Polish Physicians Uncover the Healing Secrets of Czech Spas and the Hidden Sea of Wellness
Homeland spas as an alternative to exotic destinations
Czech spas are gaining recognition as a prime location for relaxation and preventative care. The Institute of Spa and Balneology (ILaB) in Karlovy Vary is diligently researching the impact of various spa treatments, enhancing the region’s standing in Europe. The mix of medical expertise, rich tradition, and unique local spirit gives these spa towns their special charm.
“We want to catch up with the trend when Czechs discovered the Polish sea. Now is the time for Poles to rediscover Czech spas – instead of exoticism, they will find health, peace, and architecture that heals by sight. It’s not just Prague that we’re after; we’re also focusing our efforts on regions where domestic spas offer top-notch facilities,” says František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism.
Back to the roots
In the early 20th century, direct trains from Krakow brought travelers to West Bohemia’s spa towns, with Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně becoming staples in Polish travel history. However, this connection faded over the decades. The upcoming August tour signifies a revival, highlighting both modern medicine and contemporary lifestyles.
“The older generation of Poles have fond memories of Czech spas. We aim to reopen the pathway to our underground sea of health, supported by Polish specialists in areas where our spas excel. This includes internal medicine, urology, gynecology, rheumatology, and neurology,” explains Tomáš Zukal, Director of the Foreign Representation of CzechTourism in Poland.
From wellness weekends to preventive medical wellness stays
The Karlovy Vary Region was the second most popular destination for foreign tourists in 2024, trailing only Prague. Foreign visitors made up 61% of spa guests.
Of the 839,000 Polish tourists who visited Czech mass accommodation last year, around 7,500 chose to go to a spa or wellness center, representing 0.8% of the spa clientele. They stayed for an average of 2.6 nights, often seeking wellness activities close to the border, totaling nearly twenty thousand nights—slightly more than in 2023. Interest from Polish tourists is also on the rise, with visits increasing by about 11% in the first half of this year.
Spa that heals and surprises
Czech spas hold a unique place in Europe, renowned for their healing springs and rich traditions now supported by scientific research at ILaB. For instance, Františkovy Lázně specializes in infertility treatments, with early results indicating success comparable to IVF (in vitro fertilization). Meanwhile, The Jáchymov Spa remains favored by individuals experiencing severe joint pain. The enchanting architecture and serene atmosphere make Czech spas ideal for rejuvenation of both body and mind.
Next step – press trip and test stays
Following a professional trip for doctors, the next stage will occur in October when Polish journalists will visit the West Bohemian spa. Additionally, a program of week-long test stays in medical wellness is planned for patients from the August study tour participants. Packages will likely include half-board, a medical consultation with blood tests, six treatments, and options for further care. This initiative aims to garner valuable feedback and initiate a new wave of recommendations. Polish doctors are optimistic about the potential of preventive medical stays, as around 40% of Poles utilize private healthcare services, with spa visits showing substantial growth.
“We see significant potential in the Polish market. The clientele at West Bohemian spas has become increasingly diverse in recent years. We are eager for the results of our promotional efforts in Poland. If Polish visitors enjoy the test stays, we plan to continue our marketing initiatives and deepen our collaboration with the research at the Institute of Spa and Balneology,” adds Anna Birkovská, Spa & Wellness CzechTourism Product Manager.
Czech Spa attracts with accessibility and price
The West Bohemian spa region is conveniently reachable from Poland via car and train. A direct train service from Prague links to Marianske Lazne, and road travel is smooth, with new motorways D6, D11, and D35 set to cut journey times by 20 to 30 minutes in the coming years.
Czech spas also boast several advantages: quality accommodations, professional oversight, and lower costs compared to many other European destinations. Weekly stays are particularly appealing to guests aged 45 to 65, while younger generations view them as a proactive approach to health.
The domestic spa industry is embarking on a new chapter of Czech-Polish cooperation. This blend of health, history, and an international ambiance aims to make Czech spas an attractive destination for Polish visitors in the years to come.
