Think Belle Epoque architecture, elaborate fountains, mineral-rich springs and woodsy nature walks. Jáchymov, spa town, western Czech Republic. It is also the region where… The town has modernised, of course. Prague. It takes a bit more than 2 hours from Florenc bus station in Prague. Check availability here. Brno. A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 20 writing and blogging awards and honours. It’s hard for me to get my head around, but both Johann Strauss and Baron Rothschild gave it a whirl, and the luxury Neoclassical Hotel Radium Palace, has been hosting dedicated spa fans since 1912. You can take the train, which takes about an hour and a half. (And just the fact that I know how to spell them shows my love.) I’ve also had an enjoyable stay at the 4-star Thermal Hotel Karlovy Vary. The Czech language uses a single word for cities and towns and as official nomenclature for fourth-level administrative country subdivisions of settlements in the Czech Republic ... Spa towns in the Czech Republic‎ (31 P) Visit my Czechia page for more things to do in the Czech Republic. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; The Princess Di of her day, Sissi was a voracious hiker, striding out in the town’s surrounding hills for more then 20 km a day and wearing out the staff members who had to accompany her. The location is great with Old Town and Wenceslas Squares nearby. You can also do some celebrity spotting on films sets around Karlovy Vary and other Bohemian hot spots. Check prices here. (December 2009) There are number of spa towns in the Czech Republic. The traditional spa cure in Karlovy Vary includes a carefully prescribed package of treatments. In the 19th century, these three towns shot to fame when the European aristocracy descended en masse to ‘take the waters’ and stay at the grand Neoclassical hotels for weeks at a time. Yes. Spa traditions evolve, however, and thermal pools are springing up. When I was visiting Loket, a town near Karlovy Vary, I walked onto the film set for Einstein, the TV series directed by Ron Howard. So now let’s take a closer look at what spa towns you can visit. The quaint spa towns of Western Bohemia in the Czech Republic promise cheer and rejuvenation. Once known as Little Paris, this spa in north Bohemia was quite a draw in the 18th and 19th centuries, when eminent greats such as Tsar Peter I, the Swedish King Gustav IV, Emperor Francis Joseph I and Beethoven all paid it a visit. The three spa towns in West Bohemia – Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně – are known as the West Bohemian Spa Triangle. Not far from Karlovy Vary is the small spa resort town of Lázně Jachymov. What makes these Czech spa towns so appealing? Like Marienbad, Franzensbad has mineral springs which are not naturally hot. Still, way to go Czech Republic spas!). Fortunately my head is fine, and I can get to the important business of planning my spa week. In 2011 the Czech spas were visited by around 700,000 guests, of whom around half were foreigners, mainly from Germany, Russia and Austria. At the first note of the orchestra he must lift his tumbler and begin to sip his dreadful water with the rest. Lednice is a small town that is home to an enchanting palace, the House of Liechtenstein. By Snigdha Bhowmick Belle époque architecture, astronomical clocks, castles and châteaux, and frosty pines—a series of things come to mind when I think about the Czech Republic. The views are terrific but it does require some uphill walking unless you take a cab or have a car. These days most of the celebrities to the Czech Republic can be found at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which is held every July, and attracts stars such as Daniel Craig, Gérard Depardieu and Jackie Chan. The ‘From Prague: A Full Day Tour’ is a 9.5 hour tour that takes you around the Karlovy Vary springs, talks about the history of the spa town, and includes hotel pick up and drop off. If you’re looking for a beer spa in Prague, the aptly-named Beer Spa has two locations in the city. Yes. In addition to day trips to the spa towns of Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne, Tepla Monastery is an ancient monastery that makes a great day trip from Karlovy Vary. Repeat the whole thing the next day. Our Czech Republic health spa hotels are located in charming spa towns with healing thermal springs that provide the perfect natural setting for relaxation, rejuvenation and recovery. Spa Stays in the Czech Republic Medical Treatments Relaxation and Wellness Programs. The mineral water here, while not thermal, is salty, mineral rich and used to treat respiratory disorders, diabetes and muscular problems. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Can you do Prague to Karlovy Vary as a day trip? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Set in a sloped river valley, its main promenade is a sweep of pastel-tinted buildings with the gentle River Teplá ribboning through it like embroidery on a hem. They stroll the promenade alongside locals who swear by the spa cure and longterm spa guests from Germany, Russia, Kuwait, Italy, Britain and just about everywhere else. Spa towns in the Czech Republic Spa towns in the Czech Republic. Located at the foot of the  Krušné Mountains, Jachymov was the first radon spa in the world. The fact is, most people aren’t going to leave Prague, even if they’re desperate to sample the Czech spa culture. Today's beautiful spa town was a swamp until the 16th century when the first spa house was built. Much as I appreciate the visual impact of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně – Marienbad – gets my vote for the best place to spa in the Czech Republic. I’ve done it from Karlovy Vary when I’ve had to get to the Prague airport early. Head to the spa. There is a lot to do in Karlovy Vary. They include things like mud packs, massage and mineral-water baths. It’s said that rubbing either the statue’s private bits or the nose (I’m not sure which, because I don’t dare go near it) will give you a leg up (pardon the pun) on bearing children. To my mind only the European spa town that can rival it for curb appeal is Baden-Baden in Germany. Czech Republic capital Prague is a city for all seasons. And don’t worry about driving after soaking up a lot of beer, there’s a hotel here too. (Admittedly, this isn’t a huge record breaker as there were hardly any hot springs pools to start with. The hot springs of Teplice clock in at an impressive 41 celsius, and the spring water you soak in has been winding its way through the earth for 18,000 years. Has the pandemic got you strung up? A spa and luxury travel expert, she's written for top travel publications around the globe. All along the main drag you’ll find lacy gazebos, graceful pavilions and colonnades that house the various springs. Spa town like no other. The British King Edward VII had a soft spot for Mariánské Lázně and visited several times. Spa towns in the Czech Republic This article does not cite any references or sources. Whoops!). Another royal guest to the Bohemian Spa Triangle was the glamorous Empress Elisabeth of Austria, ‘Sissi’, who visited Carlsbad in 1892. I don’t see any advantage in this over having the gout — Mark Twain. It’s located in the Westend Park. Think spring water, mud, and natural CO2. Traveling back to the magical village of Loket, in July the town … I spent a week here and if you’re an old-world spa fanatic like I am, it’s a way to recreate the magic of the days of yore. [1], Vývoj návštěvnosti lázní v letech 2000 - 2011, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spa_towns_in_the_Czech_Republic&oldid=940286491, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 11 February 2020, at 17:03. The hot springs in spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Teplice are steamy, scalding and sensational. Czech spa towns can rival any in Europe for beauty, architecture and scenic surroundings – and their spa tradition is strong. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Bad Kreuznach – the German Spa Town You Probably Never Heard of. What have we North Americans been waiting for? The streets of Frantiskovy Lazne Thus the third and smallest of the Western Bohemian spa triangle is quaint Frantiskovy Lazne. In the winter you can ski at Skiareal Marianky. Liberec is actually the fifth largest city in the Czech Republic, but it maintains the feel of a … Wikimedia Commons has media related to Spas in the Czech Republic. Literally. The Spa Triangle of Bohemia. Can you do Prague Františkovy Lázně as a day trip. … I spent a week here once and it was the highlight of my Czech Republic itinerary. There are about 20 springs altogether and they’re said to be good for heart and blood circulation disorders, musculoskeletal problems, and – which may surprise you – gynaecological disorders, including infertility. Your hotel will be able to book something for you. Liberec is the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic, … While true spa aficionados might not be beating down the door to get to a beer spa, it’s a cult fav, especially with tourists. The thing is, a beer spa is fun. In general, Czech medical-based spa treatments (medical wellness) revolve around organic therapies based on natural resources. Spa towns in the Czech Republic. 3 500 vouchers. They’re also considered preventative. I also couldn’t wrap up this article about spas in the Czech Republic without mentioning Prague beer spas, as they’ve turned into a popular attraction. 179 accommodation. Czech spa towns can rival any in Europe for beauty, architecture and … The Chodovar Beer Spa was the first brewery to launch the beer spa craze. Today, spa towns in Czechia (the new English word for the Czech Republic) are appealing more and more to day trippers from Prague and tourists who want to explore, sightsee and hike. Check prices and availability for the Radium Palace here. The Imperial Hotel is also quite grand, and overlooks the town. Mark Twain, a visitor to Marienbad, was less enthusiastic about doing a spa cure and described a person’s experience at length. Even if you’re not here to spa, destinations such as Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne are some of the best places to visit in the Czech Republic outside of Prague. It was founded in 1370 by the hunting-mad Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV, who was chasing a stag when it leapt into a hot spring. Karlovy Vary is about 35 km from Mariánské Lázně. Karlova Studánka. Of all the spa towns in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary is the most breathtaking. Check prices and availability for the U Sládka wellness hotel here. Between the oldest and most visited are the spas of Karlovy Vary , Mariánské Lázně , Františkovy Lázně , … 137 places of interest. Copyright @2020 WanderingCarol.com Luxury Travel Blog, Hot Springs Spas and Thermal Baths: Why You Should Visit One, Spa Towns in Europe – 8 Reasons You Should Visit, Travel and Art: Artistic Cities, Art Fairs and Painting Holidays, List of top spa towns in the Czech Republic, How to spa in Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic, Best Beach Resorts in South Africa: Top 9 Luxury Stays for 2021, Best Place to Live in South Africa | Cheapest, Safest and Best on Offer, Best Things to do in the Bouches-du-Rhône, A Tropical Island Cocktail Cure at Paradisus Palma Real. Discover phenomenal places such as Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne and many others. That’s a pretty good record for a spa town. The list of illustrious guests goes on. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. So when we’re talking medical spa therapies, we’re not talking plastic surgery – though in some expensive high brow spas that might be an option. The lovely town of Loket is also nearby. Plus, it’s not often you get to soak in an oak tub. In addition to its sunny golden glow, Mariánské Lázně has a stunning colonnade and a labyrinth of pleasant forest walks. Even if you’re not interested in a wellness vacation they make great destinations and can be done as a day trip from Prague. As holistic wellness becomes more mainstream, health spas in the Czech Republic are gaining popularity with Americans too. The bus is much quicker. To each his own taste. Visit their website. Check prices and availability here. Plenty of good bars, restaurants & shops close to hotel. Check hotel prices and availability for the Grand Hotel Pupp here. Then he must tramp about the hills for an hour or so, and get all the exercise and fresh air possible … At 9:30 sharp he must be in bed and his candle out. Many hotels have their own spa, or will direct you to the right place. Spa towns in the Czech Republic have history, style and water in abundance. Spa packages are available at almost all of the hotels or you can sample a treatment at one of the spa hotels. From fine restaurants to high-end boutiques, it offers everything the contemporary traveller could need. Although other people might. It’s strategic … It has existed as a spa resort since the Middle Ages and was named after Emperor Charles (Karel) IV. Czech Republic Spa Towns: Karlovy Vary. Karlovy Vary is the second most popular place to visit in the Czech Republic after Prague. Who would have thought that was a thing? He must sip slowly and be a long time at it. Easily the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary, apart from being a wonderful resort year round, is home to two national institutions: The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (the country’s largest and most prestigious), and the distillery that manufactures Becherovka, a distinctly Czech liquor flavored with anise seed, cinnamon, and a secret mixture of herbs and spices that can only be … Visit things to do in the Czech Republic for more travel ideas. Located in the small town of Chodová Planá, at the foot of the Bohemian Forest, a beer bath is kind of a ‘why-not’ sort of spa treatment. Suffering burnout? As I said, to me it’s more of a novelty than a medical spa treatment, but hey, who’s to say it’s not effective, and a hop sauna sounds appealing. Klimkovice. Liberec, Czechia. … France. The most popular spa towns to visit are the big three in West Bohemia that make up the Spa Triangle: Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně. Show accommodation. PragueThe city of Prague is not only the capital city of the Czech Republic; it is the largest city in the … It’s such a well-known Czech spa for treating infertility that one of its main attractions is the bronze statue of a boy named František in the main park. Read more about the top spa towns in the Czech Republic. At 6 he must be at his particular spring, with his tumbler hanging at his belt–and he will have plenty of company there. Karlovy Vary ( German: Carlsbad) Karviná. Another option to get from Prague to Karlovy Vary is by taxi or private car. Web Visit website. Best Spa Resorts in Czech Republic on Tripadvisor: Find 53,222 traveler reviews, 30,880 candid photos, and prices for 306 spa resorts in Czech Republic, Europe. Show places. ... Over the last 30 days, spa resorts in Czech Republic have been available starting from $63, though prices have typically been closer to $115. It’s also mud on earth. Subscribe Get 20% off at our online shop. Another Františkovy Lázně hotel I’d consider is the Hotel Pawlik-Aquaforum because it has direct access to the Aquaforum, a large water park with indoor and outdoor pools. Bílina. While the thought of seeing a doctor on my holiday used to fill me with fear, now I look forward to working with the doctor to plan a custom-made medical spa holiday. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Jáchymov. It’s the oldest spa in the Czech Republic and dates back to the Bronze Age. The CATEGORIES drop down menu above will point you to locations and travel themes such as hotels, outdoor adventure and tours. Cities and towns in the Czech Republic. The Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary has been featured in movies like La Vie En Rose, Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah and the Bond movie Casino Royale. The original architecture in the town is in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Show vouchers. At that time they were part of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire, a mighty regime that appreciated the benefits of a good luxury spa vacation. Some were on my own dime and some were hosted by the  Czech Tourism Office. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic is world renowned for its therapeutic mineral springs. A spa in Františkovy Lázně There are number of spa towns in the Czech Republic . Františkovy Lázně ( German: Franzensbad) Hodonín. Next on my list is Trebon, a medieval ‘fairytale’ town in South Bohemia that gained a boost of fame after Rick Steves, travel writer extraordinaire, filmed a video here. To help you plan your trip, here’s a guide to the best spa towns in the Czech Republic. Check prices for the 4-star Bristol Vila Tereza here. It’s easy. It’s now part of a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. Filed Under: Czech Republic, Spas Tagged With: Hot springs. Guests and healthy-holidaymakers from across the world have been visiting the Czech Republic for its wellness hotels and healing mineral water spas since as early as the 12th century. Brno, the Czech Republic’s second largest city is located in the heart of Moravia. The idea that radon baths are good for the locomotor system is based on the theory that small amounts of radioactive water have a beneficial effect on the body. While we’re on the topic of muck, apparently Trebon’s peat baths are high on the list of Czech spa treatments to aspire to. They’re more focused on healing than pampering. The town of Podebrady in central Bohemia is about 35 miles east of the capital city, and a very strong spring of mineral water was discovered in the castle’s courtyard in 1905. Pages in category "Spa towns in the Czech Republic" The following 3 pages are in this category, out of 3 total. The Nové Lázně hotel also has one of the most beautiful indoor swimming pools in Europe, a red-pillared beauty from 1896. Traditionally, communal hot springs pools are not a thing in the Czech Republic like they are some other European spa towns such as Hungary and Germany. But don’t take the train. On a historical note, I just learned that Empress Sisi stayed at the Vila Tereza, which now is part of the Bristol hotel group. Frantiskovy Lazne is a spa town in Cheb District of the Karlovy Vary Region, in the Czech Republic. Liberec. but mostly I want to go because … folk art nouveau. Established in 1793, it’s named for the Hapsburg Emperor Franz I. Other celebrity visitors to the various Czech spa towns include Goethe, who fell passionately in love with a younger (and uninterested) woman in Marienbad. SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest articles and get tips to make your next journey inspiring. 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