Uncover the A-Z of Our Spa Springs: Sizzling Delights and Unique Treasures

While you might effortlessly rattle off names like Czech, Moravian and Silesian spas, are you equally knowledgeable about natural healing springs? Probably not, right? That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most well-known ones into a spa alphabet, which might inspire you to plan some interesting trips, often linked with tastings.

Starting with Alois and Ambrose’s springs

Aloiska, one of the oldest springs in Luhačovice, emerges in the park above the White Quarter, nestled at the base of Velké Kamenná. This spring had been recognized even before 1770, but it wasn’t utilized for drinking treatments until the 1820s. It was originally known as Forest Spring, Spring in the Mountain, or Luisa’s Spring. It has retained its current name since 1830 when Count Jan Serényi decided to name all the known waters after members of his family; Aloiska honored Countess Aloysia Serényi (1791-1862). The spring is open to the public and is utilized for treating digestive conditions.

In Mariánské Lázně, you can enjoy Ambrose Springs, which is rich in iron and beneficial for treating phosphate kidney stones. These springs, among the tastiest in Mariánské Lázně, have the ability to invigorate blood circulation throughout the body, earning them the title Springs of love. The renowned writer and poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832), who regularly drank the Ambrose springs during his spa visits, allegedly confirmed their beneficial properties. They can be found in the park situated between the Central Spa and the Nové Lázně Hotel.

B for Runner

Jáchymov Spa, established in 1906, is celebrated as the world’s first radon spa. Its exceptional mineral water, containing a very high concentration of radon, is known for treating musculoskeletal disorders. This water is sourced from 500 meters underground in the Svornost mine, founded in 1518, which is considered possibly the oldest operational uranium mine in the world today. Four springs provide the water, which is channeled from the mine to various balneotherapy facilities. The primary source is Běhounek spring, named after the physicist František Běhounek (1898-1973); the other sources include Curie, C1, and Agricola.

C is for Imperial Spring

The Emperor’s Spring combines excellent taste and picturesque surroundings. Located in the Soos National Nature Reserve, it is the hottest mineral spring throughout the Cheb region, with a temperature ranging from 14-18°C. Although it may appeal to you, caution is advisable: its strong laxative properties mean that prolonged use is not recommended. However, Císařský Spring is a great choice for a refreshing stroll through the quaint Czech town of Yelowston.

No as a Chipper

In the Kosího potok valley, near Michalské Hory, lies the notable natural landmark Čiperka, recognized as one of the most famous acidic springs in the Slavkov Forest. Here, you can fill a bottle with the carbonated mineral water or use a provided porcelain cup. This mineral water freely flows into rust-colored pools, creating a captivating scene filled with gurgling and bubbling. The chiper is accessible to everyone and serves as a delightful spot for a leisurely nature walk.

D for Diamond Spring

Welcome to the realm of springs at Studniční vrch, located above the Priessnitz spa in Jeseník. On the journey known as The Living Waters Nature Trail, you will encounter a whole series of springs; many more exist with only faint paths leading to them, such as the Diamond Spring. There are numerous springs dotting the hillside of Studniční vrch, where you can create an almost complete alphabet from their names. Just to name a few: Adéla, Bezručův, Concordia springs, the already mentioned Diamond and Dear, Finnish source, Flora, Morning, Evening, and many more.

E for Elishka and Eugenie

In Poděbrady, you can find the Eliška spring, while in Klášterec nad Ohří, the Evženka mineral spring awaits your visit. Discovered around 1881, this natural offering wasn’t truly appreciated until a few years later when sugar farmer František Fieber became its new owner. He named the spring after his wife, Evženia, and had the water supply professionally managed. The tradition of what is now Spa Evženie started in 1898 when Evženka got official recognition as a healing spring.

F for Ferdinand’s Spring

Ferdinand’s Spring is the oldest documented mineral spring in Mariánské Lázně. Known as Ferdinand I spring, it is often used for drinking cures, particularly effective for digestive and metabolic issues. The water is salty and not particularly pleasant in flavor, thus it is only recommended for drinking under a doctor’s guidance. You can find the colonnade housing the spring in the town district of Úšovice.

G for Glauber

Known since the 17th century, Glauber’s salt, named after its discoverer J. R. Glauber, has been recognized as a natural remedy for thorough cleansing and detoxifying the body. The oldest used spring in Franzensbad is František, which was once distributed and sold in clay bottles across the empire. However, it has been overshadowed by the Glauber IV spring, which boasts the highest concentration of Glauber salt globally. Its water also comes from Glauber III spring and Church Spring, all displayed in the Hall of Glauber Springs within the Spa Park. Beyond these, there are more springs with the same name: Glauber I, known for its pleasant taste, flows from a pavilion near Swan Pond, while Glauber II is hidden away in a forest pavilion in the spa forest park.

H is for Snake Spring

The latest accessible mineral spring in Carlsbad is known as Snake Spring. It can be found in the Sadová kolonáda, and its spring, shaped like a snake, is topped with a snake-handled vase, standing on a column. The name originates from the snails believed to have previously inhabited that area, as spa visitors regard its water as one of the finest and tastiest choices available.

And as Ida

The mineral Ida water is linked to March and Beloves Spa. In 1840, it was reported that the Běloves acid cured Princess Ida of the Schaumburg-Lippe family, leading to the mineral water being named after her. Although its source in Small spa Beloves was restored in 2024, its history extends back much further; its healing properties were known in the Middle Ages, with the earliest mention dating back to 1392. Legend has it that “several bottles of acid from Bílovec” were sent to the camp of Albrecht von Wallenstein himself. This acid, recognized for having the highest carbon dioxide content in the Czech Republic, aids those suffering from heart and blood vessel diseases, high blood pressure, allergies, and orthopedic issues. The spring is housed in the form of chapels, and the city is planning a new exhibition about the history of the local spa industry.

J for Jan and Julinka

The alkaline-sulphuric waters in the Skalka spa near Prostějov have a distinctive chemical composition: the mineral sylvin found in the water can’t be sourced from any other Czech spa, only in Italy and Austria. This area has several springs: Jan spring is known for its treatment of high blood pressure and bronchial inflammation, while Julinka has diuretic effects and is beneficial for kidney inflammation and the formation of urinary sand and stones.

K is for Cross and Caroline’s Spring

Located right in the heart of Mariánské Lázně, just a short stroll from the Main Colonnade and the Singing Fountain, you will find the pavilion housing the Cross Spring. You might not find its taste enjoyable, but its benefits in treating digestive diseases, constipation, and issues related to gallbladder, liver, and pancreas conditions are significant.

If the Cross Spring is too intense for you, consider trying Caroline’s spring, which contains higher magnesium levels and is recommended for easing muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. You can find Karoline’s spring along with Rudolf’s spring in the so-called Small Colonnade beneath the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

L for Forest Spring

When the seventy-two-year-old Goethe fell for the seventeen-year-old Ulrika von Levetzow in Marienbad, it’s said that they enjoyed walks near the Forest Spring, a delightful park located behind the theatre. The mineral water is high in bicarbonate and sodium, offering mucolytic benefits — it loosens mucus from the respiratory tract to ease coughing. However, individuals with high blood pressure or heart conditions should limit their intake; for them, and possibly for children, inhalation is advised. Its slightly salty water has a faint sulfur scent, detectable only after consumption, and is also beneficial for patients dealing with stomach acidity issues.

M for Maximilian’s Spring

The source of the present-day Karlova Studánka Spa is chiefly regarded as Maximilian’s Spring. Many centuries ago, it was reportedly utilized by lumberjacks and miners, previously labeled Bruntálská kyselka, before finally being named after Archduke Maximilian II Francis, the son of Maria Theresa and the estate owners.

N for New Jubilee and New Genoa

Spa springs don’t last forever. Some may disappear while others resurface, such as the New Jubilee Spring at the Luhačovice Spa, which was drilled in 1988 for bathing and inhalation purposes. You can sample its waters right in the spa square, close to Jurkovič’s house. Just a year older, Nová Janovka spring provides water to the balneotherapy operation in Miramonti Children’s Hospital, and is used for drinking cures, inhalations, and carbonated baths.

About as Ottovka

The Ottovka healing spring ranks as the third most renowned spring of the Luhačovice spa. Originally flowing from a ravine at the base of the Malé Kamenná, it was only captured for use in the early 20th century. Near the spring, you will now find a circular pavilion and a small fountain where mineral water flows continuously throughout the year.

P for Peter, Poděbradka and Pravřídlo

The most famous mineral water from P is undoubtedly Poděbradka mineral water. This mineral water, also favored by athletes like Emil Zátopek, marked its 120th anniversary since its discovery in 2025. The first borehole at Poděbrady Castle sprang forth on August 1, 1905, leading to the establishment of Spa Poděbrady shortly thereafter.
Poděbradka holds a significant title – in the 1950s, it became the first mineral water in the world to offer flavored variants. Presently, it is part of the Mattoni 1873 brand and is produced between Poděbrady and Nymburk. The water originates from the Giant Mountains, extracted from a depth of 140 meters, and is safeguarded by five impermeable geological layers. Its quality, rich tradition, and modern production approach position Poděbradka as a cornerstone of the Czech spa industry and a centerpiece of daily hydration habits.
Strolling through Karlova Studánka Spa, you’ll discover a quaint Drinking Pavilion right on the main street, a charming wooden structure dating back to 1864. This pavilion was constructed after the discovery of William’s Spring. The original name, Wilhelmsquelle, sometimes appears, but nowadays, the pavilion is fed by Petr borehole, which was drilled in the 1960s.
From letter P, there’s also Right Wing, which you can explore on a walk through the Teplice Spa. The ceramic relief of a pig’s head at Right Wing, the oldest of the local springs, illustrates a legend with several variations: according to one, a piglet once wandered here and was discovered by shepherds, lying in the hot spring; according to another, it rolled around in the hot mud close to the spring and healed its injured hoof. Regardless of the true story, Teplice has solidified its reputation as the oldest Czech spa. In 2022, the town celebrated 1260 years since its first recorded mention, while Teplice Spa experienced its 868th spa season.

R for Rudolph’s Spring

One of the notable springs in Mariánské Lázně is Rudolph’s Spring, which holds a high amount of calcium and magnesium. You can find it at the Cross Spring Pavilion located in the Main Colonnade, along with Karolina’s Spring present at the Small Colonnade. Rudolf’s spring is used both for drinking cures and mineral baths.

S is for Smradoch and Smradoch

Reports about today’s Konstantinovy Lázně speak of a sulphurous spring, commonly referred to as Smraďoch due to its high hydrogen sulphide level. Today, it has been replaced by Prusíkův pramen, a cold spring of mineral carbonic water, recognized for possessing the highest quantity of free carbon dioxide in the Czech Republic. Named after Prague professor and cardiologist Bohumil Prusik (1886-1964), who was a major advocate for Konstantinovy Lázně.

While the local Stinky spring has vanished, a unique peat bog still exists near Mariánské Lázně, located only a few hundred meters from the road connecting Mariánské Lázně and Prameny, just behind the former excursion site Nimrod.

Š for Stephanie

The acidic spring Stephanie, named after an Austrian archduchess, can be sampled in Karlovy Vary at Alois Klein’s gazebo, located in the park in front of the Parkhotel Richmond. It was first captured in 1884 but vanished a few decades later. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to restore it, a new borehole was successfully drilled in 1993, leading to the construction of a new octagonal wooden gazebo in 1997 over the rejuvenated spring.

T for Market Source

At the Market Colonnade in Karlovy Vary, several springs await your taste: Charles IV Spring, formerly labeled as the Eater (more on this later), Lower Castle Spring, and lastly, Market Source. Since its unveiling in 1838, the spring has frequently been lost and rediscovered, with a series of deep boreholes finally securing it permanently. Today, it flows at the Market Colonnade, a popular venue for concerts due to its excellent acoustics.

U as a spring At the Hauswald Chapel

Legends surrounding the miraculous water, renowned for healing many individuals, has made the Hauswald Chapel popular, often called the Little Lourdes. Located above the Vchynicko-Tetovo Navigation Canal near Srní, only the stone foundations of the chapel remain today, but the memorial site has been restored. Healing water pours from the well through hand-carved wooden troughs positioned on 59 stones symbolizing beads in a rosary. At the end, the water flows onto a glass block featuring palm prints, the creation of glass artist Vladimíra Tesařová.

V is for Boiling Water and Vincent

Springs are the most treasured resources of the spa town Karlovy Vary, yet the exact number remains uncertain. Geologists have identified eighty-one springs, while the spa lists only sixteen, and some of these remain inaccessible or unused. Additionally, we cannot overlook Becherovka, often dubbed the thirteenth healing spring. A visit to Karlovy Vary must include seeing the most famous spring, the Vřídlo. At a temperature of 72 °C, it is the hottest mineral spring in the country, discharging about 2,000 liters of water each minute from a depth of less than 100 meters. Interestingly, this accounts for 95% of all the mineral water that wells up within the spa, making Vřídlo the primary source of thermal water for the spa facilities and the carbon dioxide used in baths. In the underground section of the Hot Spring Colonnade, one can also find where Carlsbad’s souvenirs “grow.”

The most renowned healing spring at the Luhačovice spa is called Vincentka. It emerges on the spa square, with its hall forming part of the spa colonnade. Just like the other springs — Aloiska and Ottovka — Vincentka is named after Count Vincent Serényi, who helped elevate the spa’s popularity. The well-liked mineral water, intended for drinking treatments and therapeutic inhalations, is available both cold and warm within the hall, and visits to the Luhačovice bottling plant can also be arranged at the Information Centre.

From as Castle Springs

We’ve already discussed the Lower Castle Spring found in the Market Colonnade of Karlovy Vary, but we cannot forget the The Upper Castle Spring. Emerging in 1769 from the hillside near the Castle Tower, it has an intriguing history: during the notably cold winter of 1784, when all the water in the town froze, the Castle Spring provided water for public fountains. At that time, the Carlsbad physician David Becher tested it and discovered that its composition matched that of the famous spring. However, this spring has now been closed for technical reasons.

Ž as a Reaper

Among the Carlsbad sources, you’ll discover Source: Charles IV, previously known as the Eater. Legend has it that the Emperor used to soak his sore feet in this spring; it once fed a small lake in a deep forest but today emerges in the Market Colonnade, located just a short distance from Vřídelní. What sets it apart among Carlsbad’s colonnades is its large wooden construction, which dates back to 1882-1883 and was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer.