A Polish spa town near the Czech border with mineral springs dating to the 17th century. Known for its heart disease treatment center and the unique Skull Chapel.
Kudowa-Zdrój, a small town in southwestern Poland, has treated people with its mineral waters since the 16th century. You can drink from healing springs in the 17th-century revival park's pump room, hike through the flat-topped Table Mountains, or visit the unusual Chapel of Skulls, where thousands of human bones line the walls in intricate patterns.
Mineral Springs and Wellness
You can treat heart conditions, high blood pressure, and circulation problems at Kudowa-Zdrój's medical facilities. The town's specialized hospitals and treatment centers offer mineral baths and modern gym facilities. Visit the central pump room to drink directly from the springs. The mountain location at 400 meters above sea level ensures clean air, adding to the town's healing environment.
Exploring the Table Mountains
The Table Mountains rise above Kudowa-Zdrój with their characteristic flat-topped peaks. Several marked trails start in town, ranging from 2-hour walks to 6-hour hikes. The red trail leads to Szczeliniec Wielki (919 m), where you can walk among maze-like rock formations. With elevations between 500-900 meters, these mountains suit both beginners and experienced hikers.
The Chapel of Skulls
The Chapel of Skulls in the Czermna district is one of three such ossuaries in Europe. Built in 1776, its walls and ceiling contain over 3,000 human skulls and bones, with another 21,000 in the crypt below. The local priest collected and cleaned these remains from mass graves of war and disease victims over 18 years. You can visit the chapel daily between 9 AM and 4 PM (closed Mondays).
Cultural Life and Events
The International Moniuszko Festival brings classical music performances to Kudowa-Zdrój each June since 1962. Musicians perform in the 19th-century concert hall in the Spa Park. The park contains a collection of native and foreign plants, with benches near the pump room where you can rest. The concert hall hosts music performances and cultural events throughout the year.
Getting There and Around
Kudowa-Zdrój is 140 kilometers from Prague and 25 kilometers from Kłodzko, with access via the E67 highway. Two border crossings connect to the Czech Republic: vehicles can cross at Kudowa-Słone, while pedestrians can use the crossing in Czermna. Regular buses run between Kudowa-Zdrój and nearby Polish cities, with international connections to Prague and other Czech cities.
