The spa triangle formed by Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně and Karlovy Vary offers visitors primarily health-focused relaxation. However, these towns are worth visiting even if you're not planning a spa stay. The echoes of their glorious past can still be experienced today through their enchanting atmosphere.

Did you know that these Czech gems, along with eight other spa towns in Germany, Belgium, Italy, Austria and the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title "The Great Spa Towns of Europe“?

We have every right to be proud, as these 11 spa towns—three of which are in the Czech Republic—were carefully selected from among hundreds across Europe.

Immerse yourself in the following lines and discover the best places you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting the Czech Spa Triangle.

 

Mariánské Lázně (Mariansbad)

The picturesque town on the edge of the Slavkov Forest will undoubtedly charm you with its historical atmosphere from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. A walk through the centre is like a journey back in time – all the significant monuments, elegant colonnades, and spa buildings are just a few steps apart, expressing a perfect harmony of architecture and nature.

The neo-Baroque Main Spa Colonnade from the 19th century, also known as the Maxim Gorky Colonnade, has become an inseparable symbol of the town. Every step beneath its arches is like walking through a gallery: above your head unfolds a mesmerizing cycle of frescoes telling the story of the connection between humans and the cosmos, while the walls are decorated with lavish bronze reliefs that give the interior a noble atmosphere of old times.

The Cross Spring (Křížový pramen), covered by a pavilion of the same name, is known for its healing effects, particularly on the digestive system. Originally called the Salty Spring—no surprise, its distinctive taste only confirms it. It was renamed Cross Spring in 1749 when local pharmacist Damián Schulz erected a large cross near the spring. Today, you can admire this cross as an ornament on the pavilion’s dome-shaped roof.

Address: Masarykova 3, Mariánské Lázně

 
Just a few steps behind the majestic Main Colonnade, the magic of the Singing Fountain comes to life every day. Let yourself be carried away by melodies from world classics, popular hits and unforgettable movie themes. You can easily check the playlist on the information board right by the fountain. You can enjoy the charm of the music from the early morning hours, when the melodies play every odd hour starting at 7 a.m. And in the evening? That’s when the real show begins. At 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., a mesmerizing light projection accompanies the music.

As you admire this aquatic concert, remember Petr Hapka, the composer of the very first piece, "Music for the Fountain", whose statue stands just a short distance away.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary will enchant you with its Neo-Byzantine elegance. The entrance alone is symbolic—33 steps, referencing the years of Jesus Christ’s life. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the blue star-studded vault, evoking the endless night sky. Among the church’s treasures are the Altar of the Black Madonna and a rare wood carving of the Enthroned Mother of God with the Infant Jesus. The church is open at least 45 minutes before each Mass.

Address: Goethovo náměstí 110/31, Mariánské Lázně

The oldest house in town, built in 1818 as the guesthouse "Zlatý hrozen" (The Golden Grape), breathes the genius loci of the famous poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe. It was here in 1823 that he stayed and wrote his letters to the young Ulrike von Levetzow. You can uncover their passionate secret in the poet's authentically preserved study. Today, Goethe’s House is home to the Mariánské Lázně Town Museum, which will guide you not only through the poet’s life but also through the fascinating history of the spa town—including the traditional production of wafers.

Address: Goethovo náměstí 11/11, Mariánské Lázně

Mariánské Lázně is not only famous for its healing springs but also for the renowned visitors who left their mark here. At the height of its glory, personalities such as the British King Edward VII or the brilliant composer Frédéric Chopin came here.

Chopin’s legacy still comes alive today in the elegantly restored Chopin House, which has become the city’s vibrant cultural hub. Under its roof, history blends with modern life: you’ll find a concert hall, an art gallery, community spaces, and an intimate museum dedicated to Chopin’s stay.

Address: Hlavní 47, Mariánské Lázně

 
If you love Chopin, you must not miss the famous international Fryderyk Chopin Festival, which every year in the third week of August transforms the town into a musical paradise. For decades, this event has been an inseparable part of the spa town's cultural atmosphere, attracting world-renowned performers and conductors. Originally focused on Chopin's works, the festival has since grown into a rich cultural celebration—featuring symphony concerts, chamber music, jazz, exhibitions and social events.

 

Where did we park?

We left the car on Mírové náměstí – although it’s paid parking, you’re just a few minutes away from the majestic Main Colonnade, where it all begins. Another option is the paid parking lot by the cable car (Parkoviště u lanovky): from here, a pleasant walk takes you to the elegant Goethovo náměstí.

 

Our tip:

Discover a magical world in miniature – Boheminium Park is the fourth-largest miniature park in Europe, where you can admire over seventy perfect models of famous Czech treasures all in one place. Imagine standing above a miniature Karlštejn, the fairytale-like Hluboká, or the romantic Český Krumlov, feeling as if you had the whole Czech Republic in the palm of your hand.

How to get to the park? Walking enthusiasts can take a 2.8 km romantic trail from the colonnade to the park. After about a kilometre, you’ll come across the lower station of the cable car. If you are craving a bit of nostalgia, you can continue your journey on the oldest cabin cable car in Bohemia. It runs daily at regular intervals, and the views during the ride are worth it.

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll find convenient free parking right by the park.

Address: Krakonoš 665, Mariánské Lázně

 

Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad)

This charming town will enchant you with its elegant historic centre, where noble classicistic architecture blends with vast English parks.

Begin your walk in the Town Gardens, where you’ll find the equestrian statue of Emperor Francis I, the founder of the spa town. Right here, in the oldest landscaped part of the town, stands a music pavilion, where the Franzensbad Symphony Orchestra often performs.

Address: Ruská, Františkovy Lázně

Just a short distance from the park stands an Empire-era gem— The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the few purely Empire-style sacral buildings in the Czech Republic. Four monumental columns flank the entrance, while inside, you'll be amazed by the frescoes by Vilém Kandler and the Stations of the Cross by Rudolf Bötger. Three bells ring from the church tower, the oldest of which dates back to 1506.

Address: Ruská 5, Františkovy Lázně

 
Continue along Národní třída, which leads you among the majestic buildings of spa houses to the elegant Pavilion of the František Spring —the oldest and most famous spring in the town. It was around this very spring that the first houses of the future spa town once grew, so you are literally standing at the birthplace of Františkovy Lázně. Taste the water once enjoyed by Emperor Francis I, the writer Božena Němcová, or the poet Goethe, and savour a moment in the heart of this enchanting spa town.

Address: Národní, Františkovy Lázně

To the right of the spring, you will find the symbol of Františkovy Lázně—a statue of a little boy holding a fish. The statue of František has also become famous due to a tradition stating that if a woman wants to get pregnant, she should touch the statue’s left foot. This custom is undoubtedly connected to the fact that the spa is renowned for treating infertility. You can view the original statue at the Františkovy Lázně Municipal Museum.

However, the town museum has much more to offer. The current exhibition reveals not only the history of the spa town from the discovery of the František Spring to the 20th century but also local architecture and the development of balneological methods. Here, you can also admire enchanting historical postcards of the spa or get acquainted with famous spa visitors through period photographs.

Address: Dlouhá 194/4, Františkovy Lázně

Just a few steps away from the iconic František Spring, in the Gardens of the Salt and Meadow Spring, lies a pearl of spa architecture— The Glauber Springs Hall. This elegant pavilion, sheltering three mineral springs, will amaze you with its sgraffito decorations, which, like vivid paintings, tell the story of the spa from its founding to the present day. Don’t miss the chance to taste the unique Glauber IV, whose exceptionally high content of Glauber’s salt makes it a natural rarity worldwide and one of the most precious mineral waters on the planet.

 

Where to park?

If you visit the town museum, you have a great advantage—parking right in front of the building is completely free for visitors.

 

Our gourmet tip:

At Růžová cukrárna (Pink Patisserie), you can enjoy a perfect moment of relaxation—with aromatic coffee, a fluffy dessert, or a refreshing ice cream sundae. This sweet paradise, which we love returning to with every visit, is just a short walk from the historic centre.

Address: Školní 324/5, Františkovy Lázně

 
Not far from the elegant colonnades of Františkovy Lázně lies a green paradise— the America Forest Park with its tranquil waters, inviting visitors for leisurely strolls and relaxation. Walk along the Red Cardio Trail or take a ride on the mini-train to the shores of the nearly sixty-hectare pond, encircled by a two-kilometre nature trail starting near the mini-zoo. During the season, the mini-train departs every half-hour from the information centre at Máchova Street 8.

There’s something for everyone here—kids will love the zoo and playground, romantic souls can enjoy a half-timbered restaurant with a beach and sunset views, and nature lovers can observe dozens of rare birds from the bird-watching tower. A boat rental and a campsite are also available for those who wish to stay longer.

Address: Jezerní, Františkovy Lázně

 

Where did we stay?

We stayed at the elegant spa hotel Kijev, located in the very heart of Františkovy Lázně, just a few steps from the famous colonnade. This military spa resort specializes in treating musculoskeletal, heart and vascular conditions, whether through long-term stays or relaxing wellness retreats. The hotel also offers a sauna, salt cave, rehabilitation pool and fitness centre.

Address: Národní 15, Františkovy Lázně

 

Our tip:

About 6 km from Františkovy Lázně lies a fascinating natural treasure— the Soos National Nature Reserve, nicknamed the "Czech Yellowstone." This unique area, protected since 1964, will amaze you with its moon-like landscape full of bubbling mud volcanoes, mineral springs, and vents of pure carbon dioxide. Walk along the bottom of a dried-up lake on a 1.2 km-long educational trail and admire a European rarity – a silica shield that remains as a silent witness to the distant past.

But Soos isn’t just about nature. Here, you’ll find a geopark, a museum with exhibits on Earth’s history—including life-size models of prehistoric reptiles—and even a rescue station for injured animals.

Address: Kateřina 39, Skalná

And if you want to enhance the experience in a unique way, hop aboard the Kateřina narrow-gauge railway, which once transported kaolin.

Address: Kateřina 52, Skalná

 
Free parking is available outside the entrance to the nature reserve, so you can leave your car here without worries and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the surrounding nature.

 

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)

Karlovy Vary is the pearl of western Bohemia, where noble architecture blends with the healing power of hot springs. Stroll through colonnades brimming with vibrant history, taste mineral water straight from the source, and let yourself be swept away by the unique atmosphere of this spa town.

Would you like to discover more? Dive into our article Karlovy Vary: a town where elegance blends with the healing power of thermal springs and get inspired.