The spa industry has a centuries-old tradition in Czech lands—the first records of the use of healing springs date back to the 15th century. However, it is estimated that many of them were discovered and used centuries earlier. The highest density of mineral springs is in Western Bohemia, where they worked like magnets throughout history, pulling merchants, doctors, and scientists to the area.
As a result, small spa villages grew around mineral springs at first. These villages later became small towns that attracted architects and artists, who slowly reshaped the spa town into architectural gems. The architects created a distinct style called Spa Architecture over the years.
Czech spa: Where every person is treated like royalty
Great attention was paid to the quality of mineral springs over the centuries. The reason was simple: the distinguished clientele came to the spas looking for high-quality care. Karlovy Vary, located in Western Bohemia, boasted visits by personalities such as the Russian Tsar Peter the Great or King Edward VII of England. Goethe, Chopin, Beethoven, Wagner, and many others have frequently visited them and other Czech spas throughout history.
One of the most famous spa cities, Karlovy Vary, is the center of the Czech Spa Industry. It carries the name of the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV (1316-1378). The second word in its name, Vary, means “boil” and refers to the local hot springs. The warmest one is named Vřídlo, and with a temperature of 73,4°C is the warmest thermal spring in the Czech Republic. It reaches a height of up to 12 m due to the high pressure and produces an average of 2000 liters of mineral water per minute.
Over the years, Spa techniques entered the world of medicine. Balneology and hydrotherapy, initially procedures in the spa industry, became the medical disciplines taught at the university. The hydrotherapy mentioned above was the domain of the Silesian-born Vincenzo Priessnitz, who in 1829 founded the present-day Spa Jeseník, the first hydrotherapy institute, where, alongside patients, doctors came to learn his methods, which are still widely used today, which means that today, not only Kings and Europe’s elite can enjoy the wonders of Czech Spas. Today, every man is a king!
Spa, water, and wafers equal an ideal vacation
There are currently thirty-six places in the Czech Republic that belong to the Association of Spa Places of the Czech Republic, where experts not only take care of the well-being of the body through various medical procedures but, above all, offer relaxation to the visitor. It is possible to choose a spa according to the health focus and to consult the choice with a doctor and the spa houses themselves. With their unmistakable architectural charm, spa towns allow visitors to enjoy the fun and comfort of modern times combined with ancient healing treatments. The spas are also surrounded by beautiful nature and have their own social and cultural life.
The offer is so varied that there is something for everyone, regardless of age, fitness, financial, or time possibilities. And believe us, there is nothing more relaxing than a walk along the spa colonnade on a warm summer evening, enjoying a warm spa wafer and a drink from the freely available mineral springs.
