Dricka brunn - i Tjeckien lever traditionen

In co-operation with Czech Tourism

Drinking well was something you did in the past, both at Swedish spas and at spas in Europe. Today it is perhaps more common that the spas have been transformed into modern spa and wellness resorts, but in the Czech Republic you can actually still drink well. Walking around these fantastically beautiful and well-preserved spas is an experience in itself.

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Drinking well

From the 16th century onwards, 'well-drinking' became popular throughout Europe. People travelled to famous spas, such as Bath in England, Baden Baden in Germany or Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) or Marienbad (Marianske Lazne) in the Czech Republic.

Marienbad i Tjeckien — Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) in the Czech Republic

In Sweden, we had health resorts like Medevi, Loka brunn or Ronneby well. People travelled here to drink healthy spring water, rest and socialise with parties in the evenings. Over time, well-drinking went out of fashion, and the classic visits to spas were replaced by sea baths, health centres and, later, modern spas.

Drinking well in the Czech Republic

Travelling to the spa triangle in the Czech Republic is a bit like going back in time. Here, well-drinking is still popular, and walking around the beautiful and well-preserved spa towns almost makes you feel like you're living the social life of another century.

Dricka brunn i Karlovy Vary — Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)

The Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

The Spatriangle in the Czech Republic consists of the cities of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) and Frantiskovy Lazne. Of these, Karlovy Vary is the largest and perhaps the most lively city, where you can also check out the filming locations of the James Bond film Casino Royal, take the funicular to the Diana observation tower or check out the liquor and glass museums. Incidentally, Karlovy Vary is twinned with Varberg in Sweden.

The other two cities are better suited for those who, in addition to the spa, want to experience large green parks and a large dose of peace and quiet. In all three towns you can of course drink well!

Marienbad, dricka brunn — Marienske Lazne (Marienbad)

READ MORE: Beer spa in the Czech Republic - how does it work?
READ MORE: Spa in the Czech Republic - experience the Spa Triangle

Colonnades - colonnades

In several places in the resorts there are beautiful "colonadas" or colonnades. In these paths there are wells, and here you can stroll and drink the well without being bothered by rain or snow, for example.

Kolonada i Karlovy Vary — Sadova Kolonada in Karlovy Vary

Dricka brunn i Tjeckien — Karolinaquelle Kolonada in Marianske Lazne

Dricka brunn i Marienbad — Lazenska Kolonada in Marienske Lazne

Drinking well - how to do it

In all three towns of the Czech Republic's spa triangle, there are plenty of wells with mineral-rich water, considered by some to be good for health. You can fill a bottle or, preferably, a porcelain cup with water and drink it directly from the well.

Those travelling to Karlovy Vary for health reasons and seeing a doctor are prescribed a certain amount of well water per day. The water should be drunk before meals, often three times a day, and over a period of one or more weeks.

Health wells in the Spatriangle

In Karlovy Vary, there are 15 famous wells, all with different names, such as Vridlo (The hot spring), Karla IV (Charles IV), Mlynsky pramen (Mill spring) and Pramen Svoboda (Freedom spring). In Marianske Lazne, there are about the same number of wells, which of course also have their own names.

Spa cups

Spa cups come in all kinds of shapes and designs. There are small cups, large cups, delicate floral cups, stylish cups and animal-shaped cups... Where can you buy them? On every street corner!

In the small town of Loket, which is 14 kilometres from Karlovy Vary, we visited a small microbrewery by the castle, which also had a museum with lever cups from different times in history. The oldest lever cup here was from 1780. Fascinating!

READ MORE: Loket in Czech Republic - castle with friendly dragon
READ MORE: Kynzvart Castle in the Czech Republic - among mummies and snake skins

Health resorts in beautiful surroundings

The three cities in the spa triangle offer a stunningly beautiful setting, and it's not surprising that it feels a bit like travelling back in time, given all the beautiful old buildings. The fact that many traditions have been retained over the years perhaps adds to the feeling. In addition to modern spa and wellness facilities, there are some different and interesting treatments. We'll tell you more soon!

Have you ever been to a health resort?

Spelande fontän — Fountain playing classical music, in Marienske Lazne

More to see and do in the Czech Republic

There is of course much more to see and experience around the Czech Republic. Here you will find many reports with tips and inspiration for your trip.

Facts about the Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

Cities: Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) and Frantiskovy Lazne.
Residents: Karlovy Vary 49 000 (2016), Marianske Lazne 13 000 (2016) and Frantiskovy Lazne 5000 (2012).

Journey to the Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

Flight: You can fly to Prague from, for example, Stockholm or Copenhagen. From Prague it is easy to get to Karlovy Vary by bus. Read more in our post about Travel to Karlovy Vary. There is a train connection between Marianske Lazne and Prague.
Car: Driving from, for example, Rostock in Germany to Karlovy Vary takes just under 6 hours. The driving time from Prague is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Accommodation in Spatriangeln

Hotels in Karlovy Vary: There are plenty of hotels to choose from, in different price ranges. Read more about 3 hotels in Karlovy Vary - celebrity-rich, spa or boutique hotel.
Hotels in Marienske Lazne: Danubius Hotels Group has several classic spa hotels.
Camping in Karlovy Vary: Camping Camp Varry - Vitkova Hora is located on a hill above the city.
RV park in Marianske Lazne: There is a car park (without services) where you can stay overnight with a motorhome, at the address Kollárova.

READ MORE: What to do in Prague - 30 tips for sights and experiences

14 Comments

Add yours →

Johnny Friskilä says:

It makes me want to go. But with so many wells, do they have toilets everywhere? If I were to walk around tasting water from 15 different fountains, I would quickly feel some need.

Then I wonder where the expression "dricka brunn" in Swedish actually comes from?

I myself have "drunk well" in both Georgia and Russia. And also Italy.

18 May 2019 - 8:24

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I guess there are more people who get that toilet need after all the water drinking 😉 And yes, there are toilets! I have no idea where "drinking well" comes from, it's a bit old-fashioned but I think it's a bit fun. Interesting that you found several places to drink well! 🙂
  
  18 May 2019 - 17:28
  
- Gabriella Valis says:
  
  Hi Johnny!
  You are so right - some springs (especially the highly mineralised ones) are not to be trifled with...? This is why you should always follow your doctor's recommendation for a drinking regime, and not experiment with large amounts of spring water on your own.
  I don't know where the expression "drinking well" comes from, but it refers to the fact that spring water is often diverted from the source to a more accessible location with a well/tap - outdoors or indoors.
  Good luck with your journey!
  The Czech spa triangle is well worth a visit, just as the text describes. Thank you for a great report!
  
  Gabriella Valis
  Spakonsult
  Czech Spa Tours
  
  22 May 2019 - 12:45
  
Ama de casa says:

Really beautiful views! I've only visited Prague in the Czech Republic on a weekend trip so I haven't seen a fraction of the beauty there.

Have a nice big Saturday! 🙂

18 May 2019 - 10:48

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  The Czech Republic is really full of amazing cities, castles and fortresses 🙂 .
  
  18 May 2019 - 17:28
  
Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:

How well summarised. There really is a whole science behind that. Had no idea :).

18 May 2019 - 12:19

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Yes haha, right? A little interesting I thought 🙂
  
  18 May 2019 - 17:28
  
Liniz Travel says:

Yes it was really a lovely region hugs

18 May 2019 - 17:07

- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Agreed! Have fun!
  
  18 May 2019 - 17:29
  
BP says:

Incredibly beautiful pictures! I have a feeling that these old spas can continue to live on "old merits" thanks to the tradition that water is good for health. And with modern spas, it's just continuing with a winning "recipe". Preferably a little "old-fashioned" too, just as it should be in that part of Europe. Really cosy actually.

18 May 2019 - 20:36

Lena - good for the soul says:

Of course, I get excited about all the beautiful buildings. I can imagine that I would walk around and gape there between the walls!

Hug Lena

19 May 2019 - 8:17

Ladies Abroad says:

Seems like a perfect destination to take my mum to. She would love both the spa and the city. Me too, ifs.

20 May 2019 - 8:33

Elisabeth says:

We haven't seen much of the Czech Republic, nor have we drunk wells. However, I have drunk well in Söderköping, even though there are no longer any well operations.

23 May 2019 - 11:38

Lena Fritzson says:

In a fortnight we will go to Karlovy Vary. We are staying for three days. Looking forward to spa, massage, drinking well and just enjoying all the beauty.

31 May 2019 - 16:08

Drinking well - in the Czech Republic the tradition lives on

In co-operation with Czech Tourism

Drinking well

Drinking well in the Czech Republic

The Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

Colonnades - colonnades

Drinking well - how to do it

Health wells in the Spatriangle

Spa cups

Health resorts in beautiful surroundings

More to see and do in the Czech Republic

Facts about the Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

Journey to the Spatriangle in the Czech Republic

Accommodation in Spatriangeln

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14 Comments

Johnny Friskilä says:

Helena says:

Gabriella Valis says:

Ama de casa says:

Helena says:

Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:

Helena says:

Liniz Travel says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Lena - good for the soul says:

Ladies Abroad says:

Elisabeth says:

Lena Fritzson says:

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