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Note: The town was significantly damaged during 2024 autumn floods, as most of the town is close to the river and the dam upstream has collapsed. Signs of damage are still visible as of 2025, especially in the old city centre. Dozens of bridges are gone and some of them were replaced by temporary solutions. Baths which are upland are mostly intact however and can be safely visited. |
Lądek-Zdrój (German: Landeck, Czech: Landek) is a spa town and mountain resort in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in the eastern part of the Kłodzko valley.
Understand
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Lądek-Zdrój became a town in late 13th century, and is probably the oldest spa town in Poland and one of the oldest in the world. The Georgenbad, the first bath in the town, was founded in 1498, while the most important Marienbad (now known as Wojciech) was founded in 1680. By the 19th century, several pensions and hotels were thriving in the town and hosted many famous guests including: Frederic the Great, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and John Quincy Adams. After World War I, the town became a centre of gliding, as post-war Germany was forced to limit its air force by the Treaty of Versailles. Many former pilots trained on gliders instead. The town was completely unscathed by the Second World War, and become part of Polish territory.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]The town can be reached from the west by local road 
which can be easily reached by a detour from Prague-Wrocław route 
By public transit
[edit]Connections are served by Koleje Dolnośląskie and PKP Intercity to the town, you arrive by train in Kłodzko and then transfer to bus to complete the journey.
- 1 Lądek-Zdrój bus stop. A bit forgotten spot where buses going to Lądek-Zdrój arrive and depart. There are some benches and one shelter.
Get around
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By foot
[edit]The town is easily manageable by foot as it is less than 3 km across and relatively flat as it is located mostly in a river valley.
See
[edit]- 1 Saint John Bridge (Johannisbrücke), Krótka (to the east of old city centre). Gothic style, scenic bridge built over the river in 16th century and later rebuilt in 18th century. Named after saint John of Nepomuk whose figure is on the bridge. Since 2024 the bridge is damaged and closed to traffic, but it still can be sighted.
- 2 Town Hall (city centre). A 19th-century town hall combining diverse styles, mostly baroque and neoclassicist with lots of ornaments. It is the seat of local government.
- 3 Statue of the Holy Trinity, Rynek (city centre, directly west of town hall). An imposing 7-m-tall sandstone statue consisting of three levels with bottom two depicting various saints (three related to statue founder, and three related to Mary) and topmost representing the Trinity. Figures are life-sized.
- 4 Arboretum, Moniuszki (at the top of the street). May-Oct 10:00-18:00. A forested park with foot paths, cozy small architecture and many plant species placed in relatively natural way. May be closed on bad weather. Dogs are allowed. 15 zł (10 zł reduced/dog).
Do
[edit]- 1 Wojciech Sanatorium (Marienbad), plac Mariański. Baths modelled after a Turkish hammam were constructed in late 17th century and remodelled 200 years later in beautiful Baroque style. This is the focal point of the spa complex. There are two springs inside where you can drink (for free).
- 2 Jerzy Sanatorium (Georgenbad), Ostrowicza 1. Oldest baths in Lądek-Zdrój built in 1498. There is a memorial plaque and spring with radonic water from which you can drink. Baths with radonic water are also available. Unfortunately the object is not very well managed and no information is available on scheduling visits or opening hours.
- 3 Ski slope, aleja Marzeń 22. Dec-Mar 09:00-20:00. The only ski slope in the town. Relatively flat and short at about 300 m length, good for beginners. There is also ski rental and skiing tutors. 65 zł for 2 hours.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 LUX kuchnia domowa, Cienista 6A, ☏ +48 501 035 327. Restaurant serving typical Polish fare at reasonable prices. Best specialities are 'placek węgierski' and dumplings with meat.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Adam Spa, Wolności 2. Spa hotel with extensive physiotherapy department, gym, thermal swimming pool, and osteoporosis therapy department. Founded in 1900 as a Military Treatment Facility, it has elaborate Prussian style interiors. Hotel is linked via connectors to two other hotels: Stanisław and Urszula. All facilities are state-owned, however private visits are available and increasingly common.