralskie Łospary” sauna complex, which includes the benefits of steam baths, as well as aroma- and chromotherapy (treatment with the use of colours). The centre also offers mas-sages and treatments conducive to faster burning of fatty tissue.Pools. The thermal springs comprise 12 pools, 4 of which are paddling pools. Apart from a dedicated zone for children and young people, the building also houses the Bulgotnik (hydro massage pool), Bonior ba-sisty (recreational pool) and a jacuzzi. Out-door pools include: Niebiesko dolina (recre-ational pool with hydro massage), Cepersko Płań (swimming pool with a depth of 1.5 m), Jaskinia nad Porońcem (with hydro massage and a rocky grotto), Corny staw (recreational

pool), the small Zostawnica and a paddling pool. Attractions also include three water slides with a combined length of over 100 m. AccommodAtion And food. Guests can take advantage of two res-taurants, an outdoor summer bar and a newly opened hotel. oPening hours And Prices. The facility is open: daily 8am–10pm. Tick-ets: low season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec apart from Sat and Sun and long weekends) 20–35 PLN, day pass 40–70 PLN; high season (Jul–Aug, Jan–Mar, all Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends) 25–45 PLN, day pass 53–85 PLN. Free for children under 90 cm. Admission to the sauna complex paid separately.

Bukowina Thermal Springs (Terma Bukowina), ul. Sporto-wa 22, Bukowina Tatrzańska, \ +48 18 2020070, / www.ter-mabukowina.pl. Marked route from the centre of the town; 15 km to Zakopane, 20 km to Nowy Targ.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSThere is a beautiful church in Bukowina Tatrzańska that draws on the tradition of wooden sacred architecture. More wooden temples can be found in Białka Tatrzańska (housing an exhibition of regional items) and in Jurgów. In Czarna Góra, in the Korkoszów homestead, there is a museum presenting a rich, old style farm from the Spis region. The greatest local attraction, however, is Zakopane itself, as well as mountain trips.

Thermal Springs in Bukowina Tatrzańska, photo by J. Gorlach Bukowina Tatrzańska, photo by J. Gorlach

Thermal Springs in Bukowina Tatrzańska, photo by J. Gorlach On the trail, iStockphoto.com

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Zakopane, Szymoszkowa bathing resortThe bathing resort on the Szymoszkowa Glade is a typical open-air recreational facility. Around a huge pool filled with geother-mal water with a temperature of 30°C, you will find a vast sun-bathing area with a dedicated beach volleyball court. One of the facility’s advantages is its location that guarantees magnif-icent views of the Giewont mountain and other peaks of the Tatras. Mineralised water that fills the basin comes from the Szymoszkowa well that reaches 1700 m underground. Its wa-ter has therapeutic properties, and includes precious elements and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium).Pool. The shape of the basin resem-bles a natural pond, whose edge (at least partially) gently descends into the water. It is split in half by a small cause-way. The shallower part includes water slides for children, as well as a hydro massage mushroom. The large water slide (with four tracks) situated on the

other side of the basin is available for children above 10 y/o (and at least 140 cm tall).food. There is a tavern on the premises that serves hot me-als. The tavern building also houses the changing rooms.oPening hours And Prices. The facility is open only during the summer (end of June–beginning of September), da-ily 9am–dusk. Tickets: day pass 17–22 PLN; afternoon pass (from 3pm) 13–17 PLN.

Szymoszkowa bathing resort (Kąpielisko Szymoszkowa), Polana Szymoszkowa 2, Zakopane, \ +48 18 2017230, / www.szymoszkowa.pl/kapielisko. The bathing resort is situated 4 km from the centre of Zakopane; follow Powstańców Śląskich stre-et to get there.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSThe Gubałówka mountain, which you can reach by taking the gondola lift. Chochołów, famous for its well preserved wooden architecture from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries.Wooden churches can be seen in Bukowina and Białka Tatrzańska.

Szymoszkowa bathing resort, photo by J. Gorlach The Gubałówka mountain, photo by J. GorlachSzymoszkowa, photo by J. Gorlach

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Water parks

Kraków, Water ParkKraków water park is the largest indoor water park in Po-land. The hall features 2 large pools and a paddling pool. The number of attractions available here will make you giddy. The pipes and slides alone, with different difficulty levels, are more than 800 m long. The facility’s offer also includes: a 30-metre long rapid river, colourful, floating is-lands, used for getting to the other end of the pool, a 4-me-tre high climbing wall and a Tibetan bridge – a challenging tightrope crossing. The youngest visitors can enjoy a fair-sized paddling pool with the pirates’ island and spurting fountains. Older guests can take advantage of four swim-ming lanes and various types of hydro massage devices (power showers, benches and couches with bubbles, gey-sers etc.). You can also play volleyball, basketball and wa-ter polo.food. The water park building houses the Aquatio restau-rant, as well as the Water Bar (Barek Wodny) in the pool zone, where you can have a meal as well as a drink. The price is recorded on a wristband chip, and the transaction is settled at the till upon leaving.

AdditionAl offers. The complex also features: children’s playroom (the so-called figlopark), and a video arcade. Also available is the beauty and regeneration centre.oPening hours And Prices. The facility is open: daily 8am–10pm. Tickets: 1-hour “Happy hours” (bought between 8am and 9am) 10–14 PLN, 1-hour regular 15–21 PLN, 1-hour with sauna 26 PLN, 1-hour family (2 adults + 1 child) 39–45 PLN (extra person 13–15 PLN), day pass 32–46 PLN. Admission free for children under 3.

Water Park (Park Wodny), ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126, Kraków, \ +48 12 6163190, 6163191, / www.parkwodny.pl. The park is located out-side Kraków city centre, near the Gen. Bora-Komorowskiego ave-nue. Access by bus no. 128, 129, 132, 138, 139, 142, 152, 169, 188, 425.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSKraków – old town with the magnificent Main Market Square and Wawel Hill, as well as the Kazimierz district (inscribed on the UNESCO list). Nowa Huta, the Kościuszko Mound, the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec and the Cistercian Abbey in Mogiła. A plethora of attractions can be enjoyed in the Kraków area during a trip to the Ojców National Park or the Jurassic Kraków Valleys. Moreover, there is the picturesque Niepołomice Forest and the incredible salt mine in Wieliczka, also inscribed on the UNESCO list.

The Water Park in Kraków, Kraków Water Park photo archive The Water Park in Kraków, Kraków Water Park photo archive

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Trzebinia, Aqua PlanetThe Trzebinia complex is a modern sports and recreation centre. The swimming pools that are part of the complex have clearly separated functions. The 25-metre pool (depth 1.30–1.80 m) with six marked-off lanes is intended for swim-ming. Those who prefer relaxation and water fun can take advantage of the recreational pool. It features hydro mas-sage devices: a water massage mushroom and a cascade, as well as a separate part for kids and a 68-metre long slide. There is also a jaccuzzi next to it. From the swimming pool hall you can enter the sauna complex. It includes a Finnish style dry sauna and a Roman steam sauna. The swimming pool guests can also rent deckchairs and swimming equip-ment (flippers in all sizes, swimming boards for learning to swim, flotation belts, water wings, life rings, balls...). All fees in the water zone are recorded on the wristband chip, and payment is made at the till upon leaving. Parents with small children (up to 3 years old) can use a special locker room, which includes, among other things, a baby changing table.food. The complex has an Aqua Sfera café which offers drinks and snacks (bar meals ranging from French bread pizzas to pierogi).

AdditionAl offers. In Aqua Planet you can take advantage of the modern cryochamber, i.e. a low temperature chamber (the temperature on the body is -100°C). The treatment, which is an amazing energy shot that improves skin suppleness, lasts about 2–3 minutes. The complex also features a gym.oPening hours And Prices. The complex is open everyday from 6am to 10pm. 70-minute tickets 7.50–13 PLN. Passes: month-ly 25–80 PLN (several persons can enter at the same time with the pass), additional seasonal passes and admissions in the summer. Free admission for children under 3 years old. Separate fees apply for the sauna and the cryochamber.

Aqua Planet, ul. Kruczkowskiego 1a, Trzebinia \+48 32 6180624, /www.aquaplanet.com.pl. The complex is loca-ted in the city centre, next to the Trzebinia refinery.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSThe natural attraction of Trzebinia, Balaton, is a water reservoir located in the centre, in a closed excavation of a disused quarry. During the summer, it functions as a bathing resort, and the waterside climbing walls are popular with climbing enthusiasts. The Dulowska Forest that provides a break from civilisation. Wygiełzów with a wonderful heritage park. The ruins of the Lipowiec castle (open to visitors). Beautiful market square surrounded with historic wooden houses in Alwernia.

Aqua Planet, photo by M. Zaręba Aqua Planet, photo by M. Zaręba

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Zakopane, Zakopane Aqua Park Apart from water attractions, the Zakopane water park, locat-ed on the slopes of Antałówka, guarantees beautiful views, es-pecially of the Giewont mountain. You can relax in three pools equipped with hydro massage devices (power showers, cas-cades, couches). Two of them have a separate swimming area. The swimming pool, filled with geothermal water with a tem-perature of 30.5°C, looks particularly attractive from an obser-vation terrace outside the hall. As in all water parks, the main en-tertainment consists of water slides: two pipes of a total length of over 270 m and three much shorter, typical water chutes. The characteristic element of the Zakopane water complex is the exceptionally long, so-called rapid river. A large paddling pool, with a friendly water-belching dragon, has been prepared especially for children. The hall also offers a few jacuzzis. The water park guests can also take advantage of the sauna com-plex (Finnish, brine and a biosauna), a steam bath, an ice grot-to (with a temperature of 10–15°C), and a sunny meadow, i.e. a relaxation room.food. Apart from the restaurant and the café, the pool hall fea-tures the so-called wet bar. The purchases at the bar are reg-istered on an electronic chip, and payment is made at the till upon leaving.

AdditionAl offers. The complex also features a bowling alley.oPening hours And Prices. The water park is open daily from 9am to 10pm, the outdoor swimming pool and water attrac-tions: 10am–8.50pm, saunas: daily 2pm–9pm. Tickets: low sea-son 10–28 PLN, day passes 30–50 PLN; high season during the summer (middle Jun until middle Sept) and winter (middle Dec until Feb) 11–32 PLN; day passes 40–60 PLN. Free admission for children under 3 years old. Separate fee for the bowling alley.

Zakopane Aqua Park, ul. Jagiellońska 31, Zakopane, \+48 18 2025815, 2001122, /www.aquapark.zakopane.pl.The water park is located close to the railway and coach stations.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSZakopane – places less attended by tourists: one of them is the charming Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery, where many famous Poles were buried, including Stanisław Witkiewicz – the creator of the Zakopane style, poet Kazimierz Przerwa- -Tetmajer, writer Kornel Makuszyński, and gen. Mariusz Zaruski – the founder of TOPR (Tatra Voluntary Mountain Rescue Service). Tatra Museum and the Museum of Zakopane Style (at Kościeliska street), which is situated in the first villa that represents this picturesque style of wooden architecture.

Zakopane Aqua Park, photo by J. Gorlach Zakopane Aqua Park, photo by J. Gorlach

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By the water

Rafting tripsRafting down the Dunajec Gorge. This thrilling experi-ence has been one of Poland’s greatest tourist attractions for more than 160 years. Admire the most stunning views and historic monuments of Pieniny, while flowing down the Dunajec River Gorge on original rafts, skilfully con-trolled by local highlanders. The mountain river makes its way through calcareous rock formations that dwarf the rafts and make them look like mere matches. Near the tall-est peak of Pieniny – the Three Crowns – Dunajec forms as many as 7 loops. The length measured along a straight line connecting both sides of the gorge, amounting to 2.8 km, extends there to almost 8 km.

The adventure begins in the Sromowce Wyżne–Kąty raft harbour. Over the course of 2–3 hours, the rafts, very skilful-ly controlled by local highlanders, cover a stretch of 18 kilo-metres to Szczawnica or a 23-kilometre route to Krościenko.

Polish Association of Pieniny Rafters, Sromowce Wy-żne–Kąty 14, \ +48 18 2629721, / www.flisacy.com.pl.Rafting trips from April to October from the Sromowce Wyżne–Kąty harbour to Szczawnica (18 km, 2 h 15 min) and to Krościenko (23 km, 2 h 45 min). There is a car park next to the Sromowce harbour, where you can leave your car and return to collect it by bus from Krościenko or Szczawnica.

Rafting down the Dunajec Gorge, photo by J. Gorlach

Boating down the Poprad valleyIt is a unique tourist attraction of the region. During your trip down the fast flowing Poprad river, you can admire the beau-tiful landscape of Beskid Sądecki and see how merchants used to travel and carry their goods on rafts from Hungary. The route from Piwniczna -Zdrój to Rytro is covered on a flat boat steered by

two rafters using wooden poles. The trip down the 10 km route takes about 2 hours.

Piwniczna Harbour, \ +48 18 44684 49, trips organised by PPHU Centrum, Nowy

Sącz, \ +48 18 4420563, / www.centrum.nsnet.pl, trips from April to October, starting point: Piwniczna, ul. Gąsiorowskiego, fini-shing point: Rytro, near the castle ruins.

Rafting down the Dunajec Gorge, photo by T. Gębuś Down the Poprad river, photo by J. Gorlach

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Excursion cruisesRożnowskie Lake. Tourists can set off on a cruise from Bar-tkowa or Gródek nad Dunajcem. The route takes you, among other places, through the narrow, lower part of the lake, which is particularly picturesque thanks to the enchanting landscape featuring steep forested slopes and flooded valley meanders.

Bartkowa – the “Alka” boat, \ +48 18 4401021, / www.stalownik.com.pl,Gródek nad Dunajcem – the “Jaskółka” boat, \ +48 18 4401014, / www.barbara.prospect.pl.

Czorsztyn Lake. An excursion cruise through the amazing landscape of the Gorce and Pieniny mountains, among the castles of Czorsztyn and Niedzica, is an unforgettable ex-perience. You can set off from Niedzica.

The “Biała Dama” or “Harnaś” boats, \  +48 18 2750121, / www.wolski.pl.

Vistula. It is also worth taking a cruise on an excursion boat or a river bus down the Vistula in Kraków. You can reach even as far as to the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, or, going the other direction, to the Zabłocie and Kazimierz district, or even further, to the Dąbie staircase lock. Boat trips begin in the harbour at the foot of the Wawel hill, by the Czerwieński boulevard. On the Vistula in Kraków, you can also take kayak, pedal boat or even motor boat trips. The equipment can be hired above the Dębnicki Bridge at Aquafun.

River Bus, / www.zis.krakow.pl/tramwaj.The “Nimfa” boat, \ +48 12 4220855, / www.zegluga.krakow.pl. The “Legenda” boat, \ +48 12 3575001, / www.statek-krakow.pl.The “Piotruś Pan” and “Sobieski” boats, \ 601560250, / www.ster.net.pl.Aquafun, ul. Kościuszki 16, \ 606225555, / www.aquafun.net.pl.

Down the Vistula River, photo by M. Zaręba

Bathing poolsKraków, Bagry. A bathing pool and an enclave of peace, lo-cated close to the centre of Kraków, in the Płaszów district. You can get almost straight to the shore by car (ul. Kozia i Ba-growa). There are also local municipal buses stopping close to the pool. The bathing resort is guarded for free. You can rent water equipment in the KS Płaszowianka sports club and in the HORN sailing and recreation centre.

Kryspinów. The lake was created in a closed sand mine, and its advantages include sandy beaches and a short distance from the Kraków city centre. You can reach Kryspinów on road no. 780. There are also numerous sub-urban buses serving the route. You can leave your car in a paid car park. The bathing resort is guarded (paid) and offers a water equipment rental point, sports fields and a playground.

Przylasek Rusiecki. Nearly 20 small lakes in a former gravel pit. The spot, an enclave of wild nature, is located

very near Kraków. You can reach it by driving along Igołomska street, and then to the Przylasek Rusiecki estate, which is also accessible by municipal buses. There is a paid car park on the eastern side of the largest lake, by the guarded (free) bathing area. The wa-ter equipment can be rented from the lifeguards.

Afternoon at the Zalew Kryspinowski, photo by M. Zaręba Surfing at Kryspinów, photo by M. Zaręba

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Czchowskie Lake. The small artificial lake created on the Dunajec river, below the large dam in Rożnów, is surrounded by steep, for-ested hillsides. The pool is particularly picturesque, but not easily accessible. The only access to water and official bathing area (free of charge) is situated by the harbour, next to the dam. There is a life-guard on duty here during the summer. Another bathing resort is situated nearby – below the dam on the Dunajec river, by the municipal stadium in Czchów. Road no. 75 from Brzesko to Nowy Sącz runs along the lake shore, on the western side of the lake.

Rożnowskie Lake. Another artificial lake on the Dunajec riv-er is situated around 15 km from Nowy Sącz and is surrounded by steep, though rather low hills. On the western side of the lake runs road no. 75 from Nowy Sącz to Brzesko, whereas on the east-ern side, you will find road no. 975 from Nowy Sącz to Wojnicz, through Gródek nad Dunajcem. In Gródek there is a large, pop-ular guarded bathing resort. You can rent pedal boats and kay-aks here. The PTTK Beskid river hostel in Znamirowice (on the western side of the lake) offers a wide range of water equipment (beskid.pttk.pl; yachts, boats, windsurfing boards, kayaks, motor boats). There are numerous holiday centres located by the lake, which feature their own bathing areas and equipment rentals.

Klimkówka Lake. The lake, hidden among the wild ranges of the Lower Beskid, was created thanks to the dam on the Ropa river (around 18 km south of Gorlice). It is accessible by road no. 28 Nowy Sącz–Jasło from Ropa to Uście Gorlickie. The lake is known particularly to windsurfing enthusiasts, as it features perfect conditions for this sport. There are no official bathing areas or guarded beaches.

Czorsztyn Lake, photo by J. Gorlach

Czorsztyn Lake. The pool is perfect for relaxation, the shores are usually easily accessible and the surroundings are particularly picturesque. The lake is accessible by road no. 969 from Nowy Targ to Krościenko nad Dunajcem and by the side road from Dębno to Niedzica. There are several beaches and piers by the lake. In Niedzica, just 200 m from the castle hill, you can relax in the Zamajerz-Zamek bath-ing resort (the only guarded one). Next to it, there is a yacht marina and a water equipment rental point. On the north-ern shore, you will find the Stara Droga bathing resort in Kluszkowce. The Aqualand pier features eating places and equipment rentals.

Chechło. Trzebinia’s largest water reservoir is located on the edge of the Dulowska Forest. Its southern part is de-veloped and it features a guarded bathing resort (paid). The holiday resorts provide accommodation, eating places and water equipment rentals. There are also playgrounds and sports fields.

Rivers and streams. Safe swimming areas include:– Dunajec river: next to the hospital in Czchów;– Raba river: below the dam in Dobczyce, Gdów-Zarabie, Myślenice, Lubień, Pcim and Stróża;– Skawa river: in Wadowice, between the bridges;– Szczawnik stream: in Muszyna-Złockie;– Porębianka stream: in Poręba.The quality of water in swimming areas is tested each year by the sanitary-epidemiological station (Sanepid).

By the river, photo by J. Gorlach

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