#Discover the Czech Republic’s Enchanting Spas: The UNESCO-Listed West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The design of spa towns is also noteworthy; they feature colonnades and promenades, beautiful villas, expansive parks, and numerous mineral springs. Fascinating stories about notable individuals, the dawn of modern travel, and distinctive architecture link together eleven remarkable locations throughout Europe – from the Czech spa triangle, which includes the spa towns Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, to the German towns Baden-Baden, Bad Ems, and Bad Kissingen, the Belgian town Spa, the French town Vichy, the Italian Montecatini Terme, the Austrian town of Baden bei Wien, and finally, the English city of Bath.
The Czech Spa Triangle
The most prominent spa town in the Czech Republic features natural thermal springs and is nestled in the deep valley of the Teplá River, surrounded by rocky terrain and wooded hills: this is Karlovy Vary. According to legend, it was established as early as the 14th century by King and Emperor Charles IV., although the picturesque spa town mainly flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Historicist and Art Nouveau styles. Today, Karlovy Vary is a vibrant, sophisticated city with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere; it is the only location where one can observe the thermal mineral water geyser named Vřídlo, which shoots up to a height of 12 meters.
Similarly, Mariánské Lázně has been a popular spot for European royalty, aristocrats, influential politicians, and renowned authors, composers, and scientists. This town boasts stunning parks and exemplifies what a spa town should be: its architecture has remained untouched by modern renovations, allowing visitors to feel like they are stepping back into the Classicist era of the early 19th century. The focal point of spa life is the Neo-Baroque Art Nouveau cast-iron colonnade, beautifully decorated with various designs, which houses several springs. In front of it lies a musical fountain that features spectacular lighting to accompany the music every evening.
The trio of Czech spas is completed by Františkovy Lázně, which was founded in 1793 in tribute to future Austrian Emperor Francis I. This well-planned town has a grid layout and showcases many Classicist and Empire-style buildings; be sure to touch the statue of the little boy holding a fish for good luck and enjoy a trip to the Aquaforum water park.
A ticket to UNESCO
What is the backstory of the Famous Spas of Europe project? In 2006, the Karlovy Vary Region commissioned an expert evaluation of the historic spas and submitted this to the Ministry of Culture, along with a request for inclusion on the UNESCO Tentative List. In 2010, the National Heritage Institute conducted a comparative assessment of world spa heritage. Since sites from different countries have a higher likelihood of being added to the UNESCO list when nominated collectively, additional significant European spa towns were noted to join the West Bohemian spa triangle. In subsequent years, expert analyses and nomination documentation were drafted and sent to the World Heritage Centre in Paris in January 2019. The decision on inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List was anticipated around June or July 2020, but the global COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. As a result, the final decision has been postponed by a year.
An icon of French spa culture: Vichy
The most renowned and prestigious French spa is Vichy. This spa town has served as a reference point for others within both France and its colonies; it earned the title of Queen of Spas and became the first medically prescribed spa in Europe in 1861. Emperor Napoleon II, who struggled with rheumatism, even designated the local springs as a site of public significance. The bottled water from the area, known as ‘reine des villes d’eaux’, laid the foundation for the creation of branded cosmetics and holistic skincare products in the Vichy laboratories.
Great Britain and Roman luxury in the spa town of Bath
The city of Bath in southwest England is one of the top ten most visited places in the nation. Known from historical literature as a prime location for social interactions, flirting, and arranging business deals and marriages, it is particularly famous for being built around natural hot springs. The baths trace their origins back to Roman times, and later elegant residences with uniform façades, reminiscent of grand palaces, were constructed using local golden-colored stone.
The Belgian spa town of Spa
The Belgian town of Spa gained such widespread fame in the 18th century that its name became synonymous with relaxation and leisure. This reputation is partly credited to Emperor Peter the Great, who, after experiencing spa treatments here in 1717, turned Spa into a fashionable gathering spot for European aristocrats. Notable figures such as Emperor Joseph II, Casanova, and author Victor Hugo all came here for relaxation, while mystery novel fans will recognize Spa as the home of Detective Hercule Poirot.
Italy and Montecatini Terme
In Tuscany lies the most famous Italian spa, Montecatini Terme. It was established by Archduke Leopold I of Tuscany in the late 18th century when he began utilizing the local sulphur-rich springs. This marked the beginning of the town’s emergence as a new spa destination. Montecatini Terme experienced its golden age in the early 20th century; most of its spa hotels and villas, as well as the casino, theater, churches, and private homes, were built during this time. The elegant colonnades throughout the town have earned Montecatini Terme the nickname of the ‘Italian Karlovy Vary’.
Germany: Baden-Baden, Bad Ems and Bad Kissingen
Just like in the Czech Republic, three German spa towns are seeking UNESCO inscription; however, they cannot form a triangle like Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary, and Františkovy Lázně because they are spaced two to three hundred kilometers apart. The well-known spa town of Baden-Baden has earned the nickname the little German Monaco and is a popular destination for both locals and international visitors. This town is home to luxurious hotels, the largest casino in Europe, and a prestigious horse racecourse. Its excellent reputation was established by renowned composers such as Hector Berlioz, Jacques Offenbach, Johannes Brahms, and Clara Schumann. The delightful spa town of Bad Kissingen, located on the Fränkische Saale river in northern Bavaria, has also attracted many famous guests. The healing qualities of its mineral springs have been enjoyed by Bavarian kings Ludwig I and Ludwig II, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and his spouse Empress Sissi, as well as the Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Interestingly, a stay at the spa nearly cost him his life due to an assassination attempt. The final German spa town, Bad Ems, located on the River Lahn, was discovered during Roman times. The grand spa buildings and villas are complemented by architectural sites such as Balmoral Castle, Villa Monrepos, and the Malbergbahn, a cable car that has served as a leisure facility since the late 19th century.
The Austrian spa town of Baden bei Wien
The charming town of Baden bei Wien has long been a getaway for emperors, kings, and high society. Ludwig van Beethoven spent numerous years here, composing many of his works, including Symphony No. 9, while at the Attems Palace (today known as Café Central). This is also where Clemens Lothar Wenzel, Prince Metternich, mapped out the Congress of Vienna in collaboration with Emperor Francis I. Visitors are often enchanted by the fragrant roses in the local rose garden, which contains one of the largest collections of roses in Europe. The spa is also popular among wine enthusiasts, offering delightful gourmet experiences with local wines unique to the Thermenregion, such as Rotgipfler and Zierfandler, as well as traditional fare at the local Heurige wine taverns.
