Konkurs im. Czesława Dróżdziewicza
Krynica-Zdrój, Poland · Classical guitar competition
Konkurs im. Czesława Dróżdziewicza is a classical-guitar competition in Krynica-Zdrój, Poland. It is held every year, usually in December.
- Location
- Krynica-Zdrój, Poland
- Type
- Competition
- Most recent edition
- 10 December 2025 – 14 December 2025
- Next edition
- Usually each December — dates to be announced
- Frequency
- Annual
- Eligibility / age
- Professional/Youth
- Venue
- Stary Dom Zdrojowy
- Prizes
- Cash + concerts
Repertoire requirements
Check website
-
Competition Round · 15-20 min
- Free choice program
Official website
Enter the pieces you play and Guitar Events instantly shows how your repertoire matches this competition's rounds, and which other events you qualify for.
Check your repertoire matchVisiting? A guitarist's guide to Krynica-Zdrój
In the heart of Poland's Beskid mountains, the spa town of Krynica-Zdrój, often called the 'Pearl of Polish Spas,' hosts the annual Konkurs im. Czesława Dróżdziewicza. This international guitar competition draws players to a picturesque mountain setting, offering a unique blend of high-level performance and the tranquil charm of a historic health resort.
Getting there
Most travelers arrive via Kraków, a major hub in southern Poland. From Kraków, direct public bus services offer a frequent and efficient journey to Krynica-Zdrój, taking about three hours for the 150-kilometer trip. A direct train also runs once daily, taking around five hours. The Krynica-Zdrój train station is centrally located, placing you within easy reach of the town's amenities.
Compare trains, buses & flights to Krynica-Zdrój on Omio →
Poland runs on Type E sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.
These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay
As Poland's largest spa town, Krynica-Zdrój offers abundant accommodation. Beyond the numerous sanitariums, many private homes and guesthouses provide rooms, ensuring a wide range of options for visitors. Staying near the town center or within walking distance of the main promenades allows easy access to the competition venues and the town's attractions.
What you'll hear
The Konkurs im. Czesława Dróżdziewicza is an annual international guitar competition held in Krynica-Zdrój, drawing talented guitarists from various countries. The first prize includes both a cash award and concert opportunities, recognizing outstanding performance. Participants are advised to check the official website, festiwalgitarowy.pl, for specific repertoire requirements, as the competition does not feature a concerto round.
While the town does not boast a direct connection to a classical guitar composer, Krynica-Zdrój has a rich cultural history that provides a fitting backdrop for musical events. In the 19th century and the interwar period, it became a fashionable resort, attracting Polish elites, intellectuals, and artists, including the renowned opera singer Jan Kiepura. The historic Koncertowa pavilion in Park Słotwiński, built in 1870 and now home to a restaurant, stands as a quiet testament to the town's long-standing appreciation for culture and performance.
The local table
Dining in Krynica-Zdrój offers a chance to sample traditional Polish cuisine, with a focus on hearty, comforting dishes typical of the mountain region. While no specific local dish is grounded in the sources, you can expect to find staples like pierogi, kielbasa, and various potato and meat preparations. The historic Koncertowa pavilion, dating from 1870 in Park Słotwiński, now houses a restaurant and provides a lovely setting for a meal, while other local establishments offer a range of traditional fare.
Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Krynica-Zdrój →
While you're there
Beyond the competition, Krynica-Zdrój offers a variety of attractions. Art lovers can visit Nikifor's Museum, housed in a blue wooden villa, which holds the largest collection of works by the famous Polish outsider artist Nikifor Krynicki. The town's spa heritage is evident in sites like the Old and New Mineral Baths, the historic Old Spa House, and the Main Pump Room, where you can sample mineral waters directly from the Słotwinka Source in Park Słotwiński. For panoramic views, take the funicular railway up Mount Parkowa or the gondola lift to Mount Jaworzyna Krynicka, which also offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails in the Beskid Sądecki mountains. A unique day trip option is to cross the border into Slovakia; the historic town of Bardejov is only about 30 kilometers away, and the picturesque Spiš region is also easily accessible.
Tours, tickets and day trips in Krynica-Zdrój →
Compare hotels and apartments near Krynica-Zdrój for your dates.
Loads a third-party booking map (Stay22) only when you choose. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
This map centers on Krynica-Zdrój in general, so the venue may be elsewhere in town. Check the competition's official website before booking.
More guitar events in Poland: Baltic Guitar Days International Festival & Competition · Silesian Guitar Autumn
Also in December: Tokyo International Guitar Competition
Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.