Krynica-Zdrój is a town in southern Poland in Beskid Sądecki mountains, inhabited by over 13 thousand people. Part of the inhabitants belong to the Lemko minority. It is the biggest spa in Poland called The Pearl of Polish Spas; a tourist and winter sport centre. It was first recorded in 1547 and became a town in 1889. The 1931 World Ice Hockey Championships were held in Krynica- Zdrój.

A gondola lift built in 1997 on the Jaworzyna Krynicka, a mountain overlooking Krynica-Zdrój, and subsequent investment in modern skiing facilities, made it one of the most important ski resorts in Poland. Beyond down-hill skiing, nearby mountains are also a perfect setting for cross-country skiing and mountain-biking. Krynica-Zdrój is sometimes nicknamed "Polish Davos" for the Economic Summit "Poland-East" held here every year in September. Politicians (including heads of state) and businessmen from several countries of Central Europe, former Soviet Union and Arabic countries meet here to discuss economic and political matters. Krynica-Zdrój was home to Nikifor (real name: Epifaniusz Drowniak), a famous naïve painter.