Poděbrady
Jeseník
On the bank of the River Elbe, in countryside as flat as a table, there lies the spa town of Poděbrady, a town in a park. Poděbrady is renowned for treating diseases of the circulatory system – there is even a unique spa analogue of an intensive care unit. Treatment of diabetes is also highly effective. In 1904, a famous dowser pinpointed the site, where a strong CO2 acidulous spring was drilled. As soon as four years later, the first spa season began in Poděbrady. However, the real, very rapid development of the spa began after the formation of the Republic. Gradually, treatment houses, guest houses, hotels, a railway station, and a villa district were built. A breakthrough in the spa development came in 1926, when the First Investigation and Medical Institute for Heart Diseases was established. It was led by Prof. Dr. Václav Libenský, the founder and the first president of the Czech Society of Cardiology, thanks to whom the institute gained a great reputation throughout Europe. A spa park was set up, new springs were opened – in 1930, 16 of them were operational – and additional spa buildings were constructed. It was then that the slogan that all Czechs know was created: “Poděbrady for your heart”. Famous guests visited – Presidents Masaryk and Beneš stayed here, as well as famous Czech actors, the singer Emma Destinn, writers, poets, and others. ▪ www.lazne-podebrady.cz
This spa, embraced by the beautiful mountains, has several rarities and points of uniqueness. According to recent measurements, there is, for example, the cleanest environment in the central Europe. Another gem is the founder of the spa, the world-renowned healer Vincenz Priessnitz. His hydrotherapy method has not yet been surpassed. A world rarity is the Vincenz Priessnitz Balneopark, a special “water garden” in which you can wade through streams, try Priessnitz’s benches or Scottish Showers. All this is beneficial for the treatment of respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, mental, as well as skin diseases. In the early 19th century, little Vincenz Priessnitz noticed a doe, which used to come and wash its injured leg in a well, and was completely cured. When he later had a serious injury, he took advantage of the power of the water, and cold compresses helped him when doctors had given up. He was the very first person in the world to build a small improvised hydrotherapy spa at the springs of the Studniční Mountain – a simple shack with two baths. However, his fame soared, and soon he treated the most significant people from all over Europe. At the time of the newly formed Republic, an excellent psychologist and psychiatrist Dr. Josef Reinhold took over his method, and added the latest scientific knowledge. Rich clients from many European countries, but also from the USA and Canada, sought him out. ▪ en.priessnitz.cz
Lázně Bělohrad The absolute calm, the pleasant small-town atmosphere, the surrounding forests and meadows, and, of course, the local healing mud – such is the foothill town of Lázně Bělohrad. Poultices, baths, and wraps of the famous Bělohrad marsh successfully treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and skin diseases. Till today, the rich spa cultural programme offers promenade concerts, organised in the same place as at the time of the formation of the Republic, and dance evenings, talks, and lectures are held. The most important cultural event of the town is the International Song and Dance Festival Pod Zvičinou (one of the oldest Czech folklore shows) and the Opening of the spa season (taking place every year in May). Bělohrad peat was used for treatment as early as the late 19th century, but the spa started developing only with the discovery of a ferritic acidulous spring with arsenic content. Since then, sulphurous-ferric marshland peat has been used as a natural medical source. ▪ www.belohrad.cz
Discover more in Spas and health resorts brochure. For more professional and business information: Czech Spa Association www.lecebnelazne.cz/en/ sekretariat@lecebnelazne.cz and Association of spas www.jedemedolazni.cz/en/ info@jedemedolazni.cz
Jeseník
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