Summary in English

About Stary Sącz

Stary Sącz is a historic town located in southern Poland, in the Lesser Poland (Małopolska) region, about 100 km south-east of Kraków. The town lies at the meeting point of the Dunajec and Poprad rivers, surrounded by the beautiful Beskid Sądecki mountains.  

With a history dating back to the 13th century, Stary Sącz is one of the oldest towns in Poland. The town was founded in 1257 and is closely connected with Saint Kinga, a Hungarian princess who founded the Poor Clares Monastery here in 1280.  

Today, Stary Sącz is known for its well-preserved medieval town layout, historical monuments, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the charming market square, historic churches, and scenic landscapes of the surrounding mountains.

Location

Stary Sącz is located in southern Poland in the Małopolska region, about:
    •    11 km from Nowy Sącz
    •    100 km from Kraków
    •    150 km from the Slovak border

The town is situated in the Sącz Basin between the Dunajec and Poprad rivers at an elevation of about 320 meters above sea level.  

What to See

Main attractions include:
    •    The Poor Clares Monastery founded by Saint Kinga
    •    The Market Square with historic townhouses
    •    St. Elizabeth’s Church
    •    The Poprad Landscape Park nearby
    •    Cycling routes such as VeloDunajec

The town is also surrounded by hiking and cycling trails in the Beskid Sądecki mountains.

Getting There

Stary Sącz can be reached by:

By car
    •    From Kraków - about 1.5-2 hours via national road DK75
    •    From Nowy Sącz - about 15 minutes

By train
    •    Regular train connections from Kraków and Nowy Sącz.

By bus
    •    Regional buses operate between nearby towns and cities.

The nearest international airport is Kraków Airport (KRK).

Local Government

The town is the seat of the Municipality of Stary Sącz.
The current Mayor is Jacek Lelek.  

The municipal office provides services for residents and visitors and coordinates local development, tourism, and cultural events.

Contact

Municipal Office in Stary Sącz
ul. Stefana Batorego 25
33-340 Stary Sącz
Poland

Phone: +48 18 446 02 70
Website: starysacz.um.gov.pl