We got an invitation from a family I haven’t seen for several years, mainly due to our relationship not being very close (the daughter of my grandfather’s brother). They live near a town called Ciechocinek, so we also stopped by to check out the town. I had been there many years ago, but during the summer, so it was a totally different view. In winter, the salt graduation towers aren’t in operation, so except for the 200-year-old constructions, we didn’t see much.
Nestled in the heart of Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship in north-central Poland, Ciechocinek is a charming spa town known for its therapeutic atmosphere, rich history, and architectural wonders. With a population of just over 10,000 residents, this small town is a hidden gem that has been drawing visitors for over two centuries.
Ciechocinek's history dates back to the Middle Ages, but its development as a spa town began in 1836. The town’s transformation accelerated in the 19th century, thanks to the construction of the graduation towers and the establishment of a railway connection with Bydgoszcz and Warsaw in 1867. By 1916, Ciechocinek was granted town rights, solidifying its status as a premier health destination.
Despite the hardships of World War II, including Nazi occupation and the expulsion of its Polish residents, Ciechocinek emerged resilient. After the war, the town regained its prominence as a health resort, and its facilities were restored and expanded.
At the heart of Ciechocinek lies its most iconic attraction: the salt graduation towers. These monumental wooden structures, dating back to the 19th century, are not only a marvel of engineering but also a cornerstone of the town’s healing legacy. Standing 15.8 meters tall and stretching over 1,741 meters in length, the three towers form a horseshoe shape and are built on thousands of oak piles. Their construction was initiated by the renowned Polish scientist Stanisław Staszic and designed by Jakub Graff.
The graduation towers are the largest wooden structures used to evaporate water from brine in Europe. The three huge structures were built between 1824 and 1859. The graduation towers concentrate the brine collected from the spring, over which the “Grzybek” fountain was built. The water is pumped to the top of the graduation towers and then seeps drop by drop through the blackthorn-covered walls and is evaporated due to the exposure to wind and sun. The concentrated brine is then pumped to the saltworks.
The towers serve as natural inhalers, creating a therapeutic microclimate rich in iodine, bromine, and salt particles. Visitors can walk along the towers, breathe in the salty air, and experience the health benefits of this unique environment. Climbing the spiral staircase to the catwalk offers a closer view of the brine trickling through blackthorn branches—a mesmerizing process that concentrates the saltwater and enriches the air.
Ciechocinek's reputation as a health resort stems from its mineral-rich saline springs. The town’s therapeutic brine is believed to alleviate ailments related to the cardiovascular system, respiratory issues, rheumatism, and even neurological conditions. Visitors can enjoy treatments such as salt baths, inhalation therapies, and mud wraps, all while surrounded by the serene ambiance of the spa park.
While the graduation towers are the main draw, Ciechocinek offers much more to explore. The Spa Park, with its meticulously landscaped gardens, fountains, and monuments, is a tranquil haven for relaxation. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Monument of Stanisław Staszic and the town’s well-preserved architecture. Sports fans can catch a local football match featuring Zdrój Ciechocinek, the town’s team. The park is also home to many ducks, and if you want to feed them, you can buy duck feed from a vending machine. A stroll through the nearby park reveals two charming wooden buildings.
One of these wooden buildings houses Wedel, a famous Polish chocolate company. Here, you can enjoy a cup of rich drinking chocolate and pick up some sweet treats. Right next to it is the historic Concert Shell, designed by Waldemar Piotr Fedders and built in 1909 in the Zakopane style, which is quite unique for this region. Even today, the antique Concert Shell hosts performances throughout the summer.
The Concert Shell is located in the center of Spa Park. It was designed by Waldemar Piotr Fedders as a concert stage and was built in 1909 in the Zakopane style, which is quite unusual for Ciechocinek. Over the years, many well-known performers from across Poland have graced this stage, including the famous Spa Orchestra.
Even today, the Concert Shell comes alive throughout the summer. It hosts artists from various Ciechocinek festivals, such as the Kuyavian and Dobrzyń Land Folklore Meetings, the National Firefighters' Song Festival, the Polish Tenors Gala, the Opera and Operetta Festival, the "Blues Without Barriers" Festival, and the Festival of Songs for Youth with Disabilities.
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