There are a number of mineral springs in the Czech Republic that have been used for medicinal purposes since the early 15th century. Czech spa towns are invariably located in picturesque natural landscapes and are attractive both for their urban layout and their particular spa architecture. Some spa houses even boast elaborate original furnishings.

Let us look briefly at the history of spas: Their development at the end of the 18th century coincides with major advances in science, technology and social communication. Large spa houses were being built along with colonnades and decorative structures above and around springs. The spa towns began to adopt a systematic approach to architectural planning and strove for a unified appearance. Much attention was devoted to the mineral springs themselves, with geological probes and chemical analyses of the waters' contents being performed. This was indeed a very dynamic era. Tough competition became the hallmark of the spa industry, while local spa entrepreneurs thrived. Czech spas were frequented by a highly sophisticated clientele. To this day, the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Teplice pride themselves on visits from Peter the Great, King Edward VII of England, or Albrecht of Wallenstein, a famous general and politician. Frequent spa guests were also such giants of European culture as Goethe, Schiller, Chopin, Beethoven and Wagner. Lest we should forget, a large number of visitors consisted of prominent aristocrats, industrialists, businessmen and bankers...

The 18th century was a period of birth and development for the spa industry, but it was in the 19th century that spas truly flourished. The spa complexes were expanded and modernized and a number of new treatment methods were introduced. Spa procedures became specialized and the Czech spa industry gained renown for its medical efficiency. Spa stays were no longer considered just a form of treatment - they became a hallmark of social status. Spa towns have developed into centers of social and cultural life and magnets for tourism. After Prague, they were the second most visited destination in the country.

The 1990s opened up new horizons to Czech spas. Lifestyle changes dictated the expansion of spa programs to include new forms of relaxation and regeneration, beauty stays and stress-reducing programs. These are all ideally complemented by a range of sports and fitness activities such as golf, cycling, hiking and walking, tennis, gym routines and other activities. Expanded spa programs are offered by no fewer than 40 spa towns in the Czech Republic.