Mszana Dolna lies among the hills of western Beskids, 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of Kraków.

In 2002, the area of Mszana Dolna was 27.1 square kilometres (10.5 sq mi), out of which forests covered 50%, and arable land 36%.

It received its Magdeburg rights some time in the late 14th or early 15th century, and since its inhabitants were mostly German Walddeutsche, the town was called Kinsbark (or Königsberg).

In early September 1939, during the German-Soviet invasion of Poland at the start of World War II, the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade of General Stanisław Maczek fought here against the advancing Wehrmacht.

During the war, Mszana lost one-third of its population, including its Jewish residents, of whom 881 were murdered by the Germans on 19 August 1942.