Krynica is a resort nestled in the southeastern part of the picturesque Beskids and is considered one of the fastest growing ski resorts in Poland and Eastern Europe.

The mountains in this region are famous for their good snow cover, which guarantees comfortable skiing from late autumn to the very beginning of spring.

It should be noted that in Krynica you can not only have a great rest, but also improve your health – the mineral water from the springs of this area has simply miraculous properties and is used to treat a variety of diseases.

History

Back in the 17th century, the small town of Krynica-Zdrój (southeastern part of the Sudetes Beskids) was talked about in connection with the discovery of healing springs. After some time, the first pump room was built here, and then baths.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Polish geologist Rudolf Zuber found springs with healing water in the valleys of the Krynica and Polenica rivers. Now the resort is known not only in Poland, but also abroad. One of the springs has since been named after its discoverer – “Zuber Water”.

Krynica-Zdrój

Thanks to its mild climate, ozone concentration, which is one third higher than usual, and a comfortable altitude of 560-620 m, the resort attracts many tourists. And in winter it turns into a Mecca for skiers. The resort is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, the highest of which is Jaworzyna Krynica (1114 m). The Beskydy mountain system is famous for its large amount of snow and the duration of snow cover. You can safely ski here from the beginning of winter to mid-spring. By the way, “krynica” is translated from Polish as a source.

How to get there

Krynica ski resort is located 130 km from Krakow airport, 70 km from the Slovak city of Prešov. The road from Krakow by car takes about two hours, from Prešov – a little more than an hour.

You can also get to the resort by train, the most convenient from Krakow. You will have to spend 4 hours on the way. There are regular buses every hour from the Krakow bus station to Krynica-Zdrój.

Jawozyna.

Where to stay

The picturesque landscapes of the Beskydy Mountains, developed infrastructure, and excellent service in Krynica are not inferior to Alpine resorts. Krynica offers a choice of accommodation for every taste and budget. The cheapest is homestay accommodation from €16 per day for two, from €28 you will pay for a room in a resort hotel, and in a 4- and 5-star hotel a room costs from €101 per day without breakfast.

Note that prices vary depending on the season, but even for moderate money you can get a good deal here.

Hotel Stefania 3-star hotel

Hotel Stefania is located in the centre of Krynica-Zdrój, with a green façade. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are available.

All rooms at Hotel Stefania are decorated in a classic style. They feature a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a table with chairs, a safe and a bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.

Trekking poles, chess, cards and newspapers can be rented at the reception of Hotel Stefania. There is also a library. Drinks can be ordered at the café-bar.

Hotel Stefania is located 1.8 km from Krynica-Zdrój Train Station, 6 km from Jaworzyn Krynicka Cable Car and 10 km from Muszyna Spa Park.

Kraków Airport is 155 km away, while Košice Airport is 116 km away.

Pegaz 4-star hotel

Surrounded by the mountains and valleys of the picturesque Jaworzyna Krynica massif, the 4-star Hotel Pegaz is located in the Popradski Landscape Park.

The hotel’s clean, beautifully decorated rooms and apartments feature a balcony with mountain views.

The Pegaz Hotel’s restaurant serves traditional mountain and Polish cuisine. There is also a café and a bar.

Guests can enjoy the hotel’s wellness centre with a sauna, a steam bath and a hot tub, as well as massages and beauty treatments. There is also an indoor pool with a beautiful view of the ski slopes.

Hotel Pegaz is conveniently located in a quiet area outside the Krynica Zdrój resort, close to modern ski stations with lifts and access to the slopes.

Willa Aba

The Willa Aba complex overlooks the garden. Featuring free WiFi and free private parking, the property is located in Tilić, 1.7 km from Tilić Ski Lift.

All units come with a TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom with a shower, and a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave.

Guests can enjoy hiking and skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden.

Hotel Saol 3-star hotel

Hotel Saol is located just 150 metres from the Krynica Zdrój waterfront. It features a sauna and a massage room. All bright rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a TV.

The spacious rooms at Hotel Saol feature a refrigerator and a seating area. The private bathroom comes with a shower and a hairdryer.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

The hotel’s garden features barbecue facilities and a children’s playground. The hotel also has a billiards table.

Hotel Saol is just a 5-minute walk from the Natural Springs Complex. Free parking is available.

Pensjonat Gaborek 4 star hotel

The 4-star Gaborek Guest House offers rooms and apartments in Krynica Górska, a popular Polish mountain resort. It offers various wellness facilities, including a free fitness center.

The rooms at the Gaborek Guest House are uniquely decorated and feature a balcony. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

Guests are offered a free bottle of mineral water upon arrival.

Wellness facilities at the Gaborek Guest House include a hot tub and a steam bath. Guests can also enjoy a massage or relax in the sauna.

Several attractions can be found in the surrounding area. The Park Mountain is 850 metres away. Jaworzyna Krynicka, a mountain range with popular ski slopes, is 3 km away.

The guest house serves home-cooked regional cuisine. Meals must be ordered in advance. There is a café and a bar on site. A buffet breakfast is served in the morning.

Slopes

The resort is divided into two ski areas – Jaworzyna and Slotwiny / Čarni Potik.

Scheme of Jaworzyna trails.

Scheme of Slotwiny and Čarni Potik trails.

Most of the trails have special certificates, artificial snow and are illuminated at night. The longest of them starts at the top of Jaworzyna and extends to the lower cable car station.

Beginner skiers can improve their skills by riding the slopes, where the height difference is only 35 meters, and experienced extreme skiers are offered difficult routes with a slope of 25%.

Today, the Krynica resort combines two skiing areas: Jaworzyna and Stotwiny / Czarny Potok. The total length of the trails of varying difficulty is 28 km. Of these, 21 are Red trails with a length of 5.5 km, 9 are Blue (20.4 km), 2 are Green (0.5 km) and two are Black trails with a length of 1.6 km. All trails are illuminated. Most of them have a FIS certificate.

Ski trails in Krynytsia.

In the near future, it is planned to open 8 more trails, the time of their opening is kept secret, it is possible that the event will take place this season.

The difference in altitude in Jaworzyn is 465 m, in Slotwiny and Czarny Potik – 200 m.

Those who like to snowboard or ski off-piste will also find a place in Krynica. There are official freeride areas here.

The longest track is in the Jaworzyn area, its length is 2,620 m and it has an FIS certificate, artificial snow and lighting. Suitable for experienced skiers. The Jaworzyn slopes have a slope of about 25%. There is also an artificial ice rink and a toboggan run.

The Slotwiny / Czarny Potik area is located on the northern slopes of Mount Krzyszow (820 m) and will appeal to families with children and skills. Skiing in this area is very comfortable.

Slightly less well-known skiing areas belonging to the resort are the Azot Ski Center, Two Valleys, Henryk Ski Station, and Tylicz Ski Station.

Climbers

We should also mention the gondola-type cable car to Jaworzyna Krynicka. This is the most modern cable car in Poland. Its length is 2 thousand m, its capacity is 1600 people per hour, and its speed is 5 m / s.

Gondola-type cable car to Jaworzyna Krynytska

In addition, the resort has 28 tow lifts and 9 chair lifts.

It should be noted that in the center of Krynytsia there is a rail funicular to Parkova Gora.

Rail funicular to Parkova Gora

At the Krynytsia resort there are licensed schools for skiers and snowboarders, experienced instructors will help you “get on your skis” quickly and easily.

Ski passes are valid throughout the resort. A two-hour ski pass in the 2017/2018 season cost €15.50 for an adult, a day pass cost €25.50, and a 6-day pass cost €121.50.

All payments are made in the national currency – Polish zlotys. Ski passes are sold at the resort’s ticket offices.

Entertainment in the Krynica-Zdrój resort

The center of attraction for all vacationers is the pavilion for tasting numerous varieties of natural mineral water, which is original in architecture and design. Next to it, on the main square, there is a theater and concert hall, a tropical greenhouse, boutiques and a recreation gallery. You can eat deliciously in numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. Also here you can go to the swimming pool, ride a sled or ride a horse, skate, take a walk in the picturesque surroundings of Krynytsia and play tennis.

But a more attractive offer is from SPA centers, because there are many healing springs here. Do not forget, here they treat the digestive organs, urinary tract, diseases of the endocrine system and metabolism, chronic inflammation of the genitals, heart diseases and circulatory system.

Summer vacation is no less diverse and colorful, a large number of various tourist and excursion routes, both for walking and cycling tours, are available in almost every tour in Krynica. Krynica is practically a reference starting point for starting a journey to remote and nearby areas. It is here that excursion routes to Slovakia, Krakow, Wieliczka, Zakopane or extreme rafting on the mountain river Dunajec begin. Summing up, we can summarize that no matter which tour in Krynytsia you choose, you will not be bored.