Jesenik: Spa Tradition, Healing Springs and Trails

Jesenik is a destination for visitors who want to shape their stay around spa traditions, springs and walking trails. Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně lie above Jeseník at an average altitude of 620 metres. When choosing a hotel, a good first step may be to decide whether you are especially interested in the history of spa treatments, the town’s history, or trails and activities.

Spa Traditions and Springs

Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně make use of favourable climatic conditions and the healing power of around 80 registered local springs. Traditional healing methods and the legacy of Vincenz Priessnitz were added to the Czech Republic’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. The Balneopark is designed as a water garden with stations for hydrotherapy and relaxation. Its facilities include a natural shower with cold spring water. A stay around Jesenik therefore centres on both the history of healing methods and their connection with water and nature.

Walking Trails with Different Themes

Several trails explore the history of the spa town, each with a different focus. The Stezka Schroth-Priessnitz educational trail connects the Jeseník spa facilities with the Na Pomezí saddle and includes eight stops. The Stezka Vincenze Priessnitze passes nine springs; the texts at the stops explain the history of spa treatments. The trail is six kilometres long and is described as a circular route. It starts at the bus terminus in the spa town and ends at Jižní svah above the town’s spa area.

Two routes offered by Jesenické toulky take you past the historic monuments of the spa town of Jeseník. The Stezkou Víly pramene educational trail offers another perspective on the history of spa treatments in the Jesenicko region: it passes through Smetanovy sady and has seven stops. The different numbers of stops and route lengths give you practical points of reference when planning a short walk or a longer outing.

Museums and Architectural History

Vodní tvrz has been an immovable cultural monument since 1963 and houses the Vlastivědné muzeum Jesenicka. The town museum in Jeseník was founded in autumn 1900. The Muzeum Vincenze Priessnitze offers another perspective on local spa history, with a permanent exhibition about the healer’s life and work. It also features a life-size figure of Priessnitz and a model of the spa town from the 19th century; exhibition content may change.

Katovna also brings architecture and traditional stories together. The burgher house was built in the Baroque-Rococo style and is associated with the legend that Jeseník’s executioner lived there. The historic Katovna houses the interactive exhibition Objev Jesenicko, with multimedia panels about the landscape of the Jesenicko region, a live aquarium, six IQ exhibits and board games. This exhibition content may also change.

Views and Outdoor Activities

A 26-metre-high stone observation tower stands on Zlatý Chlum. The Vyhlídkový okruh from Jeseník passes Křížový vrch, the observation tower and the Čertovy kameny viewpoint. Check trail conditions before hiking. For cycling, the YES-cyklo network around the spa town of Jeseník includes more than 200 kilometres of marked circular routes. In winter, the Jeseník-SKI-Aréna offers cross-country ski trails around the former barracks; a route connecting to these circuits runs via Bělá to Filipovice.

The DiscGolfPark Priessnitz is also located in Vincenz Priessnitz Park. Natural obstacles and questions about the spa facilities add to the challenge on the courses. Discs can be borrowed from the spa information centre or the reception at the Priessnitz Sanatorium. Conditions of use and rental options may change; check current availability before your visit.

Getting There by Train

Jeseník railway station is on line 292 between Šumperk and Jeseník and line 318 between Jeseník, Krnov, Mikulovice and Zlaté Hory. The station has a bicycle rental service; check whether it is currently available before travelling. The Slezský Semmering railway takes travellers to Jeseník. From there, they can continue to Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně, Křížový vrch or the Zlatý Chlum observation tower. Check the timetable and connections before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Vidnava, Bílá Voda U Javorníka, Uhelná, Horni Lipova, Bílá Voda, Hradec-Nová Ves, Stará Červená Voda, Žulová.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Jeseník.