Poland's Sacred Springs: 5 Places Where Water Has Healing Power
June 11, 2025
Poland, a country rich in history and tradition, hides in its corners places that have attracted pilgrims and seekers of spiritual experiences for centuries. Among them, a special place is occupied by sacred springs - natural outflows of water that are attributed with extraordinary healing properties. These miraculous springs, often associated with revelations or legends, have become important points on the religious and cultural map of our country. In this article, we will take you on a journey to five unique places where water is believed to have the power to heal the body and soul. We will uncover the stories of these sacred springs, learn about their importance to local communities and pilgrims, and how to reach these unusual corners of Poland. Whether you are a person of deep faith or simply a curious traveler, these places are sure to impress you with their atmosphere of tranquility, the beauty of the surrounding nature and the richness of traditions.
Ad
Wonderful Spring in Gietrzwald and Miraculous Spring in Zwierzyn
Our journey begins with the Miraculous Spring in Gietrzwald, a small village located in the Warmian-Masurian province, about 20 km southwest of Olsztyn. It is the place where, according to beliefs, in 1877 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to two girls and blessed a spring of water. Since then, Gietrzwald has become an important Marian shrine, and the water from the spring is believed to have healing properties.
To reach the Miraculous Spring in Gietrzwald, it is best to head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gietrzwald at 1 Kościelna St. The spring is located on the grounds of the sanctuary, about 300 meters behind the basilica. Access is by car (there is a parking lot on site) or by public transportation - regular buses from Olsztyn run to Gietrzwałd.
The spring is open to the public all year round, 24 hours a day. It is worth remembering, however, that during the summer and during important religious holidays the place can be very crowded. For those seeking peace and tranquility, we recommend a visit in the early morning or evening.
There is a covered well with a pump on site, so you can easily get water for your own dishes. There are benches arranged around the spring where you can rest and pray. It is worth noting the statue of Our Lady standing nearby - a place often visited by pilgrims.
For families with children, we recommend taking comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the spring can be uneven. It's also a good idea to bring water bottles or bidons. There is a children's playground nearby, which can be an added attraction for the little ones.
Another place on our route is the Miraculous Spring in Zwierzyn, located in Subcarpathian Voivodeship, not far from Solina. This charming place, hidden in the forest, is associated with the legend of the revelation of the Mother of God.
To reach the spring in Zwierzyn, head to Zwierzyn (Olszanica municipality). The spring is located about 2.5 km from the center of the village, in the forest. Access by car is possible almost to the place itself - there is a small parking lot by the road. It is worth remembering that the last section of the road is quite narrow and bumpy.
The spring is accessible all year round, with no time restrictions. However, due to its location in the forest, it is recommended to visit it during the day. The site is well landscaped - there is a covered water point, benches and picnic tables. Water flows out of a metal pipe, which makes it easy to fill bottles.
For families with children, a visit to Zwierzyn can be an interesting adventure. The road to the spring leads through the forest, which in itself is an attraction for the youngest. It is advisable to bring comfortable trekking shoes, as well as mosquito repellent, especially in summer. There are also marked hiking trails in the area, which can be an added attraction for more active families.
Both the Miraculous Spring in Gietrzwald and the Miraculous Spring in Zwierzyn are places where one can not only have a spiritual experience, but also enjoy the beauty of Polish nature. It is worth planning a visit to these places as part of a longer tour of the region, combining spiritual experiences with active recreation in nature.
Wonderful Spring at St. Góra Grabarka and Lichen Spring
Continuing our tour of Poland's holy springs, we move to the east of the country, to the Podlaskie Voivodeship, where the Well of the Miraculous Spring on St. Grabarka Mountain is located. This is a place of great importance to Orthodox believers in Poland, often referred to as the 'Orthodox Czestochowa'.
Holy Mount Grabarka is located about 12 kilometers northeast of Siemiatycze. To reach the well with the miraculous spring, head to the village of Grabarka-Klasztor. There is a large parking lot for cars and coaches on site. Access by public transport is limited, but possible - the nearest train station is in Siemiatycze, from where you can order a cab or take the occasional bus service.
The well with the miraculous spring is accessible all year round, 24 hours a day. However, it is worth remembering that the highest pilgrimage traffic takes place around August 19, when the Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated. During this period you can expect crowds and difficulties in accessing the spring.
The well itself is located at the foot of the mountain on which the Orthodox church and monastery rise. It is a simple wooden canopy with a pump from where you can draw water. Around the well are benches where you can rest and pray. It is worth noting the thousands of votive crosses that pilgrims leave on the mountain - an extraordinary sight that will long be remembered.
For families with children, a visit to Holy Mount Grabarka can be a fascinating lesson in history and religion. However, it is worth remembering to dress appropriately - the place requires modest clothing, especially when entering the Orthodox church. The terrain around the well is quite steep, so comfortable, flat shoes are recommended.
The next stop on our route is the Lichen Spring, located in the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lichen in Licheń Stary, in the Greater Poland Province. It is one of the largest Marian shrines in Poland, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.
To get to the Lichen Spring, head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lichen in Licheń Stary (address: 4 Klasztorna St., 62-563 Licheń Stary). The Sanctuary is well marked and easily accessible by car. For those using public transportation, the nearest train station is in Konin, from where regular buses run to Licheń.
The spring is accessible daily, all year round. Opening hours are the same as those of the sanctuary, which is usually from early morning to late evening. However, it's worth checking the exact hours on the shrine's official website before planning a visit.
The spring itself is located on the sanctuary grounds, near the basilica. It is a covered structure with several taps from which one can draw water. The site is well organized, with benches and places to rest. There are also restrooms and refreshment facilities nearby.
For families with children, a visit to Lichen can be an interesting experience. In addition to the spring itself, the impressive basilica, gardens and museum are worth a visit. There is also a children's playground on the sanctuary grounds. It's worth remembering to bring your own bottles for water from the spring.
Both the Well of the Miraculous Spring on St. Grabarka Mountain and the Lichen Spring are places of great spiritual significance, but also interesting points on the tourist map of Poland. Each offers not only the opportunity to draw 'miraculous' water, but also an opportunity to learn about the rich religious history and culture of our country.
Wonderful Spring of Budzieszyn - a gem of Podlasie
At the end of our journey through Poland's holy springs, we head to Podlasie, to the small village of Budzieszyn, where the Budzieszyn Miraculous Spring is located. This place, although less well-known than the previous ones, has its own unique charm and atmosphere, which attract both pilgrims and tourists seeking peace and contact with nature.
The Miraculous Spring of Budzieszyn is located in Mokobody municipality, Mazowieckie province, about 100 km east of Warsaw. To reach the spring, head to the village of Budzieszyn. The spring is located on the edge of the forest, about 1 km from the center of the village. Access by car is possible - there is a small parking lot by the provincial road DW696. For those using public transportation, the nearest train station is in Siedlce, from where you can take a bus to Mokobody, and from there take a cab or walk to Budzieszyn.
The spring is accessible all year round, 24 hours a day. There are no time restrictions, which makes it an ideal place for those seeking peace and quiet and the ability to visit at any time of the day or night. However, it is worth remembering that there may be more visitors here during the summer and during important religious holidays.
The place is relatively simple in its form, which adds to its authenticity and charm. The spring is located under a small wooden canopy. Water flows out of a metal pipe, which makes it easy to fill bottles. There are several benches around the spring where one can rest and pray. Also noteworthy is a wooden field altar, where mass is sometimes celebrated.
For families with children, a visit to Budzieszyn can be an interesting adventure. The road to the spring leads through a picturesque forest, which in itself is an attraction for the little ones. It's worth taking a blanket and snacks with you - the area is perfect for a picnic. However, remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain, when the paths can be muddy.
The water from the Budzieszyn spring, as with other miraculous springs, is believed to have healing properties. Many pilgrims come here to drink the water or take it home. It is advisable to bring your own water bottles or containers.
There is also a statue of St. John of Nepomuk - the patron saint of good confession and drowning people - near the spring. This is an additional point of interest when visiting Budushin.
The Miraculous Spring of Budzieszyn, although less well-known than the sanctuaries in Licheń or Gietrzwald, has its own unique character. It is a place where you can experience not only spiritual experiences, but also enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Podlasie nature.
To sum up our journey through the holy springs of Poland, it is worth noting that each of the places visited has its own unique history and atmosphere. From the crowd-pleasing sanctuary in Licheń, to the picturesque Holy Mountain of Grabarka, to the intimate spring in Budzieszyn, all of these places are united by a belief in the healing power of water and deep spirituality.
Whether you are a person of deep faith or simply a curious traveler, these holy springs offer more than just water. They are places where one can find peace, reflect on the meaning of life, and learn about an important part of Polish culture and tradition.
When planning a trip to these places, it is worth remembering their religious nature and maintaining proper respect. At the same time, you don't have to be a religious person to appreciate their beauty and atmosphere. These are ideal places for family trips, where you can combine educational elements with relaxation in nature.
We encourage you to visit these remarkable places and experience their atmosphere for yourself. Whether you're looking for a spiritual experience or simply interesting places to visit, Poland's holy springs will certainly not disappoint you.
Similar articles
Ad