Health, relaxation, and indulgence: The spa in central Europe everyone wants to visit

In western Czechia, amid green forests and mountainous scenery, a town appears as if frozen in time. Mariánské Lázně is one of the country’s most famous spa towns, a place where history meets natural healing, and classical architecture blends with springs whose waters are rich in natural minerals. Upon arrival, you immediately feel a change in pace—the air is fresher, the streets quieter, and time seems to flow differently.

The town is located in the Karlovy Vary region, about a two-hour drive from Prague and just half an hour from the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary. Unlike other, busier towns, Mariánské Lázně maintains an intimate and calm character. The central streets are lined with decorated avenues, magnificent historic buildings, and fountains, creating the feeling of a classic European town that has nurtured its spa heritage for centuries.

Mariánské Lázně is mainly known for its unique mineral springs and naturally occurring gas in the ground. These are not just ordinary springs—they are a national natural resource that has been used for generations to treat a wide range of health issues. Treatments here focus on the digestive system, urinary tract and kidneys, respiratory problems, metabolism, and joint and back pain. In addition to medical treatments, the town also offers beauty and cosmetic therapies, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a combination of health, relaxation, and indulgence.

The audience that comes to Mariánské Lázně is somewhat different from visitors to other holiday towns. Most guests are adults dedicating time to their health—it’s not a short weekend getaway, but a stay of two to three weeks, the time required to feel the effects of the treatments. Alongside older guests, athletes from around the world also visit—athletes undergoing rehabilitation after injuries or joint replacements in knees or shoulders, seeking to restore their body to full fitness. This combination creates a special atmosphere—a meeting between those seeking relaxation and health and those training and rehabilitating.

Germans form the largest group of tourists here, thanks to geographic proximity to the border. But Israel? It’s already in second place. In every corner of the town, Hebrew can be heard—in hotels, restaurants, and walking paths. Israelis have discovered this destination and made it particularly popular, some even renting cars to explore the area and traveling to Germany on weekends (when not undergoing treatments) thanks to the convenience and proximity.

Staying in Mariánské Lázně is not a vacation in the traditional sense but a mental and physical process. At the Ensana Centrální Lázně hotel, where we stayed, or at other medical hotels in the town, the first day or two include a meeting with a doctor. It’s not a long, tiresome examination but a brief meeting where the doctor listens to the guest’s medical needs, health issues, or simply what they hope to achieve from the stay. Based on this conversation, the doctor builds a personalized treatment program—from drinking spring water, mineral baths, and inhalations, to targeted treatments for the skeletal and muscular systems.

This approach is what makes Mariánské Lázně completely different from other places. It’s not a spa where you order a massage or a peeling according to your mood. Here, it’s a combination of personal diagnosis, the town’s unique natural resources, and a real process connecting relaxation, nature, and preventive medicine. Every treatment is part of a program specially designed for the guest.

The Ensana Centrální Lázně hotel is one of three Ensana hotels in the town. The three hotels—Nové Lázně, Centrální Lázně, and Maria Spa—are connected by internal corridors, allowing guests to move between them easily and enjoy all the facilities. What truly distinguishes these hotels is that they are built directly above some of the springs.

Yes, you read that correctly. The hotels have direct access to the mineral springs—a resource that belongs to the state and is supervised by it, but the network has been granted the unique right to use it. This means that hotel guests can drink the therapeutic waters, enjoy them in baths, and receive treatments based on the springs—all without leaving the hotel. It’s an experience that brings the natural magic of the place directly into the guests’ daily lives.

The four main springs used by the hotel include the Rudolph Spring, rich in magnesium and calcium and intended for urinary system treatments; the Cross Spring, known for its digestive benefits and body cleansing; the Karolina Spring, which aids metabolic and digestive issues; and the Forest Spring, particularly suitable for respiratory treatments and inhalations. Each spring offers a unique therapeutic world of its own.

The town was not always a mass tourism destination. For centuries, Mariánské Lázně hosted kings, nobles, and artists from across Europe. King Edward VII of England visited no less than nine times, becoming a symbol of the town’s prestige. He stayed at the Ensana Nové Lázně hotel, where his royal suite and historic massage room are preserved to this day. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and composers Johannes Brahms and Frédéric Chopin also visited over the years.

One of the most impressive historical attractions in the hotel is the Roman baths—a luxurious 19th-century neo-classical complex with marble columns, high ceilings, and rich decorations. The baths once served kings, emperors, and nobles, and today they are also open to regular guests seeking a unique spa experience in a royal atmosphere. Visiting these baths is not just a health treatment—it’s a journey back to the golden age of European spa towns.

Ensana hotels are located near the Singing Fountain, the town’s main activity hub. On weekends, local food, Czech beer, and traditional sweets stalls line the central avenue. The atmosphere is relaxed, and visitors enjoy strolling among beautiful parks, historic buildings, and shaded paths, stopping for light tastings at midday.

As evening falls, the Singing Fountain comes to life. Tourists and locals gather to watch a show of water, lights, and classical music—a magical moment that turns the spot into a social meeting point. It’s an opportunity to meet people, hear stories, and simply enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Within walking distance from the hotel, local restaurants operate. We tried Česká Hospůdka, where we sampled traditional Czech dishes such as rich goulash, juicy roasted duck, and excellent steaks. The service was courteous and professional, adding a warm dimension to the overall experience. The restaurant itself, with its local and authentic atmosphere, was part of the town’s charm.

After three days of complete relaxation in the spa town, we continued directly to Prague—a city offering a perfect contrast between rich history and vibrant urban life. We arrived in the city center and stayed at the Falkensteiner Hotel Prague—a five-star boutique hotel just steps from the main street and, of course, the Primark.

The hotel features the Monkey Bar—a stylish bar open to both guests and non-guests. Its cocktail menu is an experience in itself—each drink represents a different continent (Asia, America, Africa, and Europe) and combines unique flavors reflecting the culture of each place. It’s the perfect place to start the evening in Prague.

To understand and explore Prague’s key corners, we met Ziv Hornfeld, an Israeli guide who has lived in the city for many years, and he took us on a tour of the Jewish Quarter. This quarter is a rare combination of charm, history, and legend. Among the picturesque alleys, synagogues with breathtaking architecture appear, along with stories of the famous Golem hovering over the Old-New Synagogue, creating a unique atmosphere hard to find elsewhere in the city.

One of Prague’s great advantages is its compactness and walkability. Most major attractions are close to each other. From Wenceslas Square—a central avenue with shops, cafés, and museums—within 10–15 minutes you reach the Old Town Square with its famous astronomical clock. A pleasant 5–10 minute walk then leads to the stunning Charles Bridge. The area is full of picturesque alleys, squares, and historic buildings, making it best enjoyed on foot to soak in the atmosphere.

In the evening, we continued to U Pavouka—a medieval-style restaurant located in an ancient underground cellar. Prague has many such restaurants—spaces converted from historic cellars into authentic dining venues. These places have a special atmosphere: Stone arches, torch and candle lighting, heavy wooden tables, and an old-style menu with meats, soups, and large beer mugs.

To dine there, advance reservations are required, as it’s not just a meal—it’s also a performance. People dressed in medieval style walk among diners, serving and entertaining. The dinner included five traditional courses, and the whole show created a genuine feeling of “going back in time” to medieval Prague. Such restaurants have become tourist attractions in their own right.

On the last day, we visited Fashion Arena Prague—a large outlet a short drive from the city (about 110 Czech crowns by taxi, roughly NIS 16). There’s also a bus from the final metro station, making access easy. The outlet offers several advantages: Proximity to the city, a visitor center providing VIP Day Pass discounts and benefits, and tax refunds for purchases made in the city—allowing shoppers to claim refunds on receipts on-site.

Finally, anyone spending at least €200 at the outlet can go to the visitor center and receive a free taxi back to the hotel or any other address, making the experience convenient and cost-effective. The outlet houses all classic stores—from Nike and Adidas to Mango and Levi’s, and even luxury brands. Prices are very reasonable.

Mariánské Lázně is not just another tourist destination. It’s a place to pause, breathe, and connect with the body in a different way. The combination of nature, history, real treatments, and a relaxed atmosphere makes this town a perfect destination for those seeking more than a typical vacation. Add 24 hours in Prague, and you get a trip that combines the best of both worlds. How to get there: Fly to Prague, then about a two-hour drive to Mariánské Lázně.