Czerniawa-Zdroj
Today, the health centre of Czerniawa-Zdroj is a district of the town of Swieradow-Zdroj in Luban County, which is located in the Province of Lower Silesia in south-western Poland, close to the border with the Czech Republic. It is one of the oldest spa resorts in this region. The spa centre lies in the deep Czarny Potok Valley at the foot of Czerniawska Kopa in the Izerski Mountains. It is surrounded by large tracts of forests and operated till 1973 as a stand-alone resort primarily taking care of children.
A settlement was founded in the 17th century surrounding the glassworks on the lands owned by the Schaffgotsch family. From1651 Czech Protestants that were escaping religious persecution began settling here. In the 18th century cobalt ore was mined in the Jan Nepomucen Mine which was located downstream of the village and in 1782 the first mineral water sources were discovered which began being exploited in the early years of the 19th century. At this time baths were constructed and the village started to grow. The waters discovered here had a low mineral content of calcium and magnesium oxalates but contained traces of iron, fluoride and radon which were formed due to the overlapping karst landforms of this region. The first Bath House went up in Czerniawa in 1860 and the current ones were built in 1910.
In 1945 the town adopted the name Lesny Zdroj which was amended officially in 1946 to Czerniawa Zdroj replacing the former German name of Bad Schwarzbach.
The town of Swieradow Zdroj is situated at an altitude between 450m and 650m above sea level in the Izerski Mountains which, together with the foothills, form the western edge of the Sudety Mountain Range. The natural resources, on which a 200 year old spa tradition was built, are the raw materials in the mineral water, radon water and mud deposits found here. Radon water is recommended for the treatment of atherosclerosis and thrombosis of peripheral vessels, in the rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases and traumatic musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.
Today the Spa Hospital treats chronically sick children suffering with respiratory diseases, asthma and immune system deficiencies. Czerniawa-Zdroj is perfect for the implementation of preventative measures in the health of children and youths with its range of sports and recreational camps and therapeutic leisure activities. The favourable local conditions, like the climate and environmental safety, and comfortable accommodation provide a healthy and rewarding environment.
The areas around Czerniawa have been called „a pristine undiscovered mountain wilderness”. The hiking trails in the Izerski Mountains allow walkers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
