"Frantiskovy Lazne - a typical spa town" Frantiskovy Lazne by german_eagle

Frantiskovy Lazne Travel Guide: 15 reviews and 148 photos

Located in the famous West Bohemian "spa town triangle" Frantiskovy Lazne is the smallest and least upscale of the three spa towns, both Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne are much larger and considerably more glitzy (and definitely more expensive). As Frantiskovy Lazne is the closest to the Saxon border I decided to visit this one from Bad Elster, where I stayed for a few days in spring 2009.

Elevation is 442 m (roughly 1,500 ft.), the town is set in a flat basin surrounded by mid-range mountains which makes for a friendly, wide open scenery (unlike in the other two spa towns which are located in valleys in more mountaineous areas). Population is about 5,000 thus Frantiskovy Lazne has a quiet small-town ambience.

Casino

While the springs were known from the 12th century on, Frantiskovy Lazne was founded by Hapsburg Emperor Franz II only in 1793. Until then the mineral water was known as "Eger water" with "Eger being the German name for the Czech town Cheb nowadays, located only 5 km southeast.

The buildings in the spa town district are well restored, the parks and gardens there are beautiful and well maintained. Not so in the surrounding districts of town - it is quite run down, dirty and locals seem to be quite poor. The difference is amazing.

Glauber Salt spring

The 24 cold mineral springs (temps between 10 and 12.5 C) are used for medical baths and for drinking. From the 18th century on the water was bottled and shipped all over the Hapsburg Empire. There is still a mineral water plant in Frantiskovy Lazne that employs a number of locals and ships their bottles all over Europe.

Intro Updated May 6, 2010
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Reviews (11)

Orthodox church Off The Beaten Path (2)

The orthodox St.-Olga-church was consecrated in 1888, thus it is one of the oldest orthodox churches in the Czech... more travel advice

Zamenhof monument Off The Beaten Path (2)

Who was Ludwik Lejzer Zamenhof? Hm. There is a monument for him in the city park, close to the Stanislav... more travel advice

pavillion with Louise's spring - Frantiskovy Lazne

Louise's Spring Things to Do (8)

Just west of the immediate spa district and the Casino (cross the transit road, Machova street) is right next to another... more travel advice

view down Narodni (street) to Francis's spring - Frantiskovy Lazne

Francis's spring Things to Do (8)

Right in the heart of the spa district is the most important spring, also the one that was discovered and used first:... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Hearty Bohemian Food

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Comments (6)

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Kathrin_E Jun 17, 2011 at 1:55 AM

Auch zu weit weg von Annaberg, aber jedenfalls ein Eindruck... Schöne Fotos!
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BruceDunning Oct 9, 2010 at 2:04 PM

We had wanted to cross over the border when planning to go to Bayreuth-but rental car fees were terribly high. Thanks for the virtual trip and nice job of describing the spa town. We still plan that May 2011 trip
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Nemorino Jul 11, 2010 at 5:33 AM

Too bad they still allow smoking in the restaurants there. I would have preferred the terrace, too. Smoking in a spa seems counter-productive in any case, since a spa is supposed to make people healthy.
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b1bob May 6, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Nice tips and pics especially the Gruzia.
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HORSCHECK Mar 9, 2010 at 12:08 PM

Brilliant photos here. I am looking forward to reading more about this place after your recent visit. :-)
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yumyum May 10, 2009 at 12:10 PM

Oho, gibt's bald was neues?!