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The chess festival in Polanica-Zdrój is one of the most important events in our city's calendar and a real treat not only for lovers of the "royal game". In 2026, the spa town will once again turn into the chess capital of Poland. This is the perfect excuse to combine great emotions at the chessboard with ultimate relaxation in the picturesque, mountainous scenery of the Kłodzko Valley.
In this guide, you will find the most important information about this year's edition: dates, program, the history of the tournament, and accompanying events. We also suggest the best place to stay during the festival, so that you are literally just a few steps away from the tournament venues and romantic walks in the Spa Park.
This year's 62nd edition of the Akiba Rubinstein International Chess Festival will take place in Polanica-Zdrój from August 14 to 23, 2026. It is the longest-running chess tournament in Poland and one of the three oldest in Europe. Every year, it attracts hundreds of players from all over the world to the spa town — from talented juniors to grandmasters.
The Festival Office and main information points will be located in the Spa Theatre (Teatr Zdrojowy) at 2 Parkowa Street, right in the heart of the spa zone. A detailed schedule and registration forms are available on the official festival website.
The patron of the event is Akiba Rubinstein (1882–1961) — one of the most outstanding Polish chess players in history and a top world player in the first decades of the 20th century. In 1912, he achieved a spectacular success, winning five major international tournaments in a row within a single year. The memorial named after him not only commemorates this brilliant figure but also promotes chess as a discipline that develops strategy and logical thinking.
For years, the Polanica memorial has been more than just closed tournaments; it is a grand city festival. The highlight of the program is the prestigious ALREH Grandmaster Round-Robin Tournament, where the average rating of participants (approx. 2650) guarantees matches at the highest global level.
In parallel, competitions are held in many age and rating categories — from OPEN groups for amateurs, through tournaments for children, to senior games. The festival also features highly spectacular accompanying events that are worth seeing, even if you do not play chess:
Living Chess: A unique open-air spectacle where costumed actors take on the roles of pieces on a giant chessboard.
Blitz and Rapid Tournaments: Dynamic games played at an express pace — perfect for spectators to watch.
Chess Simulatures: A unique opportunity to face a master playing simultaneously on a dozen chessboards.
Fischer Random Chess and "Kloc" (Bughouse) Tournament: Unusual variations of the game that introduce a much more relaxed, holiday atmosphere.
August in Polanica-Zdrój is the perfect time for a summer holiday. The mild, sub-mountain climate, the soothing shade of century-old trees in the Spa Park, and the proximity of the Table Mountains (Góry Stołowe) trails allow you to take a break from the summer heat. The ten days of the festival are the ideal time for a full-length holiday combining sporting emotions with recreation, mineral water tasting, and trips around the Kłodzko Valley.
For the families of the competitors, it is a double benefit — while one person competes at the table, the rest can enjoy the rich offer of the spa town. However, the key to a successful stay is choosing the right accommodation that allows you to forget about cars and commuting.
Bukowy Park Hotel Medical SPA is a four-star facility located in the strict center of Polanica-Zdrój, directly by the Spa Park and the mineral water pump room. The Spa Theatre, which is the heart of the festival, is in our immediate vicinity. You can reach the tournaments, Living Chess shows, and evening simulatures in just a few minutes of a leisurely walk.
Our hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, whose interiors combine classic elegance with modern comfort. We offer air-conditioned rooms and suites equipped with satellite TV, a minibar, a safe, soft bathrobes, and free access to high-speed Wi-Fi — perfect for analyzing your played games.
After hours of intense concentration at the chessboard, nothing brings such relief as relaxation for body and mind. In the hotel's Wellness & SPA zone, the following await you:
a swimming pool with a counter-current and a water massage system,
a dry sauna and a nourishing steam bath,
a jacuzzi, a fitness room, and a relaxation area with a salt graduation tower.
Our Bukowa Restaurant, known for its excellent buffet breakfasts and dinners, also takes care of regenerating your strength. We prepare dishes from fresh, local products, combining traditional flavors with modern culinary trends. You can find current offers and stay packages directly on our website.
The festival is a great starting point to explore the charms of the region. In your free time between rounds, we recommend:
Spa Park and Chess Park: Places full of greenery and flowers, which come alive in August and perfectly fit into the city's chess atmosphere.
Mineral Water Pump Room and Promenade: A classic element of a spa stay, featuring cafes, ice cream parlors, and places for evening relaxation.
Table Mountains (Góry Stołowe): Szczeliniec Wielki or Błędne Skały are within a short drive. Furthermore, the proximity to the Czech border (approx. 30 km) creates a great opportunity for single-day trips abroad.
When exactly does the Chess Festival in Polanica-Zdrój take place in 2026? The 62nd edition of the festival will take place from August 14 to 23, 2026. The event lasts 10 days.
Where do the main games take place? The main base and festival office is the Spa Theatre named after Mieczysława Ćwiklińska at 2 Parkowa Street. Most accompanying events and tournaments take place in the spa zone.
Is the festival open to people who do not play chess professionally? Of course! The festival is open to everyone. Spectacles such as Living Chess, simulatures with grandmasters, and open gaming zones attract thousands of tourists and fans every year.
Where is the best place to book accommodation for the duration of the festival? The most convenient solution is to choose a property in the spa zone. Hotel Bukowy Park Medical SPA offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning, a full Wellness zone, and an excellent location right next to the Spa Theatre.
The best games begin where you are just a few steps away from the chessboard and the Spa Park. Book your room at Hotel Bukowy Park for the 62nd Chess Festival and combine your sporting passion with a luxurious stay.
Check out our current stay packages and make a direct reservation today, before the most attractive August dates sell out!