Best Spa Treatments Available at Elizabeth Baths

Choosing the right therapy can be difficult with so many options. Most guests start with traditional water-based cures. These use the local thermal springs to improve circulation and skin health. Here are the top picks for your next visit.

• Best for Health: Thermal Mineral Bath
• Best for Relaxation: Classical Massage
• Best for Families: Swimming Pool Complex
• Best for Breathing: Salt Cave Session

1. Name: Thermal Mineral Bath Type: sight Why go: This is the most traditional treatment in the city. It uses warm mineral water to relax muscles and joints. Best for: People with joint pain or chronic stress. Where: Hydrotherapy department on the ground floor. Time: 20 minutes plus 20 minutes of dry wrap. Cost: Moderate (usually 20-30 EUR). Getting there: Walk to the main reception from the park entrance. Tip: Rest quietly in the dry wrap to maximize the healing effects.
2. Name: Mud Pack Treatment Type: experience Why go: It uses local peloids to apply deep heat to the body. This helps with localized pain and inflammation. Best for: Back pain and stiff muscles. Where: Specialized mud treatment rooms. Time: 20 to 30 minutes. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Follow the signs for "Slatinné zábaly" inside the building. Tip: Drink plenty of water afterward to stay hydrated.
3. Name: Carbon Dioxide Bath Type: sight Why go: Carbon dioxide is added to the water to lower blood pressure. It creates a pleasant tingling sensation on the skin. Best for: Heart health and circulation. Where: Private bath cabins. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Check in at the main balneo reception. Tip: Keep your head above the water level at all times.
4. Name: Underwater Massage Type: activity Why go: A therapist uses a pressurized water jet while you soak in a tub. It provides a very deep tissue massage. Best for: Athletes or those with very tight muscles. Where: Massage wing of the spa. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Locate the hydro-massage section near the pool. Tip: Tell the therapist if the water pressure is too high.
5. Name: Salt Cave Experience Type: experience Why go: You sit in a room made of natural salt blocks. The air is filled with minerals that help your lungs. Best for: Allergies and respiratory issues. Where: Lower level of the Elizabeth Baths. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low (usually under 15 EUR). Getting there: Access via the side entrance near the cafe. Tip: Wear warm socks as the cave can feel a bit cool.
6. Name: Classical Full-Body Massage Type: activity Why go: Professional therapists use traditional techniques to ease tension. It is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. Best for: General wellness and stress relief. Where: Upper floor massage rooms. Time: 50 minutes. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Take the elevator to the first floor. Tip: Book this at least two days in advance during peak season.
7. Name: Manual Lymphatic Drainage Type: activity Why go: This gentle massage helps the body remove toxins and reduce swelling. It is very popular for detoxing. Best for: Reducing water retention and boosting immunity. Where: Medical spa department. Time: 45 to 60 minutes. Cost: High. Getting there: Ask for the medical wing at the front desk. Tip: Avoid eating a heavy meal right before this treatment.
8. Name: Swimming Pool & Sauna Access Type: activity Why go: This is the largest indoor pool in the city center. It includes whirlpools and a steam room. Best for: Families and budget-conscious travelers. Where: The pool wing of the Elizabeth Baths historical building. Time: 1 to 2 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Use the dedicated pool entrance on the side. Tip: Check the Elizabeth Baths Karlovy Vary opening hours pool schedule before visiting.
9. Name: Inhalation Therapy Type: experience Why go: You breathe in atomized mineral water through a mask. It cleans the airways effectively. Best for: Smokers or people with chronic coughs. Where: Inhalation gallery. Time: 10 to 15 minutes. Cost: Very low. Getting there: Located near the medical consultation rooms. Tip: Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose.

Planning Your Visit to the Elizabeth Baths

The building itself is a masterpiece of neo-Baroque architecture. It was named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. Today, it remains a public spa that welcomes everyone. You do not need a doctor's note for most wellness treatments. However, some medical procedures may require a quick consultation on-site.

Getting to the spa is very easy for most tourists. It is located at the edge of the pedestrian zone. You can take a local bus or walk from most central hotels. If you are coming from outside the city, the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary operates frequent local transit. The main train station is also a short bus ride away.

Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you time to change and find your treatment room. Most staff speak basic English and German. They will guide you through the process and provide towels if needed. Remember that Karlovy Vary is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, so respect the local rules.

Top Things to See Near the Elizabeth Baths

After your treatments, you should explore the surrounding area. The city is famous for its beautiful colonnades and hot springs. These are all within walking distance of the spa. You can drink the mineral water for free at many locations. Just remember to buy a traditional porcelain spa cup first.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: day trip Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. It features 124 columns and several healing springs. Best for: Photography and morning walks. Where: About a 10-minute walk from Elizabeth Baths. Time: 30 to 60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south through the Smetana Park. Tip: Read our Mill Colonnade Karlovy Vary guide for spring details.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: day trip Why go: It houses the Vridlo geyser, which shoots water 12 meters high. You can see the power of nature here. Best for: Seeing the city's hottest spring. Where: The heart of the spa zone. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue past the Mill Colonnade along the river. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how the geyser works.