The Czech Republic is known for its many spa cities. These are cities such as Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Frantiskovy Lazne, Jachymov, Teplice, Janske Lazne, Podebrady, Trebon, Jesnik, and Luhacovice. Each has a different spring to form their spa. They can be very therapeutical and each is significant in its own way. Together, the spa cities form an important and historical part of the Czech Republic.
Karlovy Vary is located in the valley of the small river Tepla. King Charles IV. found the springs while hunting. Karlovy has a uniform character and a unique charm, which is still admired by its visitors. Karlovy Vary has twelve springs with temperatures ranging from 42 to 72 degrees Celsius. The hottest spring, which also happens to be the oldest, is Vridlo. Karlovy Vary is known for the treatment of metabolism and gastric diseases. It consists of casinos, a large open-air theater, a theater, an art gallery and a number of concert and other halls. If you are looking for a sport, there are racing grounds, an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, an open-air heated pool, etc. Among the most famous products of the town are the glass figures, produced by Moser.
Czech settlers in the village of Usovice used the Marianske Lazne springs for therapeutical purposes way back in the 14
th century. The springs were first called the Usovice springs, later Tepla springs, after the monastery they belonged to. In 1808 the Monastery founded
Marianske Lazne and in 1866 the location was elevated to a town. Marianske Lazne has 40 springs, which differ by their chemical composition. All of the springs are cool and contain a lot of free carbon dioxide. Marianske Lazne has many walking tours, tennis courts golf and other summer and winter sports. There are many ways to enjoy a musical experience when visiting M. Lazne. The International Music Festival and Frederick Chopin Festive Days uphold the musical tradition.
The
Frantiskovy Lazne springs have made a name for themselves by their mineral water. The founding of the spa was approved in 1793 and has a vast wealth of natural sources suitable for the treatment of heart and cardio-vascular diseases, gynecological disorders, and disorders of the systems. The spa has 24 springs of strong carbonic water saturated with minerals. Twelve of the springs are used for bathing and drinking cures ("Spa Towns in the Czech Republic").
Jachymov lies in the preserved part of Krusne Hory. It is wedged between forests and it is famous for its radioactive springs. Jachymov was founded in 1516. The town was the second most populated town in Bohemia twenty years later. In the 1950's Jachymov became a concentration camp for political prisoners who were made to mine uranium ore. The first curative spring was opened in 1864 and the last uranium ore mine was closed in 1964. The high radon content and the thermal water in Jachymov springs contribute greatly towards improving the healthy state of people suffering from disorders of the motor tract, of the nervous system and disorders of the metabolism.
Teplice is not only an important industrial center, but it is also the oldest Czech spa town. The local springs were used for bathing and drinking cures. The development of the spa treatment dates back to the 16
th century. The spa was considerably damaged in The Thirty Years War and during the 1793 fire. New buildings were built and in the first half of the 19
th century, Teplice became the "salon of Europe" and was visited by widely known people from Europe. The spa treats disorders of the motor and circulatory systems, occupational diseases, and disorders of the nervous system.
Janske Lazne is a spa house and a recreational center in the Krkonose Mountains. It was developed soon after the first world war. The spa became the first place in Europe to treat polio patients after the Institute for the Treatment of Post-Poliomyelitis Trauma was established in 1935. There are 30 radioactive, thermal and mineral springs. It is an important winter sport center with a tobogganing course, ski-jumping, skiing area, and ski lifts and cable cars.
Podebrady is located in the fertile plains of the river Elbe. The spa was established in 1905, when its mineral springs were discovered. The spa park and the first house were established two years later. The first world war interrupted the development of the spa and it was not further developed until after 1919. Polebrady spa treats mainly disorders of the heart valves. Podebrady is located on the site of a Gothic fortress and is a historical monument. Not only is Podebrady a host to theatre and literary festivals, it has a golf course, a clay pigeon shooting range, a water sports area, horse riding facilities, a horse racing track, and more. Trebon was a town first described as a market locality. At the end of the 13
th century Trebon had been transformed into a town with a church and fortress. In the 14
th century it was purchased by the
Rozmberk family and underwent great economic changes. The best known of the industries are the fisheries and the brewery built in 1379 which makes the famous Regent beer. The town has a lay out with gates and bastions from the years 1525-1527. The church of St. Giles is an example of the Gothic architecture. There also is a Gothic monastery of the Augustinian order. For the second half of the 14
th century, Trebon castle was reconstructed into a chateau that is famous for its historic archives. Trebon is one of the most beautiful towns of southern Bohemia and with its surroundings will appeal to anyone's eyes. It is a paradise for anglers, lovers of water sports, pedestrian tours and cycling.
Jesenik is located on a wooded slope in the Rychlebske Mountains. A local farmer named Vinzenz Priessnitz founded it in 1820. He discovered the effects of cold springs and built the first hydropathic institute in his native town. The spas history for treating mental disorders goes back to the past century. The climate conditions of the spa have a positive effect on the respiratory tract and can treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, post-operative states, inflammations and allergies. The climate is also good for the thyroid gland and cardiovascular diseases. Guest have many activities at the spa to keep them busy such as tennis courts, golf courses, mountain biking, the sports hall, the bowling alley, the swimming pool, the table tennis hall, and the indoor swimming pool. During winter, you can enjoy the downhill ski runs and the cross-country trails.
Luhacovice dates back to the early 20
th century. It includes six spas, two of which specialize in the treatment of children. They use the ten alkalimuriativ springs and the hydrogen sulfide spring for treatment of diseases. Some of the best known springs are the Armandka and Vincentka. Their water is bottled and exported. The Luhacovice castle was built in 1738 on the site of the earlier 17
th century structure. Luhacovice is the home of the annual international cultural summer festival. Each of the spa cities in the Czech Republic has its own unique identity. They can be used for relaxation and entertainment or for medical reasons. Each is situated in a different part of the Czech Republic and surrounded by different agriculture and industrial developments. The spa cities hold an important place in both the history and the present day status of the regions they are in.
Additional links:
Association of the spa places of the Czech republic
Guide 
