Rabka-Zdrój

Rabka-Zdrój
Town centre
Rabka-Zdrój
Coordinates: 49°36′30″N 19°58′0″E / 49.60833°N 19.96667°E / 49.60833; 19.96667
Country Poland
VoivodeshipLesser Poland
CountyNowy Targ
GminaRabka-Zdrój
Area
  Total
36.59 km2 (14.13 sq mi)
Highest elevation
560 m (1,840 ft)
Lowest elevation
470 m (1,540 ft)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
12,662
  Density350/km2 (900/sq mi)
Postal code
34-700
Websitewww.rabka.pl

Rabka-Zdrój (pronounced [ˈrapka ˈzdrui̯], Goral: Robka, colloquially: Rabka) is a spa town in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland. It is located between Kraków and Zakopane in a valley on the northern slopes of the Gorce Mountains, where the rivers Poniczanka and Słonka join the river Raba. It has about 13,000 inhabitants. There is a substantial population of Gorals in the town.

Rabka was always known for its salt-works, and from 1864 became a popular spa town. The first treatment centre for children was established a few years later and continues to this day. Hydrotherapy continues to be utilised in local hospital and sanatoriums.

The Władysław Orkan Museum established in a former 17th-century larch-wood church, includes a collection of folk sculpture and paintings on glass. It also houses the "Order of the Smile Museum" (which children award to adults) and hosts events such as a winter carnival, the Carpathian Festival of Children's Regional Ensembles and the Mountain Children's Holiday International Festival. Other entertainment and folk events are held in the summer season.