Fairytale Spa Cities within the Czech Republic Czech spa cities

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Spa Cities within the Czech Republic

Spa cities within the Czech Republic have historical past, model and water in abundance. Even in case you’re not keen on spa remedies, the spa tradition right here is a lot extra: grand structure, custom, scenic places and unbelievable hikes.

In truth, spa cities like Karlovy Fluctuate and Marianske Lazne are a few of the most superb locations to go to within the Czech Republic outdoors of Prague.

Right here’s all the pieces you must learn about planning a go to.

Czech Republic Spas – Mineral Water Bliss

The Czech Republic – Czechia – is a trending vacation spot in Europe, and the most popular locations to go to are the nation’s elegant spa cities. Actually.

The recent springs in spa cities like Karlovy Fluctuate – also referred to as Karlsbad or Carlsbad – and Teplice are steamy, scalding and sensational.

Different spa cities that concentrate on mineral water like Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad) have their fervent followers too – after which there’s at all times a beer spa if thermal water isn’t your factor.

This journey information offers you a rundown on the most effective spa cities within the Czech Republic and how one can go to them.

The Spa Triangle of Bohemia

The most well-liked spa cities to go to in Czechia are the massive three in West Bohemia that make up the Spa Triangle:

• Karlovy Fluctuate
• Mariánské Lázně
• Františkovy Lázně.

And simply the truth that I understand how to spell them exhibits my deep love for the Czech wellness custom.

The Bohemian Spa Triangle is simply a few hours west from Prague, close to the border of Germany. Better of all, Karlovy Fluctuate and Marianske Lazne might be finished as a day journey from Prague.

Why go? Suppose Belle Epoque structure, elaborate fountains, mineral-rich springs and woodsy nature walks. What’s to not love? These cities are probably the most conventional forms of spas round.

Historical past of Spas in Bohemia

Within the nineteenth century, Karlovy Fluctuate, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně shot to fame when the European aristocracy descended en masse to ‘take the waters.’ Spa visits have been prolonged and well-heeled wellness seekers would keep in luxurious Neoclassical lodges for weeks at a time.

At the moment the realm was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Hapsburg Empire, a mighty regime that appreciated the advantages of a great luxurious spa trip.

At the moment, the legacy of  Karlovy Fluctuate, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně lingers on, making the Spa Triangle top-of-the-line locations to go to within the Czech Republic.

Celeb Company at Czech Spas

King Edward VII in Marienbad

The British King Edward VII had a gentle spot for Mariánské Lázně and visited a number of occasions. Really, that gentle spot was his backside – and you may put yours in the identical old style tub within the ornate bathing chamber he as soon as used on the 5-star Nové Lázně Well being Spa Resort lodge.

Empress Elisabeth of Austria in Carlsbad

One other royal visitor to the Bohemian Spa Triangle was the glamorous Empress Elisabeth of Austria, ‘Sissi’, who visited Carlsbad in 1892. The Princess Di of her day, Sissi was a voracious hiker, striding out within the city’s surrounding hills for greater than 20 km a day and carrying out the workers members who needed to accompany her.

Learn extra about Karlovy Fluctuate walks.

Mark Twain in Marienbad

Mark Twain, a customer to Marienbad, was much less passionate about doing a spa remedy and described an individual’s expertise at size.

At 6 he should be at his specific spring, together with his tumbler hanging at his belt–and he could have loads of firm there. On the first be aware of the orchestra he should raise his tumbler and start to sip his dreadful water with the remaining. He should sip slowly and be a very long time at it.

Then he should tramp in regards to the hills for an hour or so, and get all of the train and recent air doable … At 9:30 sharp he should be in mattress and his candle out. Repeat the entire thing the following day.

I don’t see any benefit on this over having the gout — Mark Twain

Casanova, Goethe, Beethoven …

Different movie star guests to the varied Czech spa cities embody Goethe. He fell passionately in love with a youthful (and uninterested) lady in Marienbad.

Beethoven, Gogol, Paganini, Mozart all stopped by and Casanova spent the final days of his life on the Chateau Duchov outdoors the Czech spa city of Teplice. The record of illustrious friends goes on.

Celebrities At the moment in Karlovy Fluctuate

Today a lot of the celebrities to the Czech Republic might be discovered on the Karlovy Fluctuate Worldwide Movie Competition. This vibrant pageant is held each July, and attracts stars akin to Daniel Craig, Gérard Depardieu and Jackie Chan.

It’s also possible to do some movie star recognizing on movies units round Karlovy Fluctuate and different Bohemian sizzling spots.

The Grand Resort Pupp in Karlovy Fluctuate has been featured in films like La Vie En Rose, Final Vacation starring Queen Latifah and the Bond film On line casino Royale.

Once I was visiting Loket, a city close to Karlovy Fluctuate, I walked onto the movie set for Einstein, the TV collection directed by Ron Howard. (And shortly obtained ushered off. Whoops!)

Visiting Czech Spa Cities

At the moment, spa cities in Czechia (the brand new English phrase for the Czech Republic) are interesting increasingly to day trippers from Prague and vacationers who need to discover, sightsee and hike.

What are you able to do there? Hike, eat, go to every city’s native points of interest, and stroll the promenade alongside locals who swear by the spa remedy.

You’ll additionally rub shoulders with longterm spa friends from Germany, Russia, Kuwait, Italy, Britain and nearly in all places else. Czech spas are very worldwide.

As holistic wellness turns into extra mainstream, well being spas within the Czech Republic are gaining reputation with People too. What have we North People been ready for? (And once I say ‘we’ I imply you. I’ve been hooked on Czech spas since 2007.)

Sizzling Springs Baths and Thermal Swimming pools within the Czech Republic

In case your thought of visiting sizzling springs spas within the Czech Republic means soaking in a steamy outside pool full of thermal water, it’s possible you’ll have to rethink your imaginative and prescient.

Historically, communal sizzling springs swimming pools usually are not a factor within the Czech Republic like they’re another European spa cities akin to Hungary and Germany. When you may discover some elaborate lodge swimming swimming pools full of common water, mineral baths are often taken in particular person remedy rooms.

Spa traditions evolve, nevertheless, and thermal swimming pools of the type North American vacationers are used to are arising.

One Karlovy Fluctuate spa with an indoor sizzling springs pool is the Fortress Spa, and the brand new Thermalium in Teplice gives the most important and hottest thermal swimming pools within the Czech Republic. (Admittedly, this isn’t an enormous report breaker as there have been hardly any sizzling springs swimming pools to start out with. Nonetheless, method to go Czech Republic spas!)

So now let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the most effective spa cities to go to.

The Huge Three Czech Spa Cities To not Miss

Karlovy Fluctuate, the Most Well-known Czech Republic Spa

Karlovy Fluctuate (Carlsbad) is the second hottest place to go to within the Czech Republic after Prague. That’s a reasonably good report for a spa city.

It was based in 1370 by the hunting-mad Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV. He was chasing a stag when it leapt right into a sizzling spring. The Emperor’s canine went in after it, cured its injured leg, and the miraculous energy of Karlovy Fluctuate’s sizzling springs have been revealed.

Or so the story goes.

Of all of the spa cities within the Czech Republic, Karlovy Fluctuate is probably the most breathtaking. To my thoughts the one European spa city that may rival it for curb attraction is Baden-Baden in Germany.

Set in a sloped river valley, its fundamental promenade is a sweep of pastel-tinted buildings with the mild River Teplá ribboning by way of it like embroidery on a hem.

Karlovy Fluctuate Sizzling Springs

All alongside the primary drag you’ll discover lacy gazebos, swish pavilions and colonnades that home the varied springs.

There are 12 fundamental thermal springs within the city, and you may wander round along with your fancy porcelain spa cup (which you should buy from any memento vendor or kiosk) and style all of them.

I’m slavishly dedicated to spa water so I believe the thermal water is scrumptious. However to many individuals it’s gross.

So don’t fear. Should you don’t have a style for salty steaming water full of faintly odiferous minerals, salts and CO2, and also you’re not attempting to stave off metabolic problems, arthritis, digestive issues or different points, you’ll be forgiven for pondering it’s disgusting.

To every his personal style.

Learn how to Spa in Karlovy Fluctuate

The standard spa remedy in Karlovy Fluctuate features a fastidiously prescribed bundle of remedies, and you must see a spa physician to enroll. Most lodges have their very own spa physician, and it’s a reasonably straightforward go to.

Should you’re simply keen on a single spa remedy ask at your lodge. Many lodges have their very own spa, or will direct you to the appropriate place.

Karlovy Fluctuate Day Spa

One Karlovy Fluctuate day spa that caters to travellers and has an indoor thermal pool is the Fortress Spa at Zámecký vrch, 360.

What to Do in Karlovy Fluctuate

There are numerous different issues to do in Karlovy Fluctuate. To shortly sum up you possibly can:

• Go to the fountains and wander the promenade
• Tour the Moser Glass Manufacturing unit
• Hike within the woods
• Take a funicular as much as Diana’s Commentary Tower
• Store within the flashy boutiques
• Sip some therapeutic liqueur Becherovka – often known as the thirteenth spring – on the Jan Becher Museum
• Snack on oplatky, freshly-made spa wafers, sizzling off the grill.

Learn my full article on Things to do in Karlovy Fluctuate

The place to Keep – Karlovy Fluctuate Spa Resorts

Grand Resort Pupp

For sophistication the luxurious Grand Resort Pupp is the most effective lodge in Karlovy Fluctuate.

It’s very central, and likewise effectively positioned for climbing. I spent per week right here as soon as and it was the spotlight of my Czech Republic itinerary. Verify lodge costs and availability for the Grand Resort Pupp right here.

Imperial Resort

The Imperial Resort can also be fairly grand, and overlooks the city. The views are terrific nevertheless it does require some uphill strolling except you’re taking a cab or have a automotive. Verify costs right here.

On a historic be aware, I simply discovered that Empress Sisi stayed at the Vila Tereza, which now’s a part of the Bristol lodge group. It’s situated within the Westend Park. Verify costs for the 4-star Bristol Vila Tereza right here.

Thermal Resort Karlovy Fluctuate

I’ve additionally had an fulfilling keep on the 4-star Thermal Resort Karlovy Fluctuate. It’s a little bit of a shock once you see its stern structure, which is so in contrast to the Belle Epoque norm on the town, however this up to date lodge is historic in its personal particular means.

It gives a full vary of spa remedies, has the most effective views on the town and a first-rate location within the spa park.

Bonus: it’s floor zero for the Karlovy Fluctuate Movie Competition. Verify lodge costs right here.

Attending to Karlovy Fluctuate from Prague

Are you able to do Prague to Karlovy Fluctuate as a day journey? Sure. However don’t take the practice.

The bus is far faster. It takes a bit greater than 2 hours from Florenc Bus Station in Prague. To get to Karlovy Fluctuate from Prague by automotive, take freeway E48.

One other choice to get from Prague to Karlovy Fluctuate is by taxi or personal automotive. I’ve finished it from Karlovy Fluctuate once I’ve needed to get to the Prague airport early. It’s a couple of 2-hour drive. Your lodge will have the ability to ebook one thing for you.

Day Excursions to Karlovy Fluctuate from Prague

There are many day excursions from Prague to Karlovy Fluctuate. A Karlovy Full Day Tour from Prague is a 9.5 hour tour that takes you across the springs, talks in regards to the historical past of the spa city, and contains lodge choose up and drop off. Free time is inbuilt in case you need to go to a day spa.

Verify costs and availability for a day journey from Prague to Karlovy Fluctuate right here.

Should you favor a personal tour for as much as three individuals you are able to do a From Prague: Non-public Karlovy Fluctuate & Crystal Manufacturing unit Tour that features lunch and a go to to the Moser Glass Manufacturing unit. 

Verify costs and availability for a personal Karlovy Fluctuate Day Tour right here.

Day Journeys Round Karlovy Fluctuate

Day journeys from Karlovy Fluctuate to the spa cities of Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne are an ideal choice.

One other nice alternative is to go to Tepla Monastery, an historic monastery that can take you again in time.

The stunning city of Loket can also be a well-liked tour.

Mariánské Lázně – Marienbad

A lot as I admire the visible affect of Karlovy Fluctuate, Mariánské Lázně – Marienbad – will get my vote for the most effective spa within the Czech Republic.

Youthful than Karlovy Fluctuate by a number of hundred years, it’s not as frenetic, although nonetheless very grand, and has come a great distance from its days as a swamp.

Mariánské Lázně is the second largest Czech Republic spa city. Its buildings are a imaginative and prescient of Schönbrunn yellow, a shade a lot favoured by the Hapsburg Empire.

Along with its sunny golden glow, Mariánské Lázně has a shocking colonnade and a labyrinth of nice forest walks.

The Nové Lázně lodge additionally has probably the most lovely indoor swimming swimming pools in Europe, a red-pillared magnificence from 1896.

I’ve stayed in Marienbad for up two weeks at a time and by no means obtained bored. Though different individuals may. I can’t say it’s a rocking rollicking vacation spot for nightlife. However isn’t tranquility what you need out of a Czech spa city?

Mariánské Lázně Mineral Springs

In contrast to Karlovy Fluctuate, the springs at Mariánské Lázně usually are not naturally sizzling. They’re nonetheless filled with minerals although, and there are greater than 50 of them.

Therapeutic Custom in Marieanske Lazne

The water right here is used to deal with kidney issues, digestive system points, pores and skin issues, respiration problems and a bunch of different nasty issues. They’re additionally thought of preventative. And who needs issues within the first place?

Mariánské Lázně Spa Remedies

Spa packages can be found at virtually all the lodges or you possibly can pattern a remedy at one of many spa lodges. Learn my how one can spa in Marianske Lazne for particulars.

What to Do in Mariánské Lázně?

Apart from its wellness and well being traditions, Marianske Lazne is an excellent outside vacation spot with its surrounding forest and tranquil walks. Issues to do in Marienbad embody:

• Style the mineral springs on the Cross Spring Pavilion beside the colonnade
• Ooh and ah over the Singing Fountain
• Go to the Chopin Museum
• Take an tour to the Soos Nationwide Nature Reserve (you’ll want a automotive or a taxi)
• See the mini historic monuments akin to Karlštejn Fortress at Boheminium Park.
• Within the winter you possibly can ski at Skiareal Marianky.

Try my information to Issues to do in Marianske Lazne for extra.

Finest Mariánské Lázně Resorts

Well being Spa Resort Nove Lazne

The highest lodge in Mariánské Lázně is the 5-star Well being Spa Resort Nové Lázně inbuilt 1828. I spent per week right here and in case you’re an old-world spa fanatic like I’m, it’s a method to recreate the magic of the times of yore.

Verify costs and availability for the Nove Lazne Resort right here.

Well being Spa Resort Hvezda

I additionally did a two-week spa bundle on the Neoclassical lodge, the Well being Spa Resort Hvězda, which spoiled me for all times as a result of now I really feel like I have to do a two-week spa remedy yearly.

Verify costs for the Hvezda Resort right here.

Attending to Mariánské Lázně from Prague

Are you able to do Mariánské Lázně on a day journey from Prague? Sure. The practice takes about 2.5 hours from Prague.

Excursions to Marienbad from Prague

One tour that features a go to to each Marianske Lazne is the 10-hour Karlovy Fluctuate & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch. Verify availability right here.

Getting from Karlovy Fluctuate to Mariánské Lázně

It’s straightforward. Karlovy Fluctuate is about 35 km from Mariánské Lázně. You possibly can take the practice, which takes about an hour and a half.

Františkovy Lázně – Franzensbad

The spa city of Františkovy Lázně is sort of a mini Mariánské Lázně. Established in 1793, it’s named for the Hapsburg Emperor Franz I.

Should you actually need a serene spa getaway within the Czech Republic, Franzensbad is your man, I imply, spa. Swish Neoclassical buildings are set amidst manicured parks, flowers and fountains, and when Goethe got here right here for a spa trip he referred to as it ‘heaven on earth.’

It’s additionally mud on earth. Its peat packs are the delight of Bohemia, and it was the primary ‘peat’ spa in Europe.

Františkovy Lázně Spa

Like Marienbad, Franzensbad has mineral springs which aren’t naturally sizzling. There are about 20 springs altogether they usually’re mentioned to be good for coronary heart and blood circulation problems, musculoskeletal issues.

Right here’s one thing which will shock you. Franzensbad can also be well-known for treating gynaecological problems, together with infertility.

In truth it’s such a widely known Czech spa for treating infertility that one in every of its fundamental points of interest is the bronze statue of a boy named František in the primary park. It’s mentioned that rubbing both the statue’s personal bits or the nostril (I’m undecided which, as a result of I don’t dare go close to it) offers you a leg up (pardon the pun) on bearing kids.

The place to Keep – Finest Františkovy Lázně Resorts

Imperial Spa & Kur Resort

I did a weekend keep on the Imperial Spa & Kur Resort, with a full spa bundle, and the lodge continues to be getting good opinions.

Resort Pawlik-Aquaforum

One other Františkovy Lázně lodge I’d think about is the Resort Pawlik-Aquaforum as a result of it has direct entry to the Aquaforum, a big water park with indoor and outside swimming pools. Verify costs and availability right here.

Attending to Frantiskovy Lazne from Prague

Are you able to do Prague Františkovy Lázně as a day journey. Not simply by public transportation. It’s about half-hour previous Marianske Lazne by practice, and the schedules don’t actually jive.

Different Spas within the Czech Republic

Jachymov – A Radon Spa in Bohemia

Not removed from Karlovy Fluctuate is the small spa resort city of Lázně Jachymov. The large occasion right here is taking a radioactive tub. Yup, you learn that proper.

Positioned on the foot of the  Krušné Mountains, Jachymov was the primary radon spa on the earth. The concept that radon baths are good for the locomotor system relies on the speculation that small quantities of radioactive water have a useful impact on the physique.

It’s onerous for me to get my head round, however each Johann Strauss and Baron Rothschild gave it a whirl, and the luxurious Neoclassical Resort Radium Palace, has been internet hosting devoted spa followers since 1912.

I gave the radon tub remedy a attempt on a day journey to Jachymov however the advisable course of remedy is longer.

The place to Keep in Jachymov – Resort Radium Palace

By far the swankiest spa lodge in Jachymov is the 4 star Resort Radium Palace. You possibly can examine costs and availability for the Radium Palace right here.

Teplice

Ninety km from Prague, within the foothills of the Ore Mountains, is the Czech spa city of Teplice. It’s the oldest spa within the Czech Republic and dates again to the Bronze Age.

As soon as often known as Little Paris, this spa in north Bohemia was fairly a draw within the 18th and nineteenth centuries, when eminent greats akin to Tsar Peter I, the Swedish King Gustav IV, Emperor Francis Joseph I and Beethoven all paid it a go to.

The recent springs of Teplice clock in at a formidable 41 celsius, and the spring water you soak in has been winding its means by way of the earth for 18,000 years.

The place to Keep in Teplice

I haven’t finished an in a single day right here, only a fast go to, however the 4-star Císařské lázně, the Emperor’s Spa, dates again to 1845 and gives full service packages.

So does the 3-star Lázeňský dům Beethoven, Beethoven’s Spa Home, which is called for its most well-known musical visitor.

Better of all, the Thermalium in Teplice now gives the most important thermal swimming pools within the Czech Republic.

Chodovar Beer Spa in Chodova Plana

Whereas true spa aficionados won’t be beating down the door to get to a beer spa, it’s a cult fav, particularly with vacationers. The factor is, a beer spa is enjoyable, although I’ve severe doubts about its wellness advantages.

The Chodovar Beer Spa was the primary brewery to launch the beer spa craze. You possibly can pattern a darkish beer tub, a hops tub, or simply go to the brewery and get your beer consumption that means.

Positioned within the small city of Chodová Planá, on the foot of the Bohemian Forest, a beer tub is type of a ‘why-not’ form of spa remedy.

And don’t fear about driving after absorbing numerous beer, there’s a lodge right here too. The Household Brewery Chodovar is situated at Pivovarská 107, 348 13 Chodová Planá, Czechia.

Verify costs and availability for the U Sládka wellness lodge right here.

Trebon

Subsequent on my record of Czech spas to go to is Trebon, a medieval ‘fairytale’ city in South Bohemia that gained a lift of fame after Rick Steves, journey author extraordinaire, filmed a video right here.

The fish-raising capital of the Czech Republic, Trebon is thought for its historic buildings and synthetic lakes created from the swampy muck that when surrounded it.

It’s now a part of a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. Whereas we’re on the subject of muck, apparently Trebon’s peat baths are excessive on the record of Czech spa remedies to aspire to.

Luhačovice

Not all spa cities within the Czech Republic are in Bohemia. Luhačovice has been on my horizon for ages. A spa city in Moravia, which is within the japanese a part of the Czech Republic, the city is thought for its distinctive structure model of people artwork nouveau.

Points of interest of be aware are the Luhačovice Spa buildings, designed by the Slovak architect Dušan S. Jurkovič, and Jurkovič’s Home, a pinky brown magnificence with picturesque peaks and dormers.

The mineral water right here, whereas not thermal, is salty and mineral wealthy. It’s utilized in wellness therapies to deal with respiratory problems, diabetes and muscular issues.

Largely I need to go as a result of … folks artwork nouveau. Who would have thought that was a factor?

Finest Prague Spas

Whereas Prague isn’t gushing forth with mineral springs, it nonetheless has some prime spas.

Spa at 4 Seasons Prague

For five-star luxurious you possibly can attempt a Karlovy Fluctuate impressed tub on the 4 Seasons Prague. This is likely one of the most deluxe lodges within the metropolis and the spa is equally glam.

Chill out with a therapeutic massage, cleanse with a moor mud physique wrap, or polish up with a mani pedi whereas having fun with the elegant environment of a prime luxurious lodge.

Spa at Mandarin Oriental Prague

Right here’s one other prime wellness indulgence. Take in the divine ambiance of the Mandarin Oriental Prague, the place the spa is housed in a former chapel. You are able to do a single remedy, or join a 3-day retreat.

Grand Chill out Spa

It’s the closest factor you’ll come to an genuine thermal tub in Prague. Along with massages, facials, saunas and even cosmetic surgery, the Grand Chill out Spa is a luxurious Czech spa that gives baths in water infused with salts and minerals.

Prague Beer Spas

I couldn’t wrap up this text about spas within the Czech Republic with out mentioning Prague beer spas, as they’ve changed into a well-liked attraction.

As I mentioned, to me it’s extra of a novelty than a medical spa remedy, however hey, who’s to say it’s not efficient, and a hops sauna sounds interesting.

The idea behind bathing in a vat of beer is that nutritional vitamins and enzymes present in brewer’s yeast assist regenerate, renew and cut back fatigue. Perhaps. However positively enjoyable.

Unique Beer Spa

With two places, the Prague Unique Beer Spa enables you to soak in a hand-carved oak tub whereas having fun with limitless brew. Go to their web site for extra info.

Grand Chill out Beer Spa

An alternative choice for a beer tub in Prague is the Grand Chill out Beer Spa, which is a part of the Grand Chill out Spa talked about above. Make an occasion of your bathing expertise with limitless beer, sausages, a beer BIO sauna or a therapeutic massage.