Have you ever heard of the spa town of Mariánské Lázně? I hadn’t either – until a recent girls’ trip to Prague gave us the perfect reason to slow down and explore somewhere new. After a couple of packed days ticking off the must-sees like Charles Bridge, the castle and every cute café in sight, we were ready for a change of pace. Read my full guide to 11 top things to do in Prague.
So, we packed our bags and hopped on a train to Mariánské Lázně – the town you’ve probably never heard of, but definitely should. In just 24 hours, we were fully reset. Picture grand colonnades, healing mineral springs, peaceful forest trails and a relaxing hotel spa.
Springs, Serenity, and Heritage
Mariánské Lázně feels like stepping into another time – and in many ways, it is. Back in the 19th century, this was the place to visit for a cure. And not just for locals. Big names like Goethe, Chopin, Kafka, and Freud all came here to experience the waters. Even King Edward VII was a regular. He loved it so much, he had his own private cabin built just for his mineral baths, and it’s still there today as part of the town’s spa history.
The vibe here is definitely old-school but not in a flashy way. It’s peaceful, elegant and quiet. The first thing we noticed was the calm. It’s the kind of quiet that takes some getting used to.
First Impressions: Are We Too Young for This?
I’ll be honest – when we first arrived, we felt a bit out of place. Mariánské Lázně is known as a healing retreat and a lot of the visitors are older. At first, it felt like we’d wandered into the wrong brochure. But that feeling quickly disappeared.
There’s something refreshing about being in a place that doesn’t try to entertain you or keep you constantly busy. No noise, no pressure to do anything extravagant. Just space to relax, rest and properly take care of yourself. By the end of our trip, we were totally converted.
Where We Stayed: Hvězda Hotel
We stayed at Hvězda, one of the Ensana spa hotels in town. It’s a classic hotel right in the centre, and it has everything you’d expect – plus a few nice extras. The rooms are spacious, the staff is great, and the spa facilities are top-notch.
What really stood out, though, was the underground corridor system. You can walk in your robe through connected passageways to other Ensana hotels like Nové Lázně and Centrální Lázně, giving you access to even more pools, treatments and wellness areas. It’s like an underground spa village – no need to go outside.
Spa Highlights: What to Try
The Mineral Bath
This was one of the top things we wanted to try – a traditional mineral bath in naturally carbonated spring water. Imagine sitting in a giant glass of sparkling water, where the bubbles gently fizz against your skin. The high CO₂ levels in the water help improve circulation and lower blood pressure, making it a great choice for relaxation. We spent about 20 minutes in individual tubs, surrounded by silence and soft lighting. The sensation was subtle but deeply calming – like a full-body recharge. When we stepped out, we felt completely reset – calm, refreshed, and ready for a nap!
Roman Baths
If there’s one thing that captures the essence of Mariánské Lázně’s spa culture, it’s the Roman Baths. As soon as you walk in, you’re met with towering columns and beautiful arches. There are two pools and the area is surrounded by marble and soft lighting. The water is warm and you can easily spend hours just floating away your stresses of every day life. It can get busy during the day so we’re lucky we had booked an 8pm time slot, as we practically had the space to ourselves. This was one of my favourite experiences.
Spa Zone
The spa area has everything you need to unwind and rejuvenate. The pool is surrounded by loungers, some equipped with red light therapy panels. These panels help with muscle tension and cell recovery, offering a soothing warmth that completely relaxes you. Lying back in the pool, it felt less like a typical spa and more like a peaceful haven designed for ultimate relaxation.
The large whirlpool Jacuzzi melted away any remaining tension, while the dry saunas and steam rooms detoxed and softened our skin. Then there’s the ice bucket challenge corner – a shock at first, but incredibly energising! Alternating between heat, steam and cold rinses left us feeling both relaxed and recharged.
Stepping Bath
The Stepping Bath is a more active treatment where you alternate between two footbaths with contrasting temperatures. First, you step into a hot water footbath (40-42°C) for 1-2 minutes, then move to a cold water footbath (10-16°C) for 15-30 seconds. This cycle is repeated 6-10 times, always finishing in the cold footbath. It’s designed to improve circulation, relieve headaches and migraines, and aid in the treatment of early-stage varicose veins. Additionally, it helps strengthen ankle ligaments and leg joints and serves as a great rehabilitation therapy for foot and lower limb injuries.
A Little Surprise (Or Shock!)
Now, I’m not exactly a prude – I like to think of myself as pretty open-minded, but this was something else. So, there’s a sauna in Mariánské Lázně where everyone is completely nude. Somehow, I wandered into it by mistake, thinking it was just a regular sauna. And let me tell you, it was a shock. The moment I walked in, I felt like the spotlight was on me. Suddenly, I realised I was the only one dressed. There I stood, fully clothed and awkwardly staring at the walls, trying not to make eye contact. Let’s just say I got a few curious stares – a mix of surprise, mild amusement, and I’m sure, a bit of judgment. It didn’t take long for me to make a hasty exit, silently swearing to never underestimate sauna etiquette again. Note to self: always check for signs!
Around the Town
Mariánské Lázně isn’t about ticking off attractions – it’s about slowing down. The town centre is small and charming, with a stream running through it and paths lined with benches and flowerbeds. The main attraction is the Maxim Gorky Colonnade, where you can sip water from different springs (yes, it tastes weird – mineral-rich and slightly salty – but that’s part of the experience). The Singing Fountain plays classical music every hour, and it’s all very calming.
Just outside the centre is the Slavkovský Forest, which wraps around the town and offers quiet trails if you feel like a walk. You don’t need hiking gear – a simple wander is enough to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. It’s especially beautiful in autumn with the changing leaves.
Getting There from Prague
Mariánské Lázně is about 2–2.5 hours from Prague. You’ve got a couple of options:
By Train – Direct trains or ones with a quick change at Plzeň. Tickets cost around 250–400 CZK (about £8–£14). The journey is comfortable and scenic, and the station is a short walk from the town centre.
By Car – A straight drive west on good roads, taking about 2 hours. Most hotels offer parking.
A Perfect Reset
Would we recommend Mariánské Lázně for a quick spa break? Absolutely – especially if you’re looking for some headspace. It might not have the trendy buzz of other European wellness spots, but that’s exactly why it’s so great. This is a place to switch off properly – and that’s a rare thing these days.
We only stayed one night, but the effects lingered longer. Less screen time, more stillness and a real chance to look after ourselves without distractions. If that sounds like your kind of getaway, Mariánské Lázně is 100% worth the detour. If you’re pairing it with time in the city, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Prague.
