ENGKarczmaChatka

The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.

CHATKA

The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (no RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) cofunded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.

The Foundation for the Development of Regions

www.f-rr.org

Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing www.digitalplaces.pl

Kraszewskiego 1/406

33-380 Krynica-Zdrój

The Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl

Art Manager: Konrad Rogoziński

Text: Natalia Starzyk

Translation: Ewelina Natanek-Rogozińska

Proofreading: Maria Kościelniak

Design: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz

Typesetting: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz

Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl

Apart from: P 2 and 3 © Łukasz Świętach

Between the Pieniny and the Beskid Sądecki

Szczawnica is a well-known town on the tourist map of Poland. It lies in the south of Lesser Poland, by the Dunajec and the Grajcarek, close to the border with Slovakia. From one side, it is surrounded by the Beskid Sądecki and from the other side by the Pieniny. East of Szczawnica, the Grajcarek Valley with two villages – Szlachtowa and Jaworki – spreads. Over the villages, the Little Pieniny and the slopes of the Radziejowa Pass in the Beskid Sądecki stretch.

Szczawnica has a long and interesting history enriched with the heritage of Wallachians and Ruthenians. They built beautiful Orthodox churches, created pastoral culture and took care of nearby meadows. Although they were forced to leave the lands after the Second World War, their traditions are deeply rooted. The town of Szczawnica is

a spa famous for acidulous waters which spring up at the foot of Bryjarka. Sienkiewicz, Asnyk and even Matejko visited the place in order to benefit from this natural treasure.

Today the commune combines traditions, history, magnificent views and spa resources and creates an exceptional tourist offer. It is a place where everybody will be able to find something for themselves and breathe in the crystal clean air of the Pieniny. The attractions of Szczawnica are known nationwide – rafting on the Dunajec, the Pieniny Tract, the Homole Canyon, spring and autumn trailing of sheep. The region offers hideouts in which we will find peace and quiet – small Jaworki, clearing above the Grajcarek and old Orthodox churches inhabited by bats.

In the heart of a picturesque spa

The town is divided into Upper Szczawnica and Down Szczawnica. The upper part is located at the foot of Bryjarka (679 m) where mineral waters spring up. This is the spa heart of the town. At Zdrojowa Street and Dietl’s Square, historic wooden villas are situated which have accommodated health visitors for many years. This is where the Mineral Water Pump Rooms and the Spa Park await tourists. Down Szczawnica is a typical tourist place. There is the Promenade by the Grajcarek and the

beginning of Droga Pienińska (the Pieniny Track) which runs through the Dunajec Valley. The down station of Palenica Chairlift is located there as well. There is a finishing line for rafting on the Dunajec and and a starting point for mountain trails into the Little Pieniny and the Pieniny National Park.

What is more, this part abounds in places where we can have delicious, regional dishes.

A regional restaurant in a park

By Parkowa Alley, in Dolny Park (the Down Park) which stretches along the main road, there is Chatka Regional Restaurant which boasts of delicious, regional cuisine. It is one of the most frequently visited spots on the culinary map of Szczawnica and it is greatly appreciated by tourists who visit the Pieniny. Due to its location in the park, we can enjoy peace and quiet. The park trees provide a pleasant temperature even on hot days. The wooden building of the restaurant is perfectly integrated in the surroundings of the Down Park. The decor is inspired by Highlander culture – there is a lot of wood, soft, sheepskin and folk, flowery patterns.

The spirit of the Pieniny in traditional dishes

Chatka is famous, first of all, for its traditional, Highlander dishes which are prepared by chefs solely from ingredients of the highest quality according to traditional recipes.

The flagship dishes of Highlander cuisine such as barberry with a rib, oscypek with cranberry on the side or mutton steamed with vegetables are to be found on the menu. Garlic soup with croutons and cheese, beetroot soup with a pancake roll, fried trout and potato pancakes with beef or lamb goulash will make our mouths water. We will find burgers with lamb or a fried egg – an ideal one for vegetarians. Chatka is famous for the best mutton in the vicinity!

The regional restaurant is also a great place to organise special events such as a birthday or anniversary party, a baptism reception or a business event.