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Karlovy Vary, Czechia’s famed spa town, needs no special introduction, but what about the rest of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle?
This lush region is defined by its three spa towns – Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne – with their hot springs and therapeutic waters.
In this guide, we won’t dwell on Karlovy Vary, but we’ll take you on a journey across the other two beautiful towns and the many natural wonders of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle.
So, even if you’ve never heard of this less-explored region before, you’re about to learn everything there is to know about this hidden gem in the Czech Republic.
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What Is The West Bohemian Spa Triangle?
Located near the Czech Republic’s border with Germany, the so-called West Bohemian Spa Triangle comprises three famous Czech spa towns: Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne.
The towns are part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes 11 spa towns across seven European countries.
The three towns are celebrated for their countless mineral springs, known for their healing waters for centuries.
All three towns are within short driving distance of each other, offering travellers the opportunity to get to know each one effortlessly.
Although the area’s main draw is its spa culture, there are several other cultural and natural treasures to explore there.
A Brief History of The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
During the 18th century, and especially the 19th century, the railway made travelling much easier.
As a result, prominent people from all walks of life, such as scientists, royals, poets, and artists, flocked to the three famous spa towns for medical treatments or simply to relax.
The West Bohemian Spa Triangle’s glory was halted during the two World Wars. Afterwards, the Czech spas were nationalised.
This meant that, for the first time, the area’s best spas were also available to the working class rather than just the elite of the time.
The now re-privatised spa hotels attract people from all over the world, who enjoy the best spa care in the three picturesque towns.
How To Get Around The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The closest airport to the West Bohemian Spa Triangle is Prague’s international airport.
From there, the best way to explore the area and move between the historic spa towns – or even plan a longer Central Europe itinerary – is by renting a car.
Driving will give you the flexibility to easily tour the Spa Triangle and the fascinating mining region, which you’ll learn more about further down in this article.
Using public transport to travel between cities is not a good idea, as train and bus routes are not convenient or frequent enough.
If you’re not driving, consider booking private transfers from your hotel to the various points of interest.
Where To Stay in The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The obvious choice for your accommodation would, of course, be Karlovy Vary.
However, if you’re after a more authentic experience without crowds of daytrippers and if you are responsible travellers looking to support smaller and lesser-known destinations, opt for the other two spa towns instead.
Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne might just be the best places to stay and use as a base while exploring Western Bohemia.
In Marianske Lazne, the historic 5-star Nove Lazne offers its guests complete premium spa services.
With a magnificent Roman bath area, several swimming pools, 40 treatment cabins, saunas and access to natural mineral springs, Nove Lazne is one of the best spa hotels in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle.
At Nove Lazne, you’ll feel like royalty. King Edward VII was so fond of Marianske Lazne that he had his very own spa cabin inside the hotel.
Nowadays, you can have spa treatments in this very room of the historic Neo-Renaissance hotel if you like.
In Frantiskovy Lazne, Hotel Pawlik is probably the best option for dining and accommodation.
Besides its direct access to Aquaforum, a fascinating water park we’ll focus on later in this article, and several top-quality spa facilities, it offers everything a guest needs for a memorable stay.
From bicycles to rent, a library and a reading room to a game centre with billiards and a daycare room, the 4-star spa resort has something for everyone.
On top of that, Hotel Pawlik is like a cultural centre of sorts, as it organises several events, open to locals and visitors alike.
Watch our YouTube video about what to do in Karlovy Vary & the West Bohemian Spa Triangle
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
Karlovy Vary: The Star of The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
Karlovy Vary is the most famous Czech spa town and one of the best spa destinations in Europe. As such, it’s well worth a visit for its pampering spa hotels, beautiful architecture, and spectacular natural surroundings.
However, this guide focuses on the two other spa towns in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, as we feel they deserve an article of their own.
If you want to learn more about Karlovy Vary, the largest of the three spa towns that comprise the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, read our detailed guide on what to do in Karlovy Vary.
The Other Bohemian Spa Towns
Mariánské Lázně
The second-largest town of the West Bohemia Spa Triangle, Marianske Lazne is abundant in manicured parks and stunning architecture featuring elaborate fountains and beautiful colonnades.
Top 7 Things To Do in Mariánské Lázně
1. Stand Before The Singing Fountain
What tops our list of the best things to do in Marianske Lazne is to experience one of the music shows that the elegant Singing Fountain puts on.
Classical music masterpieces engage in an enchanting dance with the colourful jets of water from the fountain captivating onlookers.
This unique performance takes place every odd hour from the morning until it gets dark and it’s something you shouldn’t miss.
2. Linger At The Colonnade
A few steps from the Singing Fountain, the neo-Baroque Maxim Gorky Colonnade has stood there in all its glory since 1889.
Take a stroll along its 180-metre promenade to appreciate the beauty of this remarkable monument before you sit for a glass of wine at one of the elegant cafés that line the colonnade.
3. Stroll Through The Parks
Marianske Lazne boasts several lush parks, like the one that adorns the very heart of the town.
That said, the most visited park in Marianske Lazne is Park Boheminium, the fourth-largest miniature park in Europe. The large park features over 70 detailed models of historic buildings in the Czech Republic.
4. Discover The Royal Statues
Among several statues of prominent personalities that dot the bijou town, including those of Goethe and Chopin, both of whom were in love with Marianske Lazne, the royal statues of King Edward VII of England and Emperor Franz Joseph I stand out.
King Edward VII visited Marianske Lazne nine times. In 1904, he met the last Habsburg Emperor, Franz Joseph I, there, turning Marianske Lazne into an important European political centre.
5. Devour a Spa Wafer
Spa wafers became an integral part of the spa culture around the 18th century. Most probably, spa wafers were inspired by communion bread.
Initially, a spa wafer came in a single layer with sugar on top. However, over time, this changed. A spa wafer now consists of two pieces filled with sugar or even chocolate, hazelnuts and almonds.
The delicious dough is made with spring water and salt from the Karlovy Vary region. Don’t leave without trying at least one spa wafer from the Kolonada shop, the pioneer spa wafer brand, based in Marianske Lazne.
6. Walk To The Forest Spring
Even though there are about 100 mineral springs around Marianske Lazne, only forty of them are in the town. Contrary to Karlovy Vary’s thermal springs, those in Marianske Lazne have cold rather than hot water.
If your time allows you to visit only one of the town’s springs, grab the opportunity to take a short walk to the Forest Spring.
The mineral water from this unique spring tastes funny, but it’s beneficial for upper respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
7. Have Dinner at Hotel Swiss House
Apart from being a splendid boutique hotel, Hotel Swiss House takes great pride in its exquisite restaurant.
In the relaxing garden or the cosy indoor space, you can enjoy a delicious gourmet tasting menu featuring local ingredients that caters to vegetarians or anyone with other dietary requirements.
Františkovy Lázně
Named after the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, Frantiskovy Lazne is the smallest of the three towns that comprise the West Bohemian Spa Triangle.
The little spa town was founded in the 18th century. Since then, it has attracted celebrity guests, like Goethe, Johan Strauss, Franz Kafka and many others.
With more than 20 cold mineral springs, Frantiskovy Lazne is famous for treatments of gynaecological problems and infertility.
Top 3 Things To Do in Františkovy Lázně
1. Enjoy a Day at Aquaforum
For some water fun, especially if you’re travelling with kids, Aquaforum is the place to be in Frantiskovy Lazne.
There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools and water slides, as well as fitness and wellness centres, for a pure fun and relaxing experience.
2. Wander Around The Bijou Town
Frantiskovy Lazne may be a tiny town, but it has no shortage of peaceful parks, elegant neo-classical buildings, and colonnades.
Take a stroll starting from the Pawlik Hotel through the park with the Goethe Memorial and wander around the town centre of Frantiskovy Lazne.
3. Look For The Small Boy Statue
As we said, Frantiskovy Lazne specialises in treating infertility problems. Therefore, the town’s symbol is the statue of a miraculous little boy named Frantisek.
But what’s so special about this boy? According to the legend, if a woman touches Frantisek, she’ll get pregnant before too long.
If you ask us, we’re inclined to believe that the water’s healing properties do the trick instead.
Best Things To Do in The West Bohemian Spa Triangle Beyond The Spa Towns
1. Get Into The Depths of a UNESCO-Listed Mine
A spa vacation may be one of the main reasons to visit the West Bohemian Spa Triangle. However, the mining region of the Krusne Mountains in northern Bohemia is equally worth exploring.
The mining region of the so-called Ore Mountains is shared between northwestern Czechia and southeastern Germany.
The whole area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019, as silver mining there has been documented for over 800 years.
Besides silver, some of the metals extracted at the mines were tin, cobalt, copper, iron and uranium.
It’s no overstatement to say that Europe’s entire monetary system started in the Ore Mountains. The silver from these mines was minted into tolars.
These silver coins were used in the area and, more specifically, in the town of Jachymov.
If the word tolar rings a bell, you’re right. The dollar is named after the silver tolar that was once minted in this corner of Bohemia.
Some of these mines are now open to the public, offering insightful guided tours. Keep in mind that each of these silver mines has a different difficulty level.
For example, the Mauritius Mine is very easy to walk through and suitable for any type of traveller. On the other hand, the Johannes Mine is quite demanding and suited to the more adventurous.
Among other challenges, the latter requires climbing steep staircases, which is not at all suited for people with a fear of heights.
However, what’s important is that there’s a mine for everyone. No matter which silver mine you choose to visit, make sure a guided tour is available in English.
During our trip to the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, we visited the Johannes Mine. It’s the largest mine in the area and it has been in operation since the 16th century.
The two-hour tour in the depths of the Johannes Mine is an unparalleled journey that narrates 500 years of mining history through dark, wet tunnels and large chambers, dug centuries ago in the bosom of the Krusne Mountains.
2. Stop For a Beer Tasting at a Microbrewery
Right after the adrenaline-filled experience of exploring a mine, what’s better than a glass of top-quality – and ice-cold – Czech beer?
Almost on the German border, Bozi Dar is a small town in the Ore mining region. The little town is ideal for a beer stop at Pivovar Cerveny Vlk Microbrewery.
Alternatively, you can overnight at one of the town’s hotels if you want to explore more of the region’s gems.
Pivovar Cerveny Vlk serves several in-house beers brewed with local hops, accompanied by burgers and fancy dishes.
The passionate Canadian-Czech brewmaster puts all his love into making the best version of the Czech national drink.
The ambience and beer are amazing there. However, we would love to see more vegetarian options on the menu next time we visit.
3. Hike To The Wolf Pits
Located near the village of Horni Blatna, the Wolf Pits is an otherworldly landscape formed after the collapse of the Wolfgang Mine, which operated from the 16th to the 18th century.
The pit is about 120 metres long and the dramatic rocks go so deep that you can see ice at their base even in the summer. You can get there after a short uphill hike from Horni Blatna.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When we visited, we went down a set of steps and saw the so-called Ice Hole from above. According to Google Maps, this location is now permanently closed. However, it’s not clear whether that means the actual hole or the steps leading to it. Please make sure you double-check with your hotel or a local tour guide before you make the trip to avoid potential disappointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The West Bohemian Spa Triangle
How many days should I spend in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle?
To explore the three spa towns of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle and roam around the region’s other sights, you will need at least five full days.
Is English widely spoken in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle?
In Karlovy Vary, pretty much everyone speaks good English.
That said, you might struggle to communicate in English in less touristy places, such as Frantiskovy Lazne, the Ore Mountains and elsewhere – or even find restaurant menus in English for that matter.
Therefore, make sure you keep Google Translate handy at all times.
We’re always thrilled to introduce you to the rich history, natural beauty and cultural wealth of lesser-known places to visit in Europe.
Even though Karlovy Vary is very popular, especially – and sadly – as a day trip from Prague, the rest of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle remains largely unknown.
Yet, we hope this thorough guide changes that and more travellers, like you, will decide to explore the charms of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: We explored the West Bohemian Spa Triangle on a press trip organised and sponsored by Visit Czechia and Karlovy Vary Region. Although Visit Czechia sponsored this article, all opinions remain our own, as always.