The history of Ustroń is documented back to 1305, when it was first mentioned as a hamlet belonging to the Cieszyn Princes. Over the centuries it has undergone various transformations and evolved from a small upland village to a modern spa town. The best way to learn about Ustroń’s history is to visit Ustroń Museum, which is housed in the historic building which served the directors of the Foundry. The famous Sobieski oak is Ustroń’s most important natural monument. Legend has it that the tree was planted by townspeople to commemorate the march through Ustroń of King John III Sobieski’s forces on their way to the Battle of Vienna.
Ustroń is now an internationally known health resort. There are a great number of sanatoriums and rehabilitation centres with modern equipment, offering a wide range of treatments and top-class professional service. The brine and mud baths are as good as any in Poland. The tremendous choice of spa centres and the extensive range of physiotherapeutic and beauty treatments on offer mean that you can swiftly revitalise your health and beauty. You’re sure to fall in love with Ustroń and become a regular visitor.
When you’ve admired the exquisite scenery it’s time to head for a waymarked walk, hiking trail or cycle path. Why not take the new, four-seater chairlift up Czantoria? You can walk up to the summit and enjoy the spectacular panorama from the viewing tower, or take a ride on the summer toboggan run. If you’re in good shape you can climb Równica by taking the red hiking trail – or drive up to the top. On Równica you can enjoy the high ropes course and the attractions of the Extreme Park, where there is a year-round toboggan run. If you’d like to spend some time looking at large wild animals and birds of prey visit the Forest Nature Park (Leśny Park Niespodzianek). You’ll see: European bison, red deer, roe deer, fallow deer and mouflon, as well as flying displays featuring birds of prey.
Ustroń’s a place where you can not only play a wide range of sports but also take part in organised sporting events. Some of the events are aimed at seriously dedicated sportspeople, but there are also plenty for energetic amateurs with a competitive streak. There are competitions for children, teenagers and adults. The most popular events organised from spring through to autumn are runs and bike rides, such as, the Family Bike Ride, the Bike Marathon, the Równica Individual Cycle Time Trial, the Równica and Czantoria Run-Hikes, the Romantic Run for Couples, the Independence Day Run and a whole raft of tournaments.
Ustroń can offer a rich and varied cultural programme in summer and winter. In summer events are staged in the roofed and seated amphitheatre or in Ustroń market square; while from autumn through to spring they’re held in the Prażakówka arts and culture centre. Some of the main events are: USTA – Ustroń Theatre Festival, the Ustroń Musical Autumn, the Adam Makowicz Charity Concert, the Opening of the Health Resort Season, the Folk and Country Festival and the Ustroń Harvest Festival. Ustroń Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions and organises various events. Ustroń is also proud of its two vocal and dance groups which play an important part in the town’s cultural life. They are the Czantoria Folk Choir and the Równica Regional Vocal and Dance Ensemble, who both delight audiences wherever they perform.
If you’re peckish and want to sample some regional specialities while you soak up the highland atmosphere, it’s best to find a regional inn – which won’t be difficult. Delight your palate with our delicious local dishes. Try potato cakes with fried bacon bits, grilled trout or bread and dripping. If you’re not on the lookout for regional cuisine there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from with great ambience and tasty meals. You’ll be amazed at just how many eateries you’ll find in Ustroń, and what delicious food they serve.
Winter in Ustroń is just as enjoyable and exciting as summer. Apart from all sorts of special attractions, there are ski lifts and ski runs for downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and ski touring. A large number of ski runs are maintained with snow groomers and are floodlit after dark. Instructors are available by the lifts and there’s no shortage of ski equipment rentals. If you’re the competitive sort you can take part in ski competitions. But whether you’re planning to try skiing for the first time or are looking for tougher challenges, you’re sure to find what you need to make the most of the winter. And when you get tired of schussing down the slopes you can take a torch-lit sleigh ride and be transported off into a frosty fairytale world to the sound of tinkling sleigh bells.
Ustroń has gorgeous scenery, excellent accommodation and restaurants, a host of exciting cultural and sporting events and attractions for thrill-seekers. It’s an excellent place for a break, for medical and physiotherapeutic treatments, for all kinds of sports and recreation and for cultured leisure activities. Ustroń is all about well-being and a wide choice of great things to do – the whole year round.
