Summary:

Duszniki-Zdrój is a city located in the western part of the Kotlina Kłodzka, near the Czech border. The national road no. 8, which runs through the city, provides convenient communication with the region. The most important factors are: proximity of larger towns such as Kłodzko, Wałbrzych or Wroclaw and other health resorts such as Kudowa-Zdrój, Polanica-Zdroj, Lądek-Zdrój and the existence of dynamically developing winter sports centre Zieleniec which is located within the administrative boundaries of the city. All these factors generate a large number of tourists. Duszniki-Zdrój is an attractive town with the status of a health resort. Currently it is a multifunctional tourist centre rather than a single-function spa resort. The article presents a research thesis: "Is the further spatial development of this spa town possible and advisable?". The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the developmental spatial capabilities of this town. A detailed inventory specifying how land is used has been carried out. In order to better understand the local conditions, the general division into urban units was made. Urban, multi-family, recreational and mixed housing complex, single family housing, agricultural and forestry complex were marked out. An analysis covering the most important elements affecting the development potential of the city was conducted. The main objects that generate traffic flows were taken into account.. The problem areas were designated. The development of buildings in particular time periods was investigated, objects and areas with the highest values were pointed out. Valuable areas due to existing environmental conditions were identified and additionally analyses of slope gradients and shading helped to identify existing development potential and to identify potential development opportunities of Duszniki-Zdrój.