Dlugopole-Zdroj
Dlugopole-Zdroj is a spa village in the valley of the River Nysa situated at an altitude of 400m above sea level. It is part of the Bystrzyca Klodzko administrative municipality, in Klodzko County which is found in the province of Lower Silesia. The spa can be reached from the north by road from Bystrzyca Klodzka and from the south from Miedzylesie. The railway line linking Wroclaw with Prague runs through the town of Dlugopole.
It is believed that the settlement was established around the 12th century as the first recorded mention of Dlugopole can be traced back to 1338. The healing qualities of the mineral waters in Dlugopole were first discovered in the 1648 when a spring appeared at the alum mine workings. As the water was carbonated and had a pleasant refreshing taste, apart from bathing it was also drunk. The first spa facilities were not built till 1802 but the resort did not become known till 1819. Twenty years later, in 1839, the entire resort, along with all its existing facilities, was bought by Dr Julius Hancke from Wroclaw who recognised the potential of his investment. In a short time the Dlugopole resort became immensely popular. It was not until World War II that there were changes to the function of the spa resort; it became one great military hospital. In 1946 the spa returns back to business after replacing its former German name of Bad Langenau with Dlugopole-Zdroj. All the buildings are modernised and adapted to new requirements. By 1956 the resort has launched a virtually new profile with its range of therapeutic treatments.
One of the primary attractions of this foothill therapeutic spa is its natural mineral waters which originate from three sources. Two of the springs, named „Emilia” and „Kazimierz” have medium mineral waters while the third called „Renata” has waters rich in bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium as well as iron and radon.
Today, the spa resort specialises in the curative treatment of liver diseases, such as the viral condition after inflammation, cirrhosis and chronic inflammation. Treatments of gastrointestinal disorders include those for diseases of the pancreas, inflammation of the stomach lining and dysfunction of the gall bladder and the bile tract. It appears that treatments of patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and gout have been highly effective. Patients with cardiovascular diseases are also directed to Dlugopole-Zdroj. Atherosclerosis, varicose veins, hypertension, peripheral circulatory disorders, varying states of thrombophlebitis and chronic ischemic heart disease are also treated here. Highly skilled professionals, proven techniques and a large range of health products all help on the road to recovery but the atmosphere at the resort and the surrounding nature play their part as well.
There are three spa hospitals, one sanatorium, a spa clinic and a natural medicine centre with a pump room that make up the resort. The Dlugopole-Zdroj also has a beautiful spa park from the 19th century with stunning specimens of mature trees, which one of the main decorative features of the town. Lying in the foothills of the Sudety Mountains there are many nature trails in the area and the Main Sudety Trail runs through the village. Other attractions in the area include the parish church of Peter and Paul from 1355, the affiliated church of St. George from the 18th century and two manor houses, one Baroque also from the 18th century and the other Empire style from 1807. A well-preserved fortress from the 10th to 12th centuries is also located close to Dlugopole-Zdroj.
