From the History of Jastrzębie Zdrój.

The first written records of the area of Jastrzębie Zdrój come from 1305, from the foundation book of Wrocław bishopric, where the oldest settlement Boża Góra was mentioned. In the second half of XVth century the settlement adopted the name Jastrzębie.

After iodine-bromine saline water had been discovered in the vicinity of Lower Jastrzębie, where in the years 1858-60 bores were carried out in search of coal, rapid development of the town began. The owner of the area was then Emil von Schlieben. In 1860 the area was purchased by earl Feliks von Konigsdorff, who began constructing the first curation buildings.

In 1862 Bad Koningsdorf-Jastrzemb health resort was established. It quickly became a renowned European curative centre. In 1863 Jastrzębie springs gave 135 litres of curative water per minute, which allowed 742 baths a day. The spreading news about the therapeutic qualities of water crossed the Ocean – in 1864 10241 bottles of condensed saline water were sent to the USA, a year later the production increased by 4 thousand; however, it turned out to be too expensive and it was stopped. Five years later the health resort was taken over by Actien Commandi Gesellschaft company which modernised existing buildings and constructed a concert shell and a wooden walking avenue.

At the end of XIX century the health resort came into the possession of dr Mikołaj Witczak, the only Polish physician in Rybnik region, who was previously the employee in the spa. The new owner employed Polish doctors, efficiently managed the resort and carried out shrewd investments , which made Jastrzębie a modern and respectable resort.

Saline baths, peloid baths and electrotherapy helped in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, neuralgia and heart diseases. Patients had a beautiful park with walking alleys at their disposal. Social life was beaming in the buildings located in the spa part.

New villas, guest houses and sanatoria were erected. At that time the sanatorium for evangelic children run by Bethan sisters was constructed. That building houses Dąbrówka Hotel at present.

In 1933 the turnover from health resort activities amounted to nearly 1 mln zlotys, which was the best result among the health resorts of Silesian Beskid. 

 
Drawing of Jastrzębie Zdrój

  
Postcard from Jastrzębie Zdrój, 1920s

Betania III, 1923 (current Dąbrówka Hotel)

Betania III, year 1934

Betania I, year 1934

 
The Beach, year 1934