Moravian Retreat
The Czech Republic is well known internationally for its spa towns; there are at least 20 scattered across the country. Without a doubt, from an international point of view, the best known of these are in the west. Places like Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně, and Mariánské Lázně have been attracting visitors for over a century. Karlovy Vary, in particular, holds additional cultural prestige thanks to the international film festival it has hosted annually for more than half a century.
Luhačovice, in the south-east of the country, developed a reputation as a place where the who’s who of Czech and Slovak society could relax away from the spotlight. Among its famous visitors was Czech composer Leoš Janáček (1854–1928). Janáček was fond of the town and visited many times between 1886 and his death. He drew inspiration for his compositions from both the town and its surroundings.
While Luhačovice has also welcomed international guests, it maintains a distinctly Czech feel and occupies a unique place in the country’s history.
Let’s spend some time in Luhačovice:
Healing Highland Waters
Luhačovice is nestled in the Vizovice Highlands, a short distance south-east of Zlín. The first written mention of the town dates to 1412. It belonged to an estate that came under the ownership of the noble Liechtenstein family in 1620, then passed to the Serényi family in 1629, remaining their property until 1945. The Serényis were a Moravian noble family of Hungarian origin.
It was under the Serényis that Luhačovice developed into a spa town. Underground springs were known before their ownership, but the Serényi family was the first to promote the waters and position the town as a place of wellness. They began doing so toward the end of the 17th century. Many of the town’s mineral springs were named after members of the family; the most famous of these, Vincentka, was named for Count Vincent Serényi (1751–1810).
Through the 18th and 19th centuries, the development of springs and spa facilities continued, and the town became more widely known. However, by the mid-1890s, the town and its spas were in decline and on the edge of bankruptcy. Despite the healing waters, guests complained about outdated facilities that offered little comfort. Access to the town was also limited.
Back from the Brink
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought extensive modernization. A key figure in this renewal was Dr. František Veselý (1862–1923), who first visited Luhačovice in 1898. Despite the dilapidated state of the spa, he immediately recognized its potential.
Through significant effort, Veselý created a joint-stock company in 1902 and purchased the spa from the Serényi family. Although the Serényis maintained some involvement, Veselý served as spa director and oversaw the birth of a modern spa industry in the town. By the time he moved on from Luhačovice in 1909, the town’s recovery was well underway.
Another pivotal figure in this revival was Slovak-born architect Dušan Jurkovič (1868–1947). Between 1902 and 1914, he designed a series of buildings, including the large Jurkovič House on Spa Square. Jurkovič’s work is a unique blend of folk architecture and Art Nouveau. Nicknamed “the poet of timber,” he drew deeply from Slovak folk traditions. In addition to creating new buildings, he also renovated several older structures in the town.
A crucial development in the early 1900s was the addition of a rail line, which significantly increased accessibility.
Growth continued smoothly through the 1920s and 1930s, with earlier Art Nouveau designs standing alongside newer Functionalist buildings. Development stalled, however, with the Second World War and the German occupation beginning in 1939.
At the time of the occupation, several building designs were complete and awaiting construction, including the colonnade and Vincentka Hall—both meant to complete Spa Square and both designed by Oskar Poříska (1897–1982). Intended for the 1940s, they were not finished until the 1950s.
Today, Spa Square and the town centre are protected as an urban monument zone by the Czech Ministry of Culture.
What’s in the Water?
All spas claim their water can treat specific conditions, and Luhačovice is no exception. Here’s what sets its water apart:
The springs contain heavily mineralized prehistoric sea water with a high carbon dioxide content, making it naturally effervescent. The main minerals include hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Depending on the spring, there may also be significant levels of barium, bromine, fluoride, iodine, iron, lithium, and magnesium.
Luhačovice water is considered among the best healing waters in Europe. It is used to treat conditions of the throat and respiratory system, skin and adjacent tissues, gastrointestinal issues, thyroid problems, musculoskeletal ailments, diabetes, pancreatitis, and liver issues. It is also considered beneficial for those recovering from cancer treatment and is recommended to athletes and singers for caring for their respiratory tracts and vocal cords.
Luhačovice has about a dozen springs; roughly half offer freely accessible drinking water, while the others supply baths. Products made using water from the Vincentka spring are widely available across the country, including bottled water, nasal spray, throat lozenges, skin cream, and liniment.
A Feel for the Place
As one might expect from a place dedicated to relaxation, Luhačovice never feels hurried or overwhelming. The town is walkable and offers a range of restaurants and cafés. The selection of hotels with spa treatments is wide, making it easy to find something suited to your preferences.
Views of the surrounding Vizovice Highlands are plentiful, and several walking trails allow you to explore them up close. A visit to the town’s reservoir is also recommended. It can be reached via local trails and is an idyllic spot for a peaceful walk. Cafés, pubs, and restaurants line parts of its shore, offering pleasant views and a place to rest. There are also designated areas for sunbathing.
As mentioned earlier, Luhačovice was designed to serve Czechs and Slovaks first and foremost, and this character remains. Compared with the more famous western spa towns, Luhačovice retains an unmistakably Czech atmosphere.
Paying a Visit and Learning More
Luhačovice can be reached by road or rail. The train and bus stations are adjacent. If you travel by train or bus, you will likely need to make at least one transfer depending on your starting point. Taxi services are available from the stations to hotels, but drivers may not always speak English or other foreign languages.
Depending on your luggage and comfort level, travelling by car may be more convenient. Still, don’t let logistics deter you—Luhačovice is well worth the journey, even if the route there is not direct.
To learn more about the town, spa options, and local events, visit the official tourism portal for Luhačovice.
Beyond Prague 