Frantiskovy Lazne

Františkovy Lázně is the smallest spa of the West Bohemian spa triangle, near the town of Cheb with about 5,200 inhabitants.

The distance between Prague and Frantiskovy Lazne is approximately 200 km. Founded in 1793, this small spa town has preserved its early 20th-century atmosphere and is regarded as one of the most picturesque spas in the country thanks to its neo-classical spa buildings and pavilions.

The spa has a gentle climate typical of foothill country, incredibly clean air and a tranquil ambience without the hustle and bustle of town life.

The surrounding parkland is ideal for walks to the sound of promenade music. The 250 hectares of parks and wooded areas represent an exquisite environment for various types of physical activities. A mild climate, surrounding forests and well-kept parks and orchards all contribute to the healing effects of the famous local acidulous water, and make visting the spas and the town all the more pleasant. Frantiskovy Lazne is a garden town where green plants and parks are as important as architecture. In 1992 the historical centre of Frantiskovy Lazne was declared an urban conservation area. Its charm stems from the unified classical architecture of the spa houses and pavilions.

The centre of the town is Namesti miru (Peace Square) dominated by Frantiskuv pramen (Frantisek spring). The Frantisk spring, known in the Middle Ages as the Cheb Waters, has been bringing relief to the sick of the local area since at least the 15th century,

as documented by one old preserved document. Nearby is the statue of the boy with the fish whom everyone has always called Frantisek. Of the buildings one should note the oldest preserved pension in the town The House at the Three Lilies (Dum u tri lilii), the Gas bath (Plynove lazne), the colonnades of the Salt (Solny) and Lucni (Meadow) springs, Spa III, the New Colonnade, Glauber Court ( Glauber Spring Complex - f.e. Glauber IV – spring with the highest Glauber salt in the world ) At the moment, there is another well-designed ongoing development, the “Aquaforum”, a palace of water attractions owned by Lázně Františkovy Lázně plc, very sensitively placed in reference to the local surroundings.

The salutary effects of the springs were known from the 15th century. In the year 1793, the town of Františkovy Lázně was officially founded under the name Kaiser Franzensdorf (Emperor Francis II.'s village) and later renamed to Franzensbad, under which name it became a famous spa. Out of the 24 mineral springs twelve are still used for therapeutic purposes.

The springs supply waters that contain bicarbonate, iron, sulfur, sodium sulfate and other minerals. Františkovy Lázně also was the world's first mud bath spa. Local alkaline springs, sulphur and iron rich mud and natural gas are all used to treat patients with cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal complaints, gynaecological problems and infertility, as well as patients who have recently suffered heart attacks.

More informations: http://www.franzensbad.cz/eng/index.php