Františkovy Lázně Spa: Glauber Salt, Iron Moor and Gynaecology Treatment 2026

Key Facts

– Founded 1793 by Emperor Franz II — UNESCO Great Spa of Europe (2021) – 24 mineral springs — Glauber salt up to 23 g/l, iron-rich, CO₂ – Europe’s leading gynaecological spa ★★★ — infertility, pelvic inflammation, cycle disorders – Iron-rich peat moor — from centuries-old forest bogs, natural oestrogen-like compounds – 150 hectares of parkland — the largest park-to-guest ratio of any Czech spa – German-speaking doctors and therapists — Goethe stayed here 19 times – No prepayment — pay at the hotel on arrival

Františkovy Lázně at a Glance

Feature	Details
Founded	1793 by Emperor Franz II
Springs	24, 8–12 °C, Glauber salt up to 23 g/l, iron, CO₂
Strongest Spring	Glauberquelle III — 23 g/l (Europe’s highest Glauber-salt concentration)
Specialisation	Gynaecology ★★★, Infertility ★★★, Cardiovascular ★★
Peat Moor	Iron-rich, from forest bogs, natural oestrogen-like compounds
Spa Park	150 hectares
Kurdauer	14–21 days recommended

What Does Františkovy Lázně Treat?

Františkovy Lázně has a 230-year documented history in gynaecology — a specialisation deeper and more established than at any other European spa resort.

– Infertility — Glauber salt regulates hormone balance, iron-rich moor acts directly on ovaries and uterus (★★★) – Chronic pelvic inflammation — moor packs deliver deep hyperthermia and bioactive compounds to pelvic organs – Cycle disorders, menopause symptoms — Glauber-salt drinking cure regulates hormonal function – cardiovascular diseases — natural CO₂ dry-gas baths lower blood pressure, dilate capillaries (★★★) – Iron-deficiency anaemia — iron-rich springs promote red blood cell formation – Chronic constipation — Glauber salt acts osmotically, drawing water into the bowel, without chemical laxatives – Rheumatic diseases — iron-rich moor packs reduce inflammation in joints

The Springs of Františkovy Lázně

Spring	Location	Temperature	Note
Glauberquelle III	Glauber Hall	10 °C	23 g/l — strongest Glauber-salt water in Europe
Franzensquelle	Franzens Colonnade	9 °C	CO₂-rich, iron — the main drinking spring
Luisenquelle	Luisen Colonnade	11 °C	Iron, Glauber salt — for anaemia
Salzige Quelle	Park	10 °C	Glauber salt, sulfate — for liver and gall bladder
Wiesenquelle	Meadow Park	12 °C	CO₂, calcium, magnesium — mildest

Treatments in Františkovy Lázně

Glauber-salt drinking cure: The Glauberquelle III at 23 g/l is Europe’s strongest Glauber-salt water. It is drunk cold — 100–200 ml on an empty stomach in the morning. The Glauber salt (sodium sulfate) acts osmotically: it draws water into the bowel, softening stool and promoting natural elimination without the cramps of chemical laxatives. Simultaneously, it stimulates gall bladder contraction and improves liver function. For infertility patients, the Glauber-salt cure regulates the hormonal axis by improving liver metabolism of oestrogen. mineral water therapy — learn more.

Iron-rich moor pack: The defining gynaecological treatment. The peat moor from the surrounding forest bogs — rich in humic acids, fulvic acids and organic iron compounds — is heated to 42–45 °C and applied as a full-body or partial pack over the pelvic area. The heat and bioactive compounds penetrate deep into the tissue, increasing blood flow to the ovaries, uterus and pelvic floor. The organic iron is absorbed transdermally and supports red blood cell formation. The pack lasts 15–20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of passive sweating in thermal foil. A course of 12–15 packs is standard for gynaecological conditions. Moor pack treatment — learn more.

CO₂ dry-gas bath: The natural CO₂ from Františkovy Lázně’s springs is delivered as a dry gas in a special cabin — the patient sits inside, head outside, breathing normal air. The CO₂ acts exclusively through the skin, expanding capillaries by up to 300 percent. Blood pressure drops measurably within five minutes. This is the ideal cardiovascular treatment for patients who cannot tolerate heat — no hot water, no thermal stress, just the vasodilating effect of CO₂ on the skin.

Iron-rich drinking cure: The Franzensquelle and Luisenquelle — naturally rich in iron — are prescribed for iron-deficiency anaemia. The organically dissolved ferrous iron is absorbed more efficiently by the body than synthetic iron supplements, without the gastrointestinal side effects of tablets.

History and Atmosphere

Františkovy Lázně was founded on imperial command. Emperor Franz II of Austria, hearing reports of mineral springs on the Teplá Monastery’s lands, ordered the construction of a spa settlement in 1793 — and gave it his name. The town was planned from scratch: broad avenues, symmetrical parks, neoclassical spa buildings in a unified architectural vision. The result is a harmonious, green spa town without the narrow valley constraint of Karlovy Vary or the high-plateau exposure of Mariánské Lázně.

The most famous guest was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Between 1806 and 1823, he visited 19 times. It was here, at the age of 72, that he met the 19-year-old Ulrike von Levetzow and fell passionately in love — an episode that inspired the “Marienbad Elegy”, his greatest late poem. The Goethe House, where he stayed, is now a museum. Ludwig van Beethoven composed here in 1812, and Emperor Franz Joseph I was a regular guest.

Františkovy Lázně is the quietest of the Triangle spas. It has fewer hotels than Karlovy Vary (about 15), fewer tourists, and more park per guest. The 150-hectare park — with rare trees, ponds and the Isabella Promenade — is the centre of spa life. The Glauber Hall, built in 1928 in Bauhaus style, houses the Glauberquelle III. The Franzens Colonnade from 1826, in neoclassical style, shelters three springs. For guests who want a focused medical cure in a quiet, green environment, Františkovy Lázně is the most peaceful choice in the Triangle.

Attractions Near Františkovy Lázně

– 🏛 Franzens Colonnade — neoclassical from 1826, three springs, heart of the spa – 🎨 Glauber Hall — Bauhaus style, 1928, Europe’s strongest Glauber-salt spring – 🌿 150-Hectare Park — Isabella Promenade, rare trees, statues, ponds – 📖 Goethe House — where Goethe stayed during his 19 visits, now a museum – 🏰 Salingburg Tower — lookout tower near the resort, romantic ruins – ⛪ Cheb (Eger) — medieval town with one of Central Europe’s best-preserved market squares, 15 km

Getting to Františkovy Lázně from Germany

Františkovy Lázně is the closest Czech spa to the German border — only 10 kilometres from Bavaria. From Nuremberg it is 140 kilometres (1 hour 45 minutes), from Dresden 220 kilometres (2 hours 30 minutes). The resort has its own railway station with connections from Cheb (Eger) on the main Nuremberg–Prague line. The door-to-door transfer with German-speaking driver collects you from your home address. Karlovy Vary International Airport is 50 kilometres away.

A Typical Spa Day in Františkovy Lázně

Time	Activity
07:00	Rise — drinking cure with Glauber-salt water
07:30	Rest period — 20 minutes, light movement
08:00	Light breakfast
09:00	CO₂ dry-gas bath — 15 minutes
10:00	Walk in the 150-hectare park — 45–60 minutes
11:30	Iron-rich moor pack — 15 minutes over pelvic area
12:00	Rest period — 30 minutes
12:30	Lunch
14:00	Massage or lymphatic drainage
16:00	Second drinking cure — iron-rich water
17:30	Dinner
19:00	Evening walk — Isabella Promenade

Frequently Asked Questions