9 thermal spas and spring resorts in Czechia: where to soak and heal in hot mineral water beyond Prague

Czechia isn't just Europe's beer capital — it's also one of the world's oldest spa nations: hundreds of mineral and thermal springs have been flowing here for centuries, and around them entire resort towns have grown up, complete with colonnades, parks, and bathhouses. This guide is for anyone who wants to combine a Prague trip with a visit to the waters — whether to treat joints or skin, or simply to unwind for a day in a pool of hot mineral water. We've rounded up both the famous resorts of the "golden triangle" and some lesser-known but equally worthwhile spots.

Vřídelní kolonáda, Karlovy Vary

The main attraction at the country's most famous spa town is the colonnade on Vřídelní 128/39 in the city center. There's only one spring here, but it's an unforgettable one for every tourist — the "Geyser" (or "Vřídlo") reaches a temperature of +73.2 °C, and its famous mineral water fountain, shooting up from underground, can spurt as high as 12 meters. Access to the thermal springs is free for everyone, and you can fill up a special spa cup with the water and simply stroll among the colonnades.

Saunia Thermal Resort, Karlovy Vary

This bathing complex sits high on a cliff above the town — perfect for anyone who wants more than just a sip from the spring and is after a proper swim. It's home to the Saunia Thermal Resort with 2 pools of hot thermal water and the Saunia World of Saunas, plus spacious sun terraces overlooking central Karlovy Vary. The smaller pool is filled with 100% natural thermal water at 38°C, while the larger one is kept at 32°C — a great half-day option with a panoramic view of the historic center.

Aqualand Moravia, Pasohlávky

The largest water park in Czechia is located just 20 minutes from Brno, on the shore of the Mušov reservoir at the foot of the Pálava nature reserve. Aqualand Moravia has the most indoor attractions in the country — with 16 pools built on the banks of the Mušov reservoir on the site of ancient Roman baths. For its thermal pool, the water park draws on the Mušov-3G geothermal borehole, with water at 46°C officially recognized as a natural healing source beneficial for joints and rheumatism. Address: Pasohlávky ev. č. 110, 691 22 Pasohlávky.

Termální lázně Velké Losiny

The oldest Moravian spa, nestled in the foothills of the Jeseníky mountains, at Lázeňská 323, Velké Losiny. It features a water world with 9 indoor and outdoor thermal pools, water attractions, saunas, massages, a restaurant, and a children's area, with water temperatures up to 36°C. Two thermal pools in the main spa hotel ELIŠKA are fed at the confluence of three natural sulphur springs — water above 35°C rich in sulphur and minerals, beneficial for the musculoskeletal system and skin.

Léčebné lázně Jáchymov

A unique resort in the Krušné hory mountains, the only place in the world that uses radon water from Europe's oldest still-operating mine for treatment. Léčebné lázně Jáchymov boasts a truly one-of-a-kind natural healing spring — treatment relies on radon water extracted from the Svornost mine, the oldest still-active mine in Czechia. The Jáchymov resort was founded in 1906 as the world's first radon spa, and its unique radon water is highly effective for musculoskeletal conditions. Treatments take place in sanatorium complexes such as Radium Palace and Běhounek on T. G. Masaryka 415.

Mariánské Lázně

Czechia's second-largest spa town and part of the famous "spa triangle" alongside Karlovy Vary and Františkovy Lázně. The town has a 180-meter colonnade — the longest in Czechia — and a total of 40 springs emerging naturally right within the town itself. Around 40 cold mineral springs here, with temperatures of 7-10°C, are drunk from special long-spouted spa cups. The resort is included on the UNESCO list of "Great Spa Towns of Europe."

Františkovy Lázně

The smallest and quietest town of the spa triangle, lined with yellow neoclassical façades. It's the tiniest settlement in the West Bohemian spa triangle, yet it still preserves elegant neoclassical colonnades, well-kept parks, and an unhurried, restful atmosphere. For a more active water experience, check out the local Aquaforum, which offers indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, jacuzzis, water caves, saunas, hydromassage, and beach volleyball courts.

Lázně Luhačovice (Vincentka)

The largest Moravian spa, set in the valley of the Štávnice stream, famous for architect Dušan Jurkovič's buildings and mineral water from the Vincentka spring on Lázeňské náměstí. Luhačovice is blessed with a unique wealth of natural healing springs — the company Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. manages Vincentka along with 9 other mineral springs. The spring hall is located at Lázeňské náměstí 165, 763 26 Luhačovice, where you can fill up with warm or cold mineral water straight from the tap, free of charge.

Czech spas work a bit differently from typical spa hotels: in some, the whole point is simply sipping water from the colonnade and taking a stroll through the park, while in others it's about spending the whole day in a pool of hot mineral or even radon water. The "spa triangle" of Karlovy Vary – Mariánské Lázně – Františkovy Lázně is easy to combine into one route from Prague, while fans of water slides and water parks should take a closer look at Aqualand Moravia or the thermal park in Velké Losiny.