Discover the Revitalized River and Sun Baths in Luhačovice Spa
The Luhačovice Spa boasts a rich history that spans over a century. As you stroll through the spa, you can admire stunning architectural works, especially those designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, along with buildings showcasing styles like Art Nouveau, Early Modernism, and Functionalism. The surviving structures reflect the evolution of treatments at the Luhačovice spa, which have included everything from drinking cures to treatments for digestion, inhalation therapies for upper respiratory issues, as well as mineral baths and hydrotherapy.
One significant example of Jurkovič’s work is the Water Treatment Institute. In 1902, an 18th-century mill was repurposed for this facility. The hydrotherapy services provided in that building lasted around 100 years. In 2023, the building underwent renovations, and it now features an exhibition focused on the healing properties of natural resources, the music of Leoš Janáček, and the architecture of Dušan Jurkovič.
Besides the Water Treatment Institute, Dušan Jurkovič designed the River and Sun Baths in 1903, which have since become a favorite spot for relaxation, socializing, and entertainment among spa visitors. These baths were supplied with water from the Juice River, and the pool hosted swimming competitions, various sports events, ping-pong, and gymnastics activities. By 1910, the pools were expanded and separated to allow men and women to swim at the same time. The charming changing rooms from that time have also been preserved. A section of the Sun Baths was allocated for resting and sunbathing.
Nowadays, you can easily imagine the vibrant sports and social activities that once took place at the spa, but since 1995, swimming has been discontinued here because the pool’s water supply does not meet current hygiene standards. Now, the pools feature an ornamental biotope instead.
While exploring the spa complex, you will encounter two additional structures that are architecturally connected to Jurkovič’s works. The first is the former spa laundry with boiler room from 1909, built by Josef Schaniak, which now serves as an access point to the museum exhibition. The second is the impressive Peat and Sulphur Baths designed by architect Jan Koci in 1909. Today, this building functions as a greenhouse for tropical plants during the winter and facilitates cultural and social events in the summer.
The successful renovation of the site and the accompanying museum exhibition has received notable recognition, winning the prestigious Gloria musaealis 2024 award for Museum Achievement of the Year, the title of Building of the Year of the Zlín Region 2024, and the top prize Spa Inspiration 2025 was awarded to Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. for their Slunečné spa renovation project.
Visitors can freely explore the grounds and exhibitions from Tuesday to Sunday, and guided tours are available on weekends at 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30. Admission prices are set at 150 CZK for individual tours and 190 CZK for guided ones.
