New Season Begins in Czech Spa Towns – Almost One Million Guests Last Year

With the arrival of spring, many spa towns across the Czech Republic traditionally begin the new season. Between spring blessing ceremonies, historical parades, concerts and cultural festivals, the towns are once again expecting thousands of visitors. Interest in spa and wellness tourism continues to grow: Around 982,000 guests stayed in Czech spa facilities last year.

The Czech spa sector remains one of the country’s most important pillars of tourism. The spa towns combine medical care, prevention, relaxation and cultural tourism while also playing a significant role in the regional economy.

According to the state tourism agency CzechTourism, a total of 982,000 guests visited Czech spa accommodation facilities in 2025. Around 556,000 were domestic visitors, while a further 426,000 came from abroad. Traditionally, the spa resorts in the Karlovy Vary Region remained particularly popular, maintaining their position as the leading centre of the Czech spa industry.

Foto: Mariánské Lázně

Most international guests came from Germany, Slovakia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel. Within Europe, German, Slovak, Ukrainian and Polish visitors accounted for the largest share.

“Last year once again confirmed how strong the position of the Czech spa industry is. Almost one million guests in spa accommodation facilities is excellent news,” said František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism. The Karlovy Vary Region in particular remains the country’s flagship destination: Nearly 700,000 visitors were recorded there last year. At the same time, more than half of all overnight stays in Czech spa towns were concentrated in this region.

According to CzechTourism, spa towns are no longer seen solely as places for medical treatment. Increasingly, visitors are specifically seeking relaxation, prevention, wellness offers and cultural experiences.

Spring festivals mark the start of the season

The opening of the spa season is among the most important cultural events of the year in many towns. Visitors can expect programmes featuring spring blessing ceremonies, historical parades, concerts, markets, gastronomic festivals and open days.

Foto: Infocentrum města Karlovy Vary

At the same time, spa towns are responding to a new trend: More and more guests are booking shorter stays or wellness weekends to try treatments and prevention programmes first. Many facilities are therefore increasingly expanding their offers for short stays.

Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Luhačovice among the highlights

This year, the traditional season openings in the famous West Bohemian spa towns are once again among the largest events.

In Karlovy Vary, the season begins from 1 to 3 May with spring blessing ceremonies, historical parades and an extensive cultural programme. Mariánské Lázně opens the season from 8 to 10 May, including concerts by the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra and celebrations surrounding the famous Singing Fountain (Zpívající fontána), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Foto: Mariánské Lázně | Facebook

Františkovy Lázně, Luhačovice, Teplice and Poděbrady will also host major opening celebrations with music, markets and cultural events in the coming weeks.

At the same time, many spa towns continue investing in modern wellness centres, new swimming pools, balneo areas and public infrastructure. In doing so, they are increasingly targeting younger visitors, families and active holidaymakers.

The combination of tradition, medical expertise and modern leisure offers continues to make the Czech spa industry one of the most important sectors of domestic and international tourism in 2026. Spring in particular is considered the ideal time to experience the unique atmosphere of the spa towns.