Happy TravellerWelcome to Jastrzębie-Zdrój, a city in southern Poland with a rich history and a unique name that comes from the Polish words for hawk and spa. Originally a spa village, Jastrzębie-Zdrój has transformed into a bustling city with a population of over 86,000 people. Let’s take a closer look at what this city has to offer.
History:
Jastrzębie-Zdrój has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 1300s. The town was originally called Jastrzemb and was part of the administration of Wodzisław. In the mid-1800s, trial excavations of hard coal were performed in the area, which led to the discovery of springs containing iodine and bromine brine solutions. The count of Königsdorff acquired the lands and suggested the construction of bath facilities, and in 1862, the health resort of Bad Königsdorff-Jastrzemb was established. The town quickly became one of the most prestigious health resorts in Europe, and numerous health facilities were set up. In the plebiscite in Silesia in 1921, about 85% of the inhabitants of Jastrzębie Zdrój voted for Poland, and in 1922, Jastrzębie-Zdrój was incorporated into Poland. The city’s history as a health resort came to an end in the 1960s when coal mining became the main industry.
Population and Location:
The city has a population of over 86,000 people and is located in the Silesian Voivodeship. Jastrzębie-Zdrój ranks as Poland’s 36th largest city and has a density of 1,047.9 per km². The city’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average.
Districts:
Jastrzębie-Zdrój is divided into 15 districts and 6 sołectwos that have their own administrative body. Most of the districts are suburban, some are densely built with many blocks of flats generating huge housing estates, and the rest are of civic nature.
Sports:
Jastrzębie-Zdrój is home to several sports clubs, including GKS Jastrzębie (men’s professional football club), Jastrzębski Węgiel (men’s professional volleyball club, two-time Polish Champion, PlusLiga), and JKH GKS Jastrzębie (men’s professional ice hockey club, Polska Hokej Liga).
Notable People:
Jastrzębie-Zdrój is the birthplace of several notable people, including Henryk Sławik (Polish politician, social worker, activist, and diplomat), Urszula Wybraniec-Skardowska (Polish logician), Krystian Lupa (Polish theatre director, set designer, playwright, translator, and pedagogue), and Kamil Glik (Polish footballer).
Twin Towns – Sister Cities:
Jastrzębie-Zdrój is twinned with several cities, including Będzin, Poland; Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland; and Šumperk, Czech Republic.
In conclusion, Jastrzębie-Zdrój is a city with a rich history, a unique name, and plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s past, enjoying its sports scene, or simply taking in the local culture, Jastrzębie-Zdrój is a destination worth considering for your next trip to Poland.
