Ciechocinek Graduation Towers
Kujawsko-pomorskie
The Ciechocinek Graduation Towers are a remarkable complex of three wooden saline evaporation structures built in the 19th century, located in the spa town of Ciechocinek in north-central Poland. These towers form the largest wooden construction of their kind in Europe, designed by Professor Jakub Graff based on saline springs discovered in the late 18th century. The towers are built on oak piles and filled with blackthorn brushwood over which saline water flows, creating a microclimate rich in iodine and other beneficial minerals. This therapeutic environment supports treatment of respiratory, cardiovascular, orthopedic, rheumatic, and nervous system diseases. The complex is arranged in a horseshoe shape with a total length of over 1.7 kilometers and stands about 15.8 meters tall. Beyond their health benefits, the graduation towers are a significant historical monument and a major tourist attraction, surrounded by parks and complemented by additional spa facilities such as saltwater pools and the Health Park. Since 2017, the site has been designated a Historic Monument of Poland, highlighting its cultural and historical importance. Visitors can experience the towers through guided walks or electric cart tours, enjoying both the natural healing atmosphere and the architectural uniqueness of this heritage site.
Plan your trip to Poland with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit the Ciechocinek Graduation Towers is during spring to early autumn when the therapeutic microclimate is most effective and pleasant for outdoor inhalations. It is advisable to check opening hours and consider guided tours or electric cart rides to fully appreciate the site. Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Visitors seeking health benefits should allow time to enjoy the saline inhalations and explore the surrounding Health Park and spa facilities. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups, so inquire locally. Comfortable walking shoes and light clothing are recommended due to the outdoor nature of the site.
Interesting facts
- •The Ciechocinek Graduation Towers form the largest wooden structure of their kind in Europe, stretching over 1.7 kilometers in length.
- •The saline water used in the towers is pumped from a depth of over 400 meters and contains about 5.8% salt concentration.
- •The towers create a microclimate rich in iodine, sodium, chlorine, and bromine, similar to that found at the seashore, beneficial for respiratory therapies.
- •In 1996, traces of radioactive cesium isotopes from the Chernobyl disaster were detected in the salt mud and salt, but at levels safe for human health.
- •The site includes a historic salt production system with a one-rail hanging railway from 1905 used to transport salt within the facility.
- •The graduation towers act as a giant air filter, improving air quality for visitors and locals alike.
History
The origins of the Ciechocinek Graduation Towers date back to the early 19th century, with the first two towers constructed between 1824 and 1828 and the third added in 1859.
They were designed by Jakub Graff, a mining academy professor, based on saline springs discovered in the late 18th century.
Historically, the site evolved from local salt extraction activities dating back to the 13th century authorized by regional rulers.
Over time, the towers became central to the development of Ciechocinek as a renowned spa town.
The salt production process involved pumping saline water from deep wells and concentrating it through evaporation on the towers.
Modernization replaced steam and wind-powered pumps with electric ones, but the original wooden structure remains largely intact.
In 2017, the graduation towers and associated saltworks along with adjacent parks were officially recognized as a Historic Monument of Poland, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Place Guide
Graduation Tower No. I1824-1828
The first and longest graduation tower, built between 1824 and 1828, measuring 648 meters in length. It features oak piles supporting a wooden structure filled with blackthorn branches over which saline water flows to increase salt concentration through evaporation.
Graduation Tower No. II1824-1828
Built concurrently with Tower No. I between 1824 and 1828, this tower is 719 meters long and holds the highest salt concentration of approximately 30%. It complements the first tower in the salt evaporation process.
Graduation Tower No. III1859
Constructed in 1859, this tower is 333 meters long and positioned diagonally to close the horseshoe shape. It achieves a medium salt concentration of about 16%.
Saltwater Source No. 11 (Fontanna Grzybek)
The deep saline spring pumping water from over 400 meters underground, delivering saline water at 5.8% concentration to the tops of the towers for evaporation.
Saltworks and Storage Facilitieslate 19th to early 20th century
Historic buildings associated with salt boiling and storage, including a surviving salt warehouse from the late 19th to early 20th century with a unique hanging railway system for salt transport.
Contact
Phone: 12 307 29 73
