The Spas of West Bohemia: UNESCO Designated Retreats!
Nestled within West Bohemia, the towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně create a delightful triangle known as the ‘Spa Triangle.’ Renowned for their therapeutic qualities, these towns have been celebrated spa destinations for centuries and are proudly recognized by UNESCO for their exceptional European spa culture. Set against a gently undulating landscape, they offer more than just spa treatments for ailments like digestive issues and heart conditions; you’ll also find countless paths winding through the stunning natural environment surrounding these towns.
Karlovy Vary stands as Czechia’s largest and most illustrious spa town. The grandeur and opulence of its historic spa buildings and elegant colonnades, along with its esteemed hotels and cultural heritage sites, will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Every summer, the town comes alive with the International Film Festival, where you might spot some notable Hollywood celebrities! The picturesque walks around Karlovy Vary have captured the heart of many, including the esteemed poet Goethe. This charming spa has attracted prominent figures throughout history, such as Beethoven, Gogol, Paganini, Casanova, and Mozart. Have you had the chance to see the Vřídlo? It’s the towering geyser centrally located in the town, releasing water at an impressive temperature exceeding 70°C!
What delights await you in Mariánské Lázně? Similar to Karlovy Vary, this tranquil town has long been a favored retreat for European royals, dignitaries, esteemed writers, musicians, and intellectuals. This charming location is filled with lush parks, showcasing a classic spa town atmosphere that has remained untouched by modern renovations, transporting you back to the early 19th century’s classicism. As of 2023, Mariánské Lázně has been recognized with the esteemed title of a climatic spa. Even more, the town is home to over 40 mineral water springs that bubble energetically all around! You can leisurely sip on a refreshing drink while meandering along the historical colonnade. Let’s not forget its younger, more serene sibling, Františkovy Lázně, which adds a perfect complement to the illustrious Spa Triangle.
Třeboň: One of the Most Adored Spas
The charming town of Třeboň in South Bohemia boasts a rich history in fish farming and is celebrated for its popular peat baths, a true wellness favorite among locals and visitors alike. The serene spa complex is conveniently located on the outskirts of the town center, nestled within a beautiful park that borders Svět Pond, which happens to be one of the largest ponds in Czechia. Surrounding Třeboň, you will find extensive beds of medicinal peat, especially beneficial for patients dealing with musculoskeletal issues. If time allows, don’t miss the chance to rent a bike from one of the local centers and explore the scenic Třeboň region on two wheels! The area features mostly flat terrain, making it perfect for leisurely rides and explorations. Additionally, be sure to indulge in the town’s renowned carp specialties at one of its many eateries, and don’t miss the opportunity to tour the majestic Renaissance château or pay a visit to the historical Schwarzenberg Tomb.
Lázně Kynžvart: The Premier Family Spa
Nestled centrally in the South Bohemian triangle of wellness towns is Lázně Kynžvart. This unique healing spa is especially tailored to care for children, making it a wonderful option for family visits. Situated on gentle hills at the eastern edge of the town, the spa thrives thanks to three natural treasures: a beneficial climate, mineral springs, and therapeutic peat beds. The jewel of the entire region is the classicist Kynžvart Château, once the grand summer residence of Austrian Chancellor Metternich. This château features an impressive array of art, coins, weaponry, manuscripts, and a captivating cabinet of curiosities, making it one of Europe’s oldest public museums. The exterior is adorned by an English-style park complete with ponds, a neo-Gothic chapel, charming gazebos, statues, and various cozy nooks. Part of the park even serves as a picturesque golf course.
Karlova Studánka: A Mountain Spa Retreat
Experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and historical charm at Karlova Studánka, a spa set against the stunning backdrop of the Jeseníky mountains in northern Moravia. Renowned for having the cleanest air in Central Europe, this spa benefits from a wealth of natural healing resources, including mineral water and natural carbon dioxide. These resources contribute to carbonic baths, peat wraps, inhalation therapies, and are even consumed as a drink. One of the highlights is the thermal pool kept at a delightful 32°C, outfitted with underwater loungers, benches, and massage jet systems. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a hot tub, a Finnish sauna, a tepidarium, and a mystical salt cave.
Teplice: The Oldest Spa in Czechia
Teplice holds the title of the oldest spa in Czechia and is among the oldest in Europe, ideally located at the foot of the Ore Mountains. It is celebrated for its beautifully ornate buildings, lush parks, and a cutting-edge spa that harnesses water sourced from deep underground wells. Did you know that while enjoying spa treatments in Teplice, you are engaging in a tradition that traces back over 18,000 years? The mineral composition of this water provides several health benefits, preventing osteoporosis, delaying joint deterioration, and enhancing physical fitness, making it particularly attractive to athletes and office workers alike. Teplice also serves as an excellent base for summer sports adventures. Be sure to pack your Nordic walking poles!
Lednice: A Vibrant New Spa
The charming Lednice spa located in southern Moravia offers the therapeutic benefits of natural iodine-bromine mineral water, known for its positive effects on the musculoskeletal and circulatory systems, neurological disorders, as well as aiding in recovery from burns and other skin ailments. Remarkably, Lednice only achieved the status of a spa town in 2017! The spa is situated in proximity to the remarkable château and park that are part of the UNESCO-designated Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape. After indulging in your spa treatments, consider unwinding in the serene English park or renting a bike to embark on a cycling adventure through the breathtaking South Moravian landscapes. The curated trails lead you past various delightful hunting lodges and buildings constructed by the historic Liechtenstein family.
Jáchymov – The World’s First Radon Spa
Close to Karlovy Vary, you’ll find the picturesque Jáchymov Spa, known for its distinctive radon therapy, which effectively addresses musculoskeletal disorders and neurological problems. This innovative therapy utilizes natural mineral water infused with high levels of radon, which aids in cell regeneration, alleviates discomfort, and enhances overall wellness. Apart from specialized therapeutic treatments, a multitude of wellness programs, rehabilitation activities, and relaxation options are also available for visitors.
Interestingly, Jáchymov is also credited with the origin of one of the world’s most famous currencies. The term dollar actually comes from the silver coins that were minted in the town. The Jáchymov thaler was used widely throughout Europe and even made its way to the Americas with early settlers.
In 2025, it will mark exactly 100 years since the esteemed scientist Marie Curie Skłodowska visited Jáchymov! It was within these mines that pitchblende was extracted, enabling Marie and her husband Pierre to isolate the new element—radium. This groundbreaking research has had a lasting impact on both science and medicine.
Editor’s Recommendations: Luhačovice and Poděbrady
For those looking for additional suggestions, don’t miss Luhačovice in Moravia and Poděbrady in Central Bohemia. Luhačovice is a charming spot for relaxing and engaging in recreational activities beneath the Beskid Mountains and is known for its healing mineral springs. The distinctive character of the town was shaped in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by architect Dušan Jurkovič, who crafted several buildings inspired by traditional folk architecture.
In contrast, Poděbrady is famous for addressing heart-related health issues, and while you visit, take the chance to sample the mineral springs named after notable figures who once sought healing there.
