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 if you happen to’re not focused on spa therapies, the spa tradition right here is a lot extra: grand structure, custom, scenic areas and unbelievable hikes.

In reality, spa cities like Karlovy Range and Marianske Lazne are a number of the most wonderful locations to go to within the Czech Republic exterior of Prague.

Right here’s every little thing you must find out 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 Range – also called Karlsbad or Carlsbad – and Teplice are steamy, scalding and sensational.

Different spa cities that target 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 will provide you with a rundown on the very best spa cities within the Czech Republic and the way to go to them.

The Spa Triangle of Bohemia

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

• Karlovy Range
• 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 Range and Marianske Lazne could be executed 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 essentially the most conventional types of spas round.

Historical past of Spas in Bohemia

Within the nineteenth century, Karlovy Range, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně shot to fame when the European aristocracy descended en masse to ‘take the waters.’ Spa visits had been prolonged and well-heeled wellness seekers would keep in luxurious Neoclassical accommodations 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.

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

Superstar Company at Czech Spas

King Edward VII in Marienbad

The British King Edward VII had a delicate spot for Mariánské Lázně and visited a number of instances. Truly, that delicate spot was his backside – and you’ll 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 sporting out the workers members who needed to accompany her.

Learn extra about Karlovy Vary walks.

Mark Twain in Marienbad

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

At 6 he should be at his specific spring, along with his tumbler hanging at his belt–and he can have loads of firm there. On the first word 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 concerning the hills for an hour or so, and get all of the train and contemporary air attainable … At 9:30 sharp he should be in mattress and his candle out. Repeat the entire thing the subsequent day.

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

Casanova, Goethe, Beethoven …

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

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

Celebrities Immediately in Karlovy Range

As of late many of the celebrities to the Czech Republic could be discovered on the Karlovy Range Worldwide Movie Competition. This vibrant competition is held each July, and attracts stars comparable to Daniel Craig, Gérard Depardieu and Jackie Chan.

You can too do some celeb recognizing on movies units round Karlovy Range and different Bohemian scorching spots.

The Grand Resort Pupp in Karlovy Range has been featured in motion pictures 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 Range, I walked onto the movie set for Einstein, the TV collection directed by Ron Howard. (And shortly bought ushered off. Whoops!)

Visiting Czech Spa Cities

Immediately, spa cities in Czechia (the brand new English phrase for the Czech Republic) are interesting an increasing number of to day trippers from Prague and vacationers who wish to discover, sightsee and hike.

What are you able to do there? Hike, eat, go to every city’s native sights, 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 every single place 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 hot springs spas within the Czech Republic means soaking in a steamy out of doors pool full of thermal water, it’s possible you’ll must rethink your imaginative and prescient.

Historically, communal scorching springs swimming pools aren’t a factor within the Czech Republic like they’re another European spa towns comparable to Hungary and Germany. Whilst you may discover some elaborate lodge swimming swimming pools full of common water, mineral baths are normally taken in particular person remedy rooms.

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

One Karlovy Range spa with an indoor scorching springs pool is the Fort Spa, and the brand new Thermalium in Teplice presents the biggest and hottest thermal swimming pools within the Czech Republic. (Admittedly, this isn’t an enormous report breaker as there have been hardly any scorching springs swimming pools to begin with. Nonetheless, solution to go Czech Republic spas!)

So now let’s take a better have a look at the very best spa cities to go to.

The Massive Three Czech Spa Cities To not Miss

Karlovy Range, the Most Well-known Czech Republic Spa

Karlovy Range (Carlsbad) is the second hottest place to go to within the Czech Republic after Prague. That’s a fairly 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 scorching spring. The Emperor’s canine went in after it, cured its injured leg, and the miraculous energy of Karlovy Range’s scorching springs had been revealed.

Or so the story goes.

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

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

Karlovy Range Sizzling Springs

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

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

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

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

To every his personal style.

How one can Spa in Karlovy Range

The standard spa remedy in Karlovy Range features a rigorously prescribed bundle of therapies, and you must see a spa physician to enroll. Most accommodations have their very own spa physician, and it’s a fairly straightforward go to.

If you happen to’re simply focused on a single spa remedy ask at your lodge. Many accommodations have their very own spa, or will direct you to the best place.

Karlovy Range Day Spa

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

What to Do in Karlovy Range

There are lots of different issues to do in Karlovy Range. To shortly sum up you may:

• 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 Statement Tower
• Store within the flashy boutiques
• Sip some therapeutic liqueur Becherovka – generally known as the thirteenth spring – on the Jan Becher Museum
• Snack on oplatky, freshly-made spa wafers, scorching off the grill.

Learn my full article on Things to do in Karlovy Vary

The place to Keep – Karlovy Range Spa Resorts

Grand Resort Pupp

For sophistication the luxurious Grand Resort Pupp is the very best lodge in Karlovy Range.

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

Imperial Resort

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

On a historic word, I simply realized 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. Examine costs for the 4-star Bristol Vila Tereza here.

Thermal Resort Karlovy Range

I’ve additionally had an pleasant keep on the 4-star Thermal Hotel Karlovy Vary. It’s a little bit of a shock whenever you see its stern structure, which is so not like the Belle Epoque norm on the town, however this modern lodge is historic in its personal particular approach.

It presents a full vary of spa therapies, has the very best views on the town and a major location within the spa park.

Bonus: it’s floor zero for the Karlovy Range Movie Competition. Examine lodge costs here.

Attending to Karlovy Range from Prague

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

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

One other choice to get from Prague to Karlovy Range is by taxi or personal automotive. I’ve executed it from Karlovy Range 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 Range from Prague

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

Examine costs and availability for a day journey from Prague to Karlovy Range here.

If you happen to desire a non-public tour for as much as three individuals you are able to do a From Prague: Personal Karlovy Range & Crystal Manufacturing unit Tour that features lunch and a go to to the Moser Glass Manufacturing unit. 

Examine costs and availability for a non-public Karlovy Range Day Tour here.

Day Journeys Round Karlovy Range

Day journeys from Karlovy Range to the spa cities of Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne are an important possibility.

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

The beautiful city of Loket can also be a preferred tour.

Mariánské Lázně – Marienbad

A lot as I respect the visible influence of Karlovy Range, Mariánské Lázně – Marienbad – will get my vote for the very best spa within the Czech Republic.

Youthful than Karlovy Range by a number of hundred years, it’s not as frenetic, although nonetheless very grand, and has come a good 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 surprising colonnade and a labyrinth of nice forest walks.

The Nové Lázně lodge additionally has probably the most stunning 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 bought 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 Range, the springs at Mariánské Lázně aren’t naturally scorching. 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 issues and a number of different nasty issues. They’re additionally thought of preventative. And who desires issues within the first place?

Mariánské Lázně Spa Remedies

Spa packages can be found at nearly the entire accommodations or you may pattern a remedy at one of many spa accommodations. Learn my the way to spa in Marianske Lazne for particulars.

What to Do in Mariánské Lázně?

Other than its wellness and well being traditions, Marianske Lazne is a superb out of doors 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 comparable to Karlštejn Fort at Boheminium Park.
• Within the winter you may ski at Skiareal Marianky.

Try my information to Things 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 every week right here and if you happen to’re an old-world spa fanatic like I’m, it’s a solution to recreate the magic of the times of yore.

Examine costs and availability for the Nove Lazne Resort 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 must do a two-week spa remedy yearly.

Examine costs for the Hvezda Resort here.

Attending to Mariánské Lázně from Prague

Are you able to do Mariánské Lázně on a day journey from Prague? Sure. The prepare 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 Range & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch. Examine availability here.

Getting from Karlovy Range to Mariánské Lázně

It’s straightforward. Karlovy Range is about 35 km from Mariánské Lázně. You possibly can take the prepare, 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.

If you happen to actually desire a serene spa getaway within the Czech Republic, Franzensbad is your man, I imply, spa. Sleek 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 pleasure of Bohemia, and it was the primary ‘peat’ spa in Europe.

Františkovy Lázně Spa

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

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

In reality it’s such a well known Czech spa for treating infertility that one among its predominant sights 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) will provide you with a leg up (pardon the pun) on bearing youngsters.

The place to Keep – Finest Františkovy Lázně Resorts

Imperial Spa & Kur Resort

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

Resort Pawlik-Aquaforum

One other Františkovy Lázně lodge I’d take into account is the Resort Pawlik-Aquaforum as a result of it has direct entry to the Aquaforum, a big water park with indoor and out of doors swimming pools. Examine costs and availability 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 prepare, and the schedules don’t actually jive.

Different Spas within the Czech Republic

Jachymov – A Radon Spa in Bohemia

Not removed from Karlovy Range 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 radon baths are good for the locomotor system is predicated on the idea that small quantities of radioactive water have a helpful impact on the physique.

It’s laborious 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 beneficial 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 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 generally known as Little Paris, this spa in north Bohemia was fairly a draw within the 18th and nineteenth centuries, when eminent greats comparable 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 approach by the earth for 18,000 years.

The place to Keep in Teplice

I haven’t executed 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 presents full service packages.

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

Better of all, the Thermalium in Teplice now presents the biggest thermal swimming pools within the Czech Republic.

Chodovar Beer Spa in Chodova Plana

Whereas true spa aficionados may not 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 approach.

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

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

Examine costs and availability for the U Sládka wellness lodge here.

Trebon

Subsequent on my checklist 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 understood for its historic buildings and synthetic lakes created from the swampy muck that after 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 checklist of Czech spa therapies 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 jap a part of the Czech Republic, the city is understood for its distinctive structure model of people artwork nouveau.

Sights of word 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 issues, diabetes and muscular issues.

Principally I wish to go as a result of … people 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 high spas.

Spa at 4 Seasons Prague

For five-star luxurious you may attempt a Karlovy Range impressed tub on the Four Seasons Prague. This is without doubt one of the most deluxe accommodations 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 high luxurious lodge.

Spa at Mandarin Oriental Prague

Right here’s one other prime wellness indulgence. Absorb 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 Relax 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 was a preferred 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 undoubtedly enjoyable.

Authentic Beer Spa

With two areas, the Prague Authentic Beer Spa permits you to soak in a hand-carved oak tub whereas having fun with limitless brew. Go to their website for extra data.

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.