When the temperature drops outside and the damp, raw weather creeps under your fingernails, few of us can resist the thought of sinking into hot, bubbling water. But let me let you in on one important secret right away, so you’re not disappointed: there are only a handful of genuine geothermal springs in the Czech Republic. Most of the places people casually call “thermal baths” are actually gorgeous spa and wellness pools filled with mineral or artificially heated water. Still, the country is home to some wonderful thermal spas in the Czech Republic where you can warm up beautifully and escape everyday stress.
If you dream of sitting outdoors in a hot pool during a hard frost, with snowflakes falling on your head, you’ll need to head beyond the country’s borders. Here, outdoor thermal bathing is almost entirely a summer affair, and in winter you’ll mostly enjoy indoor covered relaxation zones.
Even so, you’ll find truly amazing spots where you can warm your body and unwind from the daily grind. Let’s take a look together at 12 tips for the best thermal spas and baths in the Czech Republic, where you can fully relax — whether you’re after absolute silence or fun for the whole family.
TL;DR: the best thermal spas in the Czech Republic at a glance
For those of you who are in a hurry and just want a quick overview, I’ve put together a list of all 12 great spots I cover in more detail in this article:
- Velké Losiny Thermal Park (the largest genuine thermal park in the country)
- Thermalium – Teplice Spa (healing water and complete calm)
- Brná Thermal Lido (cheap retro summer swimming near Ústí nad Labem)
- Aqualand Moravia (hot thermal water paired with wild waterslides)
- AquaCentrum Janské Lázně (ideal mountain relaxation after a hike in the Krkonoše)
- Elizabeth Spa, Karlovy Vary (affordable wellness in the heart of the colonnade)
- Aurora Spa, Třeboň (slightly salty water and the famous South Bohemian peat)
- Mariánské Lázně – Roman Baths (historic atmosphere from the late 19th century)
- Poděbrady Spa – Chariclea (the loveliest wellness pool closest to Prague)
- Luhačovice Spa (stunning architecture and the healing Vincentka spring)
- Aquaforum Františkovy Lázně (a pleasant spa aquapark for families)
- Benešov nad Ploučnicí – Vápenka (seasonal summer lido with iron-rich water)
When to visit the thermal spas in the Czech Republic
Planning a visit to Czech spas and thermal lidos varies enormously depending on the season. While indoor wellness centres and spa houses operate year-round and make the most sense in autumn and winter, outdoor complexes have their own quirks.
If you want to experience real outdoor bathing in hot water with views over the landscape, you’ll need to go between May and September. Even the most famous complex in Velké Losiny only opens its outdoor pools during the warm months, so in December you’ll only warm up under cover.
During winter weekends and public holidays, the best indoor complexes sell out fast and get packed with people. That’s why I’d recommend planning your trip for a weekday instead, when admission is often cheaper and you’ll enjoy a far calmer atmosphere without queuing for a free hot tub.
Where to stay near the spas
Combining a visit to the warm pools with a long weekend is probably the best way to truly recharge. Most spa towns offer a wide range of accommodation, from cosy guesthouses to luxury hotels that often have pools right inside the building.
If you crave maximum comfort — walking from your room to the pool in nothing but a bathrobe — book directly at one of the spa houses. A great choice is, for example, the Termály Losiny Spa Resort, right next to the famous thermal park. In western Bohemia, you’ll be wowed by the historic Ensana Nové Lázně in Mariánské Lázně, where you’ll soak up the elegant atmosphere of a bygone era.
For those looking for a break just a short hop from the capital, I can recommend Hotel Chariclea in Poděbrady. You can easily book all these places in advance through Booking, which saves you a lot of hassle searching for a last-minute room.
12 tips for where to find warm water in the Czech Republic
Let’s take a closer look at each spot. You’ll find an honest mix of genuine geothermal springs and beautiful spa wellness centres, so you can pick exactly what suits you best.
1. Velké Losiny Thermal Park
If you’re after the most iconic thermal experience in the country, your steps should lead to the Olomouc Region, at the foot of the Jeseníky Mountains. This complex is the only genuine thermal park of its kind in the Czech Republic, using natural geothermal sulphur water from the Žerotín spring. The water is drawn from a depth of over a thousand metres and has a natural temperature of around a lovely 36 °C.
Inside, five pools are open year-round, the best of which is probably the mysterious cave with a waterfall and the wild-water section that delights adults and children alike. The other four outdoor pools only open during the summer season from May to September, so sadly there’s no open-air bathing in winter.
Admission varies by season and day of the week; on weekdays outside the main season you’ll pay roughly 16 € for two and a half hours. 💡 Tip: If you arrive in the evening after 6 pm, you’ll get a 20% discount on admission. I warmly recommend staying right at the adjacent Termály Losiny Spa Resort, so the water really is just a few steps away.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Velké Losiny)
2. Thermalium – Teplice Spa
In the north of Bohemia, in the Ústí Region, hides an absolute treasure for lovers of calm and healing water. This complex draws on the famous Pravřídlo spring and offers a main healing pool at 35 °C, fitted with an impressive hundred different massage and bubble features.
Unlike noisy aquaparks, this place is devoted to quiet relaxation and recharging your batteries. Besides the main hot pool, you’ll find a slightly cooler recreational pool at 29 °C, the popular Kneipp walk to boost circulation in your legs, and an excellent sauna world.
Basic admission to the pools comes in at a very pleasant 12 € for 90 minutes, while a complete ticket including the saunas costs around 16 € for two and a half hours. To make the most of your stay in Teplice, book a room in one of the historic spa houses, such as the famous Beethoven Spa House.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Teplice)
3. Brná Thermal Lido
Right in neighbouring Ústí nad Labem you’ll find a genuine one-off that will especially please those of you looking to relax on a budget. This site draws water from a thermal borehole dating back to 1930, from a depth of over three hundred metres, and offers a pleasant water temperature between 26.5 and 30 °C.
It’s an outdoor retro lido sitting right on the banks of the River Elbe, where you’ll find a recreational pool with a slide, a swimming pool and plenty of grassy areas to relax on. It’s one of the cheapest spots in the country, with basic admission hovering at just 2 to 3 € for the whole day.
⚠️ Just be very careful with the opening hours, as this is primarily a summer venue. Information about winter operation often changes and contradicts itself, so always check the current situation on their official website before you travel. For a long weekend, you can stay in one of the many pleasant hotels right in the centre of Ústí nad Labem.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Ústí nad Labem)
4. Aqualand Moravia
You might know this huge complex in Pasohlávky in South Moravia mainly for its wild waterslides, but few people realise it also hides a real natural treasure. Its pools are fed by geothermal water from the deep Mušov-3G borehole, which reaches a remarkable 46 °C at the surface and cools slightly to an ideal 37 °C in the pools.
From the outdoor thermal pools, you’ll get an absolutely breathtaking view of the silhouette of the Pálava Hills, which is especially romantic at sunset. Bear in mind, though, that this is primarily a busy aquapark with sixteen pools and plenty of water attractions, so you won’t find absolute silence here.
If you’re curious about other similar places with slides, be sure to check out our article on the best aquaparks in the Czech Republic. For the perfect weekend, I’d recommend staying at the Aqualand Inn, right beside the complex, which often includes pool admission in the price of your stay.
5. AquaCentrum Janské Lázně
Once you’ve finished a full day of hiking along the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains, there’s nothing better than letting your aching muscles rest in warm water. This rehabilitation centre offers pleasantly warm mineral water at 27 °C, which springs straight from the mountain depths.
Don’t expect a noisy aquapark full of children and slides here; the atmosphere is quiet and focused on calm regeneration. You’ll have a spacious pool, bubbling hot tubs and excellently equipped saunas at your disposal, which will surely get you back on your feet after a freezing day in the mountains.
Admission to the pool combined with the sauna world costs roughly 16 € for two hours, while the pool alone for an hour comes to about 7 €. 💡 Tip: If you’re staying nearby and hold the Krkonoše Guest Card, you’ll get a handy 20% discount on admission. You can stay in one of the many lovely mountain guesthouses scattered throughout Janské Lázně.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Janské Lázně)
6. Elizabeth Spa, Karlovy Vary
When you visit the country’s most famous spa town, Karlovy Vary, don’t miss the building known as Spa V (Lázně V), right in the heart of town. Although this isn’t water straight from the hot Vřídlo geyser but rather quality heated water, the wellness experience here is absolutely first class.
In the historic interiors, you’ll find a large 25-metre indoor pool, a cosy relaxation pool with massage features, a paddling pool for the little ones and, of course, a hot tub. There’s no shortage of the popular steam room and sauna complex either, where you can work up a lovely sweat.
The big advantage of this place is its very reasonable prices, ranging roughly between 6 and 10 €, which is a great deal for central Karlovy Vary. Just watch out when planning your trip, as the complex is regularly closed on the first Monday of every month for maintenance. Hotels in Karlovy Vary offer accommodation for every budget — all you have to do is choose.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Karlovy Vary)
7. Aurora Spa, Třeboň
South Bohemia isn’t only about fishponds and cycling — it’s also home to excellent spa care that draws on local natural resources. The Aqua Viva Wellness Centre here offers a true one-off: slightly salty water with wonderful effects on the skin, plus, of course, the famous healing peat.
The space is generously designed and includes a classic swimming pool, a popular wild river, plenty of hydromassage jets and even a 40-metre waterslide for braver visitors. The whole complex is rounded off with a modern sauna world for the perfect warm-up.
Admission here is more than reasonable — an hour’s swimming costs roughly 6.50 €. If you want to treat yourself to a full spa experience including treatments and excellent vegetarian food at the local restaurants, book a room right in the complex at the Aurora Spa House or at the sister Bertiny Lázně.
8. Mariánské Lázně – Roman Baths
If you want to feel like aristocracy at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, this place will absolutely amaze you. These historic pools were built back in 1896 and have kept their original imperial atmosphere to this day, with marble columns and period tiles.
Alongside the original historic pools, you’ll now also find modern wellness facilities, including a bubbling whirlpool, a sanarium, a steam bath and the popular Kneipp walk. Although this is heated water rather than a direct thermal spring, the visual and relaxation experience here is unbeatable.
The site is open to the general public too, but given its popularity and limited capacity, it’s absolutely essential to book tickets well in advance. For the perfect illusion of travelling back in time, I’d recommend staying right at the luxurious Ensana Nové Lázně hotel, of which these historic pools are part.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Mariánské Lázně)
9. Poděbrady Spa – Chariclea Pool
If you’re looking for somewhere for a quick escape from the capital, this is your best bet. Poděbrady lies about fifty kilometres from Prague, which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a shorter weekend break, combined with strolls along the beautiful colonnade and tasting the local spa wafers.
The town is renowned for its healing Poděbradka mineral water, and they recently opened a beautifully renovated wellness pool called Chariclea. It’s open to the general public with a ticket and offers a lovely setting for calm relaxation, with a range of massage features.
For an hour of relaxation in this pleasant setting, you’ll pay roughly 7 €. So you don’t have to drive anywhere and can enjoy your stay in the Elbe region to the full, I’d recommend staying right at the elegant Hotel Chariclea, which blends modern design with spa tradition.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Poděbrady)
10. Luhačovice Spa
Moravian Luhačovice ranks among the most beautiful spa towns in the country, largely thanks to the fairytale architecture of Dušan Jurkovič. The town is mainly famous for sipping the healing Vincentka spring water, but you’ll also find great ways to warm your body in pleasant wellness pools.
These aren’t natural hot springs but rather quality heated pools within individual hotel complexes, which often allow entry to non-resident guests too. The bathing experience here is always complemented by the incredibly tranquil atmosphere of the whole valley and the scent of the surrounding forests.
💡 Tip: Pop into the Roman baths, which are part of one of the local complexes, and treat yourself to a coffee in one of the cosy local cafés after your swim. A great base for exploring the town is a stay at the prestigious Hotel Alexandria, which boasts its own top-class wellness centre inspired by antiquity.
11. Aquaforum Františkovy Lázně
We’re heading back to western Bohemia for another spot that balances on the line between spa relaxation and water fun. This venue isn’t a pure-bred thermal bath but rather a very pleasant spa aquapark, which will delight families with children for whom the classic quiet spas would be far too boring.
You’ll find three indoor and two outdoor pools here, where the water temperature ranges between a very pleasant 28 and 32 °C. The interior is beautifully styled to look ancient, and besides swimming you can also enjoy a ride on the slide or a warm-up in the sauna.
The venue is open daily from nine in the morning to nine in the evening, so you have plenty of time for water fun. If you’re only interested in places focused on fun and slides, definitely take a look at our list of the best aquaparks in the Czech Republic, where you’ll find plenty more inspiration. Look for accommodation right in the lovely streets of Františkovy Lázně.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Františkovy Lázně)
12. Benešov nad Ploučnicí – Vápenka
Our final tip takes us back to the Ústí Region, to a very specific and interesting venue. This lido draws water from a borehole about two hundred metres deep, which has a natural temperature of around 26 °C and is notable for its higher iron content, giving it a distinctive composition.
This is a purely summer outdoor venue, so definitely don’t plan a trip here in winter. You’ll find a large pool measuring 20 by 40 metres, separate children’s pools and plenty of space for sporting activities in the fresh air.
It’s an ideal spot for a low-key summer outing, and what’s more, it has very friendly admission of around 2 € for an adult and 1 € for children. You can stay right in the simple cabins on site, or find a more comfortable guesthouse in nearby Děčín, from where you can set off on trips to Bohemian Switzerland.
👉 Accommodation nearby (Benešov nad Ploučnicí)
Where to go next from the thermal spas
If you’ve discovered that Czech heated wellness pools and summer venues aren’t enough for you and you long for a real hot spring under the snow, don’t despair. Just look to our neighbours, where the situation is considerably better and geothermal sources are plentiful.
I’d definitely recommend exploring the excellent thermal spas in Slovakia, where you’ll find gigantic complexes like Bešeňová or Veľký Meder, offering hot water outdoors even in the deepest frosts. And if you’d like to combine relaxation with a trip to the seaside, take a look at the beautiful wellness hotels in Slovenia and Croatia.
Practical tips before your visit
Before you set off in search of warmth, I have a few important practical pieces of advice for you, so you can avoid any unnecessary disappointment:
- Book your spot in advance: Capacity at the best places (such as the Roman Baths or Thermalium) tends to fill up fast in winter. Don’t count on buying tickets on the spot.
- Keep an eye on the time: Spa admission is usually sold not for the whole day but in time slots (60 to 150 minutes). You often get about 15 extra minutes to change, but you pay extra for every additional minute in the water.
- Be clear about what you want: Looking for calm and saunas? Head to Teplice or Janské Lázně. Do your kids have energy to burn? Go for Aqualand Moravia instead, where they can let loose on the slides.
- Don’t expect miracles outdoors in winter: I’ll say it again — outdoor bathing in the snow practically doesn’t exist here; the nearest you’ll find it is in Slovakia or Hungary.
Frequently asked questions
Are there real thermal baths in the Czech Republic like in Hungary?
There are very few true geothermal pools with warm water coming directly from the earth here. These include mainly Velké Losiny (up to 36 °C), Teplice (35 °C), Brná and the boreholes beneath Aqualand Moravia (46 °C). The rest of the places here function as spa and wellness pools with artificially heated water.
Where can I find thermal water outside even in winter?
Unfortunately, that’s a major weakness of the Czech Republic. Even in the renowned Velké Losiny, the outdoor pools only operate during summer. If you want to bathe outdoors in freezing temperatures, you’ll find the nearest great options in Slovakia, for example in Bešeňová or Veľký Meder.
What exactly will I find at the Velké Losiny Spa?
This is the largest thermal park in the country. You’ll find a total of 9 pools with temperatures ranging from 30 to 36 °C, of which five are indoor and four are outdoor (open only in summer). There’s also a wild river, a mysterious cave, and for an additional fee you can visit the extensive sauna world. Admission starts at around €16.
Where are the cheapest thermal baths in Czechia?
Among the cheapest options are the thermal pools Brná in Ústí nad Labem and the Vápenka complex in Benešov nad Ploučnicí, where you’ll pay only around €2 to €3.20 for admission. However, you should keep in mind that these are seasonal outdoor summer pools with lukewarm water around 26 to 30 °C, not luxury wellness facilities.
What’s actually the difference between a thermal bath and a water park?
Thermal spas focus primarily on peace, relaxation and the use of healing water for health purposes, often in combination with saunas. Water parks, on the other hand, are built for fun, adrenaline and noise, featuring plenty of slides and attractions. An exception is Aqualand Moravia, which bridges these two worlds.
Where to go for thermal baths near Prague?
You won’t find natural thermal springs directly in Prague. The closest option is the spa town of Poděbrady, specifically the Chariclea wellness pool, which is just under fifty kilometres away. For other quality spas, you’ll need to travel a bit further to Teplice or Karlovy Vary, while the largest thermal park, Velké Losiny, is located in Moravia.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
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Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
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