The West Bohemia region is well-known for its elegant spa towns with a distinct atmosphere. Frantiskovy Lazne, or Franzensbad in German, is one of them. If you are ready for a true Czech spa experience, head to Frantiskovy Lazne!
➜ Where is Frantiskovy Lazne and why to visit it
Frantiskovy Lazne is located in the western part of the Czech Republic, near the border with Germany. In the second part of the 19th century, this little town gained prominence as a spa destination frequented by notable figures of the day.
It is now a tranquil location where spa visitors still travel for effective treatment using natural resources. The town is ideal for a weekend getaway or wellness weekend, as well as a day trip to absorb the ambiance of the town's historic beauty.
Frantiskovy Lazne is part of the so-called Czech spa triangle, which includes other nearby towns like Marianske Lazne and Karlovy Vary. All three of these towns were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as part of the Great Spa Towns in Europe program!
➜ Things to see and do
I have been to Frantiskovy Lazne three times. The first time I spent a full month of spa comprehensive treatment after an appendectomy in my twenties. Then I stopped here twice for a walk around town, each time spending a day enjoying the local ambience.
The spa boasts a mild climate typical of the foothill area, exceptionally clean air, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of town life.
If you decide to include Frantiskovy Lazne in your itinerary, I have some tips on what to see and what spots to visit in the town.
➜ Spa promenade with New Colonnade
The promenade is the beating heart of any spa town. This is no different in Frantiskovy Lazne, where in the middle of the old town, you will find the so-called New Colonnade with its distinctive columns.
A café, well-kept flowerbeds, and attractive surroundings all urge you to enjoy a good cup of coffee. In the local shop, you may get the famous spa waffles, a must-have souvenir from every Czech spa town.
Part of the promenade is a building of carbon dioxide baths with a natural gas spring Marie.
➜ Statue of little Frantisek
If you are looking for the most iconic spot in Frantiskovy Lazne, go to the statue of little Frantisek, a boy holding a fish, a symbol of fertility.
You will find little Frantisek in a small park next to the pavilion with Frantisek's spring right in the town center. The statue is partially covered by a well-kept hedge, so be careful not to miss it.
MY TIP: Make sure you take a picture of the statue; it is one of the most photographed places in the city. Touch Frantisek's thumb when taking pictures; it is said to bring good luck.
➜ Mineral Springs
In Frantiskovy Lazne, local natural healing resources are for their salutary effects widely used to cure diseases and ailments. These mainly include the mineral springs located throughout the town.
The abundant mineral springs are often covered with charming pavilions and colonnades and are freely accessible to spa visitors. Do not hesitate to taste the mineral water. I personally like the Meadow Spring (Lucni pramen) the best, which is not too salty, nor does it have too much of an iron taste.
➜ Glauber Springs Hall
During the search for healing sources, mineral-rich springs like Kostelni, Glauber III, and Glauber IV, with a high content of Glauber's salt, were discovered in Frantiskovy Lazne. In order to improve the drinking experience, a building in the neoclassical style, the so-called Hall of Glauber Springs, was built above the springs in 1930.
The structure is located just behind the New Colonnade and is one of the most visited places in the city.
➜ Frantisek Spring
Frantisek is the most famous and the oldest spring in this charming Bohemian spa town. Housed in a Classicist pavilion, the Frantisek Spring is located in the heart of the city, you could hardly miss it.
By the end of the 18th century, the spring had earned the reputation of being Europe's most healing mineral spring! Doctors now recommend it as a drink for general physical weakness, convalescence, and mild digestive issues.
➜ City fountain
The National Avenue connects the New Colonnade to the city fountain, from which there is a lovely view of the old town.
Above the fountain begins the Municipal Gardens with a musical pavilion, where numerous cultural performances are held during the season, making time spent in the spa more enjoyable for both locals and visitors.
➜ Aquaforum with spa hotel Pawlik
Love water adventures? Visit Aquaforum, the largest water park in West Bohemia. Aquaforum offers a variety of water attractions for kids and adults, including an outdoor pool, as well as whirlpools, and a sauna world.
The Aquaforum is connected by a corridor to the adjacent Pawlik Spa Hotel. If you are looking for comfortable accommodation with good cuisine, Hotel Pawlik is a great choice!
➜ Colonnade of the Salt and Meadow Spring
The architectural jewel of Frantiskovy Lazne, the Salt and Meadow Spring Colonnade, built in 1843-1844 in the Classicist style, is located in the spa park.
Designed in vibrant green and yellow, the colonnade is one of the city's most recognizable buildings. In the southern wing of the colonnade, you will find the Meadov Luční spring, and in the northern wing, the Salt Solný spring. The springs are accessible in season from 7 am to 6 pm.
➜ Salingburg
A pleasant walk from the city center takes you to the Salingburg lookout tower. The pseudo-Gothic building from 1906 is a replica of a medieval castle with a round tower and battlements. Rather than a classic lookout tower, it is just a miniature of one, but it is still a nice place for spa guests to visit.
➜ Where to stay in Frantiskovy Lazne
If you want to experience the atmosphere of true spa life in Frantiskovy Lazne, choose to stay in one of the renowned spa hotels. Many of these hotels have their own spa facilities where you can book spa treatments such as massages, mineral baths, or mud wraps.
The most popular hotels with the best ratings are these:
- Spa Hotel Imperial ****
- Hotel Bajkal ****
- Spa Hotel Pawlik ****
For those on a budget, I would like to recommend Pension Tree, where I spent two nights to my full satisfaction. The owners are great and offer a delicious breakfast!
➜ Best cafés
In a Czech spa, there is always chill time for coffee and dessert. Here are my picks for the top cafes in Frantiskovy Lazne:
- CoffeeCup Kavarna
- Gelateria & Caffetteria Beethoven
- Café Illusion History
More Czech cities near Frantiskovy Lazne
- Karlovy Vary
- Marianske Lazne
- Cheb
- Medieval Loket Castle
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