The history of saline springs in Ciechocinek dates back to very old times. Records from the 13th century are regarded as the oldest. In 1235, Konrad I, the Prince of Mazovia, issued a document, with which he assigned two salt-works to the Teutonic Order he had brought to Poland - for perpetual usufruct. In return, the Order was obliged to provide allowance of salt to the courts of the Prince and the local bishop.
"Due to a combination of political events, in the late 18th century the royal territory of Slonsk became a spot of economic interest again." Following the first partition of Poland (1772) Wieliczka and Bochnia, places rich in salt deposits, were annexed by Austria, therefore the attention of the relevant officials of the new administration was turned to the saline springs of Slonsk and Ciechocinek. The mission was inspired by Konstanty Leon Wolicki, an economic activist. His efforts were supported by the then Minister of Treasury, Franciszek Ksawery Drucki-Lubecki.
In the years 1824 - 1832 a large salt works was raised in the parish of Slonsk. "For the technological preparation of raw brine, the plant was equipped with the so-called “gradation works”, which were brine graduation towers for brine evaporation. Ciechocinek became a major producer of table salt."
Soon dr Michal Nowicki discovered the therapeutic properties of the Ciechocinek brines. In 1836 already the first four copper tubs for brine baths were installed at a newly built inn. "This event marks the beginning of Ciechocinek's activity as a spa town, already equipped with "Mineral Waters Baths."
An figure significant to the development of the spa in those days was dr Roman Ignatowski, a physician at the salt works, thanks to whom new baths came to being. "Dr Ignatowski accepted the duties of a “mineral Waters Baths doctor without salary” and supervised further research into the application of brines for therapeutic purposes."
The years of Ciechocinek's greater and greater prosperity as a spa followed. The place was developing. The fruit of its development was the grant of civic rights in 1916.
Between the two World Wars the spa still developed and grew bigger. New guesthouses for holiday-makers appeared, a post office was built, as well as a thermal saline swimming-pool, a school, a living and shopping complex called "Europe", "President's Manor" and other places. Distinguished guests visited the spa. Ciechocinek flourished and attracted visitors with the beauty of its parks. It became famous abroad, too.
The Second World War broke out. Ciechocinek was re-named and called Hermansbad. It became one huge army hospital for Germans.
Then came January 1945. The Germans left the spa in a hurry. Fortunately, the war did not leave the town in devastation. The most important buildings were saved, i.e. the baths, the railway station, and the church, even though the invaders had tried to blow them up.
The spa could be brought back to life.
The town underwent especially intense development in the late fifties, in the sixties and in the seventies. It was then that many sanatoriums and trade preventive centres were built.
Just as it did in the past, Ciechocinek attracts bathers and holiday-makers not just with its therapeutic properties, but also with its picturesque scenery, the greenery of its abundant parks, the pleasant and cosy atmosphere of its cafes, the sprinkling sound of its fountains, the gravity of the graduation towers and the charm of its numerous walking paths.
Since 1998 the agreeable sight of the finally renovated building of the Summer Theatre has been brought back to the town's scenery. That is where local cultural events take place.
The spa offers countless attractions to its visitors and citizens. Care is taken that everyone can find something of interest both during the hot summer, and in the long autumn and winter evenings. Among particularly interesting events are the following: Firemen's Song Festival, Firemen's Brass Bands Festival, Ciechocinek Days, Kujawy and Dobrzyn Folk Festival, Gypsy Culture and Song Festival, Song Festival for Disabled Children, Opera and Operetta Festival, "Salt Marathon", "Presentations", Theatre Festival, to mention just the most crucial ones.
Anyone is welcome in Ciechocinek. It is especially attractive, however, to those suffering from motory organ dysfunctions and rheumatic diseases, diseases of the respiratory system, the circulatory system, and the nervous system - they are sure to find relief here. Convalescents regain their strength and health as they take advantage of brine, carbonic acid and mud baths, traditional and water massage, inhalations, therapeutic exercise in gyms and in brine pools, as well as walking around the graduation towers or by the "Mushroom" fountain, or else in the neighbouring countryside.
We welcome you to Ciechocinek. This beautiful place, helping you to regain health and to regenerate with its therapeutic properties, is waiting for you. Do not hesitate. Come to the lovely spa, alluringly situated on the bank of the Vistula, whose course is a bit wild here.