Spa Park in Rabka-Zdrój

The Spa Park in Rabka-Zdrój covers about 30 ha and is one of the largest parks in Lesser Poland. It lies at the junction of Władysława Orkana, Parkowa and Nowy Świat streets and aleja Jordana, and to the south its boundary is marked by the Poniczanka stream.

Where the park came from

It was founded around 1864 by Julian Zubrzycki, then owner of Rabka. The park was extended and embellished by the next owner of the spa, Kazimierz Kaden. In 2011 the park was renovated: the greenery was rejuvenated, plants, shrubs and trees were added, and the fountains and the surface of the paths were thoroughly renewed.

What you will find in the park

In the park there are a graduation tower, two fountains, a cardiology hospital, the Parkowa café and the historic Gwiazda villa, which is now a ruin. You can look at the graduation tower separately, because it has its own entry: the graduation tower in Rabka-Zdrój. There are also a Soviet soldiers' cemetery in the park and, on the west side, in the old municipal cemetery, a First World War military cemetery. The main avenue is closed by a monument to Pope John Paul II designed by Michał Batkiewicz, unveiled in 2005, which lies on the Papal Trail through Gorce and the Island Beskids.

Trees and animals

On Parkowa street grow two groups of European larches, protected as natural monuments: ten trees about 100 years old and eight about 110 years old. Tame squirrels run along the paths.

For children and the active

The park has two playgrounds with swings, climbing frames and sandpits, a fitness trail, tennis courts and pitches for team games. You can hire pedal go-karts and children's cars here and use the inflatable slides. Nearby, about 900 m away, is the amusement park Rabkoland.

Practical information

• Address: Rabka-Zdrój, in the area of Orkana, Parkowa and Nowy Świat streets and aleja Jordana.
• Admission to the park: the area is open to all; check the hours and rules of the children's attractions with their operators.
• Keep quiet near the war cemeteries at the edge of the park.