Duszniki-Zdrój (; ; ), often simplified to Duszniki, is a spa town in Kłodzko Valley and Kłodzko County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in southwestern Poland. As of December 2021, the town has a population of 4,329. The town was colonized by Germans and the name Reinerz likely refers to the place Reinhards in Hesse. It was granted town rights in 1346. Until 1595 it remained in private hands. In 1769, the town obtained the status of a spa town. In 1822 a pump room was founded.

The town suffered in the 1997 Central European flood.

Economy

The town's economy is based on tourism, with several hundred thousand people visiting the town and the area every year. In addition, there are several mineral water bottling plants, traditional paper works and a crystal jewellery producer. The Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój is located in the town.

Spa

Although the area was known for its healthy waters at least since the late Middle Ages, the spa was officially founded in 1769. The natural sparkling waters of Duszniki are used in the treatment of a variety of illnesses, including cardiac problems, gastrical problems. In addition, there is a number of facilities for balneotherapy located in Duszniki and an osteoporosis treatment centre.

Sights

Duszniki-Zdrój most recognizable landmark is the Museum of Papermaking established in an old 17th-century paper mill. It is listed as an official Historic Monument of Poland. Other significant places include the Saints Peter and Paul church, which contains a unique baroque, whale-stylized pulpit, and the Fryderyk Chopin Theatre, established in the place where in 1826, 16-year-old Fryderyk Chopin played his first concert outside of the Russian Partition of Poland and his first charity concert. The annual International Chopin Festival is held here since 1946.

International relations

thumb|Town hall in Duszniki-Zdrój

Duszniki-Zdrój is twinned with:

  • Audun-le-Tiche, France
  • Bad Sulza, Germany
  • Deštné v Orlických horách, Czech Republic
  • Hoya, Germany
  • Nové Město nad Metují, Czech Republic
  • Olešnice v Orlických horách, Czech Republic
  • Orlické Záhoří, Czech Republic
  • Sedloňov, Czech Republic
  • Trzcianka, Poland

<gallery widths=145>

File:2014 , Centrum Dusznik-Zdroju, 01.JPG|Panorama of the town

File:2015 Otoczenie papierni w Dusznikach-Zdroju 01.JPG|Museum of Papermaking

File:2013 Duszniki Zdrój, dworek Chopina.jpg|Fryderyk Chopin Theatre

File:2024 Duszniki-Zdrój, kościół Świętych Apostołów Piotra i Pawła (6).jpg|Saints Peter and Paul church

File:Duszniki-zdroj june 2014 051.JPG|Chopin memorial from 1897

File:2024 Duszniki-Zdrój, hotel Fryderyk (1).jpg|The Fryderyk Hotel

File:2024 Duszniki-Zdrój, park zdrojowy, pijalnia (1).jpg|The spa park

File:2024 Duszniki-Zdrój, pl. Rynek 1 (4).jpg|Place of stay of King John II Casimir Vasa

File:2014 Kościół św. Anny w Zieleńcu.jpg|Saint Anne's Church in the district of Zieleniec

File:2018 Duszniki-Zdrój, ul. Sudecka 6 1.jpg|A historic townhouse on Sudecka Street

</gallery>

References

  • Duszniki-Zdrój On-line
  • Bad-Reinerz on old postcards
  • Official site
  • Jewish Community in Duszniki-Zdrój on Virtual Shtetl
  • Tourists attractions