Rabka-Zdrój, located at the foot of the Gorce Mountains, is a small spa town (approximately 13,000 inhabitants) with a unique microclimate and brine used in therapeutic therapies – the first children’s treatment center has been operating here since 1864.
Advantages:
microclimate and therapeutic brine (inhalation treatments)
health programs available for children (including the “Olszówka” Children’s Spa Hospital)
accommodation: guesthouses, sanatoriums, apartments with spa services
easy access: close to the Kraków-Zakopane expressway (S7), the Rabka train station serves regional connections
Spa Park is a central meeting place – cafes, greenery, fountains, and a salt graduation tower. For children, there are:
two modern playgrounds, a traffic park, a ropes course, a skate park, and an outdoor gym.
Next to it is a water playground: tanks, fountains, and a hydrotherapy “health river” – a multi-textured barefoot walkway, foot bath, and cool water splashes – the perfect attraction for summer days. The boulevards along the Poniczanka River extend the park – it’s worth strolling along the river and interacting with the water features.
The Władysław Orkan Museum
Located in a 17th-century wooden church, it showcases folk art, glass painting, and exhibits related to local history. It also houses regular concerts and art workshops, including summer festivals and handicraft fairs.
Highlanders and Outlaws Museum
On the outskirts of Rabka (approx. 3km), in a highlander’s cottage. The interactive exhibition allows visitors to touch the exhibits, try on regional costumes, participate in field games (“Outlaws’ Trackers”), and participate in handicraft workshops – bead-making, glass painting, and felting.
Open-air museum in Chabówka
The open-air railway history museum in Chabówka, part of the PKP Cargo network, is the heir to the legacy of the locomotive shed established in the late 19th century. During its heyday, 80 steam locomotives were stationed here, serving freight and passenger trains to Kraków, Nowy Sącz, and Zakopane. The museum’s collection of rolling stock is the largest in Poland and the most frequently visited. Visitors can see steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, as well as wagons, snowplows, and railway cranes. Since 2004, the museum has organized public train rides with steam locomotives. Since 2005, the annual “Parowzjada” (Parowing Festival) – a parade of working historic steam locomotives – has become a permanent fixture in the Tatra Mountains’ summer calendar.
Rabka-Zdrój lies at the foot of the Gorce Mountains – an ideal base for walks and short family trips:
Gently rising trails to Turbacz, Maciejowa, and Stare Wierchy – all child-friendly
Family-friendly cycling routes
Nature reserves and the Gorce National Park nearby
“Gateway to the Gorce Mountains” trail – a wooden educational walkway (1260m long) above trees with educational boards, observation towers (17m and 35m), a cinema, and a playground
Rabka-Zdrój is a truly beautiful place, full of picturesque trails and attractions for hiking enthusiasts.
In Rabka-Zdrój itself, you’ll find several popular trails leading to various viewpoints, forests, and other interesting places. For example, the trail to Góra Zdrojowa offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, and the trails leading to Zdrojowy Park, perfect for relaxing walks.
Near the town, you also have access to trails leading to the Beskid Wyspowy and Gorce Mountains. For example, the popular trail to Gorczańska Przełęcz is great for those who want to experience the mountain atmosphere and admire the panorama of the Tatra Mountains and the surrounding ranges.
If you enjoy longer hikes, you can take the trail to Rabka Górna, from where you can continue to other mountain trails in the region.
It’s also worth mentioning that Rabka-Zdrój is a great starting point for exploring the Beskid Mountains, and the local trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels. We’ll recommend the best trails around Rabka-Zdrój, so you can enjoy beautiful views and a great atmosphere.
1. The trail to Góra Zdrojowa (Spa Mountain) – this is one of the most popular trails in Rabka. It runs through Zdrojowy Park and ends at the summit, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Perfect for a relaxing walk, even for families with children.
2. Gorczańska Przełęcz (Gorcza Pass) – for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge. The trail leads from Rabka Górna to Gorczańska Przełęcz, from where you can admire the panorama of the Tatra and Gorce Mountains. It’s a great option for intermediate and advanced hikers.
3. The trail to Wąwóz Homole (Homole Gorge) – although it’s not directly in Rabka, it’s worth a visit if you have some time. This is one of the most scenic trails in the area, leading through a gorge with impressive rock formations and waterfalls. Access from Rabka is easy. 4. Trail to Rabka Górna – from here you can continue hiking towards the Beskids and Gorce Mountains. It’s a great base for longer hikes.
5. Trail to Mount Chełm – for those who love panoramic views. The route is a bit more demanding, but the reward of a beautiful panorama is worth it.
6. Luboń Wielki – this is one of the highest peaks in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains, at 1,022 meters above sea level. The trail to Luboń Wielki is popular and well-marked. You can start in Rabka Górna or near Zaryte, and the hike leads through picturesque forests and fields. At the summit, a beautiful panorama of the Beskids, Gorce Mountains, and Tatra Mountains awaits, weather permitting. This is a great option for intermediate hikers who want to experience the mountain atmosphere and admire the views. Campfires are often lit at the summit, so bring sausages or something to grill. All you need to do is carve the right stick.
7. Maciejowa – This is a popular peak in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains, approximately 860 meters above sea level. The route to Maciejowa is accessible from various directions, for example, from Rabka, Zaryte, or near Mszana Dolna. The hike leads through forests and clearings, and at the summit, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is a great option for a more leisurely hike, ideal for families and beginners. It’s worth planning a meal at the Maciejowa mountain hut, as they serve quite a good meal there.
8. The route to Polczakówka and its observation tower is a popular choice for lovers of beautiful views and walks in the Rabka-Zdrój area. The route is relatively easy and accessible to various groups of hikers.
You usually start from the center of Rabka or from near Zaryte, heading north towards Polczakówka. – The route leads through forests and fields, often marked, so it’s easy to find. – As you climb, the path becomes steeper, but it is well-maintained and accessible to walkers and cyclists. At the end of the trail, an observation tower awaits you – it offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, the Beskids and the Gorce Mountains. It’s a great place to rest and admire the panorama. It’s worth bringing water and a snack, as the observation tower is the perfect place to relax. – The trail is accessible year-round, although it can be slippery in winter, so caution is advised.
All trails are well-marked and suitable for various skill levels.
Rabka-Zdrój and its surrounding area are a great place for cycling enthusiasts, offering a variety of routes adapted to various skill levels.
Cycling trails in Rabka-Zdrój and the surrounding area:
Rabka Trails is a complex of three enduro MTB trails that wind along the slopes of Krzywoń Mountain. Great fun is guaranteed. More information can be found on the profile: https://www.facebook.com/rabkatrails?_rdr
Cycling trails in Luboń Wielki are the perfect combination of nature, challenge, and relaxation. If you enjoy a real challenge, this is for you. The trails are not yet fully cataloged or marked, but they will provide plenty of fun, and you will find them both from Skomielna Biała and from Rabka Zaryte, starting from Bajkowa Osada.
The Mountain Bike Trail in Rabka-Zdrój is one of the most popular trails in the city, leading through the picturesque areas of Spa Park and the surrounding forests. The route is well-marked and perfect for a leisurely ride in the city center.
Gorce Trails – Near Rabka, you’ll find many trails in the Gorce National Park and the Gorce Mountains. Popular routes include the one from Rabka to Turbacz, which wind through forests and fields, offering beautiful mountain views. These routes are suitable for intermediate and advanced cyclists, with varying difficulty levels.
Island Beskids – routes around Maciejowa and Zaryte – these regions offer both easy and more challenging cycling paths. You can take a trip around Luboń Wielki or the route from Rabka to Zaryte, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Forest and Field Trails – Near Rabka, you’ll find many less-frequented forest paths and fields, perfect for enduro bike rides or leisurely rides off the beaten track.
Day 1: Arrival and check-in, relaxation at the Bajkowa Osada (Bajkowa Settlement), evening in the jacuzzi or by the bonfire.
Day 2: Morning fun at Rabkoland, afternoon walk through Spa Park, water playground, graduation tower.
Day 3: Family hike to Maciejowa or along the Gorczański Trail, picnic, regional dinner.
maciejowewzgorze.com
Day 4: Visit to the Orkan Museum and the “Rabcio” Theatre or the Museum of Highlanders and Robbers with workshops.
Day 5: Educational Gate to the Gorce Mountains, relaxation by the river, stroll along the Poniczanka boulevards, return.
Rabka-Zdrój is an exceptionally child-friendly destination, allowing you to combine fun in an amusement park with cultural and health-promoting spa activities, mountain hikes, and a peaceful getaway. It combines family tourism, therapeutic, and recreational activities in one place.
