Tucked away in the rolling green hills near the German-Czech border, the village of Mariënbad, known as Mariánské Lázně in Czech, is a true hidden gem. Due to its close proximity to Germany, many travelers still refer to the town by its German name. This delightful spa town is one of the most picturesque destinations in the Czech Republic, offering a blend of elegant hotels, relaxing spas, beautiful hiking trails through lush landscapes, and an abundance of mineral springs with renowned healing properties.
While Mariënbad is particularly popular with older visitors and often regarded as a peaceful retreat for the elderly, we, a young family with our baby, found it to be a wonderful place for all ages. Though we might not have been the typical visitors, we quickly realized that the spa town is one of the best places to experience in the Czech Republic. In this blog, we will share exactly why we loved it and highlight the must-see attractions in Mariënbad that you definitely will not want to miss.
Marienbad Attractions
#1 The Colonnade of Marienbad
One of the most breathtaking sights in Mariánské Lázně is undoubtedly the colonnade, located right in the heart of the town. This iconic landmark will likely look familiar to fans of Wie Is De Mol, as it featured prominently in the final season of the show.
Built at the height of the spa town’s golden era in 1888 and 1889, this magnificent neo-Baroque structure stands as a testament to the town’s former grandeur. During that time, Mariánské Lázně attracted an impressive array of famous figures, including composers Chopin and Wagner, authors Tolstoy and Goethe, and royal visitors such as British King Edward and the last Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph. The wealth and prestige brought by these notable guests are clearly reflected in the stunning colonnade, constructed using the latest cast iron technology of the period. The iron components were fabricated at a separate site and then transported by train to Mariánské Lázně.
The colonnade’s domed ceilings are adorned with paintings that offer a much more modern touch. These vibrant frescoes were added during renovations between 1973 and 1981, created by Czech artist Josef Vyletal. The artwork beautifully captures humanity’s timeless fascination with the concept of flight. Spanning an impressive 180 meters, this cast-iron structure remains the longest colonnade in the Czech Republic.
Tip: In addition to the main colonnade, Marienbad is home to several other charming colonnades. Just around the corner, you’ll find the elegant Karolina Kolonáda, which features two mineral water springs. A little further south, the grand but somewhat neglected Lázeňska Kolonáda awaits, set amidst vibrant flower beds and a bubbling spring.
#2 The Singing Fountain
Just next to the colonnade stands the famous singing fountain. On every odd hour and at 10 p.m., the fountain springs to life with a captivating display of water and music. As night falls, the performance becomes even more enchanting with the addition of colorful lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere. This spectacle is a popular attraction, and it seems that almost every tourist in Mariánské Lázně gathers around the fountain to witness the show. Nearby, a sign displays the music schedule for the season, showing exactly which piece will be played at each performance. The selections range from timeless classical pieces to modern hits like My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion.
Tip: If you’re looking to enjoy the colonnade without the crowds, consider visiting during the singing fountain’s performance. You might find yourself with the colonnade all to yourself, away from the bustling crowd.
#3 The Green City Center
Mariánské Lázně is a town brimming with beautiful architecture, with the grand colonnade standing out as its most iconic feature. However, what truly sets this charming town apart is its abundance of greenery. Although small in size, the town’s key attractions are concentrated around the colonnade, with a few quaint streets radiating out from it. It’s well worth taking a leisurely stroll through these streets to admire the stunning buildings that were left behind by the affluent spa-goers of a bygone era. The facades of these buildings are reminiscent of Vienna, which, during that time, was one of Europe’s most influential cities and a model for others to follow. To ensure Mariánské Lázně’s beauty, many Viennese architects were invited to design some of the town’s most impressive structures.
Within these imposing, historic buildings, you can still find exquisite hotels that feel like stepping back in time. One of the oldest and most famous is Hotel Nové Lázně, located in one of the city’s most remarkable monuments. Other architectural treasures that retain their old-world charm include the Grand Hotel Pacifik, Hotel Excelsior, and Spa Hotel Bohemia. These pastel-colored hotels exude elegance and are incredibly photogenic, making them a delight for anyone interested in historic beauty.
If you walk through the heart of the town, you won’t find a traditional central square with the typical historic buildings like a church or a town hall. Instead, the heart of this spa town is a serene urban park, beautifully designed with ponds, statues, tree-lined avenues, benches, and fountains. Surrounding the park, you’ll find the grand hotels of the past, their monumental facades still standing tall, echoing the town’s former splendor. This perfect blend of nature and architecture gives Mariánské Lázně a unique charm, offering a peaceful atmosphere that’s rare to find in the bustling city squares of many other Czech towns.
#4 The Healing Mineral Water
At its core, Mariánské Lázně remains a renowned health resort. While many visitors choose to relax and rejuvenate in one of the many hotel spas, there’s something even more delightful about strapping on your hiking boots and exploring the city to discover the healing mineral waters scattered throughout. These springs are found all over Mariánské Lázně, with some taps tucked away in quiet, almost deserted corners, while others feature water bubbling up beneath a glass dome. You’ll also come across springs where the water is tinged red due to its high iron content, and in some places, the sources are housed within grand, historical buildings. If we counted correctly, there are about forty of these springs in total.
We turned finding these taps into a bit of a sport during our visit, and it was surprisingly easy. Thanks to the handy Czech hiking app, Mapy.cz, locating the springs is a breeze. Many of the water sources around the city are also marked on local maps. What’s even more fun is that each spring provides details about the exact composition of the water. We learned that most of the water is rich in iron—a discovery we made when our bottle of mineral water slowly turned red from the minerals during our journey back to the Netherlands. Needless to say, we didn’t dare to drink it again after that!
Did you know that special cups are used in Mariánské Lázně to drink the mineral water? These cups feature a spout, which makes sipping from them a bit easier. You can find them in nearly every souvenir shop around town. We’re still not entirely sure why the design is so unique. Could it be for convenience, allowing you to drink the water while walking? Or is it to protect your teeth from the mineral-rich liquid? Whatever the reason, it certainly adds a distinctive touch to the whole experience!
#5 The Green Walks Around the City
Once you’ve explored the charming town of Mariánské Lázně, you may want to take a break and unwind in one of the spas. However, if you’re looking for something more active after all that time spent strolling along the colonnade and relaxing in the spas, be sure to explore the stunning green surroundings of the city. The area is surrounded by expansive forests and rolling hills, offering a wealth of excellent hiking opportunities. The hiking trails are clearly marked with color-coded signs on wooden posts along the paths, but you’ll also find plenty of maps available. Additionally, the Czech hiking app, Mapy.cz, provides detailed routes to help guide your way.
Just outside the city, you’ll discover pleasant hiking trails that lead to several scenic viewpoints around the town, many of which pass by mineral water springs. For a longer hike, consider following the blue trail, which will lead you to the sulfur springs of Smrad’och (you can find it on the map here). The name “Smrad’och” translates to “stinking,” and while the springs certainly live up to their name with a distinct odor, they are relatively modest in appearance. You’ll encounter small pools of bubbling water, rather than grandiose fountains.
For a more picturesque route, we highly recommend the green trail that takes you to Kladská, a peaceful spot in the northern part of the region. From there, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of crystal-clear lakes, perfectly reflecting the surrounding coniferous trees. Another delightful walk is to the village of Kynžvart, where you’ll find a beautiful castle open to visitors, definitely worth the trip.
Tip: To make your hiking adventures in the Czech Republic easier, download the Mapy.cz app. Alternatively, you can use this online hiking map specifically for Mariánské Lázně.
#6 A Day Trip to Pilsen
Pilsen is often called the beer capital of the Czech Republic, which is quite a title in a country known for its numerous breweries. About an hour’s drive from Mariënbad, it makes for an ideal day trip. We spent a portion of our day exploring the town, and that was enough to enjoy its charm. Start with a leisurely walk through the historic town square, where you’ll be greeted by the striking town hall and the impressive church. Be sure to book a tour of the famous brewery, which has put Pilsen on the map as a beer lover’s destination. Afterward, unwind at one of the trendy coffee shops nearby. For a great espresso, we recommend visiting Walter, Mitty, or Le Frenchie, all conveniently located next to each other. If you’re after a panoramic view of the city, make your way to the church tower in the central market square. Just outside the city center, you’ll discover DEPO2015, a cultural hub that houses a café and bar, as well as unique art installations in an industrial setting. It’s the perfect place to experience Pilsen’s creative side.
#7 Castle Loket
Nestled to the north of Mariënbad, on the way to Karlsbad, lies one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic castles. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Mariánské Lázně. This castle is exactly how you might imagine a fairytale fortress: sitting on a bend in the river, nearly like an island, complete with turrets and a picturesque courtyard. You might recognize it from the popular show Who Is De Mol or the thrilling James Bond film Casino Royale.
As one of the oldest castles in the country, Castle Loket is a striking example of medieval architecture, with its thick stone walls earning it the nickname “The Invincible Castle of Bohemia.” Today, the castle functions as a museum, making it a fantastic option for a day trip from Mariënbad. You can book a guided tour or choose an audio guide (which is available in English), but it’s also a good idea to visit the castle’s website before your trip. The site offers an interactive map of the castle, which allows you to explore its various sections and dive deeper into its fascinating history by clicking on different areas for more details.
Is Mariënbad Worth a Visit?
Mariënbad doesn’t often appear in typical itineraries for the Czech Republic, nor is it usually featured among the country’s top highlights. As a result, the spa town tends to attract mostly older visitors and remains somewhat overlooked by other travelers. So, is it worth a visit?
We say yes! Mariënbad is definitely worth the trip. The town stands out from other Czech destinations thanks to its unique combination of nature and architecture, which makes it a lovely addition to any journey through the country. The fusion of remarkable architectural structures and peaceful walks through the surrounding lush hills is truly a pleasure. While we found Mariënbad to be a pleasant and charming destination, it’s not quite so breathtaking that you’d feel it’s an absolute must-see.
Thanks to its convenient location in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, near the German border, Mariënbad serves as a great starting or ending point for a road trip through the country. It’s just over an 8-hour drive from Utrecht, meaning it’s easy to reach from the Netherlands in a single day. For us, traveling with our three-month-old baby, the journey took two days. If you’re planning a road trip across the Czech Republic from the Netherlands, Mariënbad is likely to be along your route. So yes, because of its accessible location alone, Mariënbad is certainly worth a stop.
Marienbad, Karlsbad or Pilsen?
In this region, you’ll also find two other wonderful destinations nearby: Pilsen and Karlsbad. All three cities are conveniently located along the route from the Netherlands to the Czech Republic, making them perfect stops on your journey. So, which will you visit Mariënbad, Karlsbad, or Pilsen?
Karlsbad is like the older sibling of Mariënbad. It’s another historic spa town, but it’s larger and much more tourist-oriented. Pilsen, on the other hand, is a charming, smaller town located about an hour away. While it offers a typical Czech city vibe, we feel it doesn’t have the same unique appeal as a spa town like Mariënbad. We recommend choosing between Karlsbad and Mariënbad depending on what you’re after, whether you prefer a bustling, larger city or a peaceful, green getaway surrounded by nature. Either way, you can easily plan a day trip to Pilsen and add this famous beer town to your itinerary.
