Marienbad

Mariánské Lázně is the second-biggest town in the triangle of the West Bohemian spas, which is very rich in mineral springs.

Mariánské Lázně is a two-hour drive (or three-hour bus ride) from Prague, and makes an ideal weekend getaway. The city can also be reached by bus and train, and although the station is 3km from the centre, the number 5 trolley into town regularly picks pedestrians up from the bus and train stations.

The town is situated in a charming valley surrounded by well-kept green woods. There are forty springs within the area and one hundred in the immediate vicinity. The first sources were discovered

in the 16th century. Mariánské Lázně is characterised by its extravagant neoclassical hotels and churches, and a string of parks and gardens running between them. A number of trekking and cycling routes run through the nearby countryside, and route maps are available from the tourist office and most hotels.

It is world-famous due to the results of the treatments and excellent quality of the natural resources. Treatments are based on the use of natural mineral springs, which are the source of natural acidulous water containing carbonic and ferric acid. The treatments also utilize the presence of peat and natural gas. Sessions can get busy so it is best to book in advance.

The dominant architectural style of the town is Neo-Classical. The Colonnade, built in 1889, is a real architectural jewel. The pseudo-Baroque cast-iron Colonnade is the main promenade of the spa and an important architectural monument. The water from the Cross, Caroline's and Rudolph's Springs is piped to the Colonnade for the drinking cures. The Ferdinand's, Forest and Ambrose's Springs are among the best known springs in Mariánské Lázně.

The Singing Fountain in front of the main colonnade performs every odd hour to the accompaniment of music, and at 9 and 10 p.m. with a light show, captures the attention of many visitors.

The music and light productions of the contemporary “Singing Fountain” brings an unusual and interesting experience.

The Church of the Assumption rises next to the Colonnade. The Russian Church of St. Vladimir and the Anglican Church are located behind the Main Avenue, in the western part of the town.

Visitors included writers such as Ibsen, Kafka, Kipling, Tolstoy, Twain and Goethe, musicians such as Chopin, Wagner, Dvořák, and scientists such as Edison and Nobel. However, Mariánské’s biggest fan was the British king Edward VII, who visited the spas nine times and wrote, “I have seen the whole of India, Ceylon and all the spas of Europe, but nowhere else have I been so touched by the beautiful poetry of Nature.”

For active relaxation there is : golf courses (the second-oldest in Europe, founded by Edward VII, King of England), mini-golf, tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facilities, horseback riding, fishing, skiing and hiking and cycling routes.

More informations : http://www.marianskelazne.cz/en/