Sightseeing and relaxation – the perfect blend

Helfštýn Castle

Helfštýn is one of the largest castles in Central Europe. It is dominated by the Hussite Tower with observation deck, and the Medieval Palace. The palace was recently equipped with a unique, modern roof and newly-built footbridges, so the upper storeys of the palace have been opened up, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape of the Moravian Gate Valley.

Tips in the environs

Spa tip: Teplice nad Bečvou Spa – the first permanent spa here, one of the oldest in Moravia, was built by the owner of the Hranice domain in 1553. Located directly under the spa buildings, rock crevices, a continuation of the nearby vast cave system, are the source of the local healing water – Teplice Mineral Water.

Čechy pod Kosířem Chateau

This picturesque Neo-Classicist chateau surrounded by a vast English-style park took its present form in the second half of the 18th century. There are several guided tours available, such as the classic tour of the chateau interiors from the era of the last owners, which includes a collection of paintings by Josef Mánes, but you can also visit the Film Exhibition dedicated to the films of Zdeněk & Jan Svěrák (Kolya) and the Exhibit of Vintage Bicycles.

Náměšť na Hané Chateau

The chateau was built in the 1760s by Count Ferdinand von Harrach as a “greenfield” project. Through marriage, the chateau soon came into the possession of the House of Kinský. The Neo-Classicist chateau boasts richly decorated Rococo interiors presenting the lifestyle of high aristocracy. The chateau hosts a number of cultural events.

Spa tip: Slatinice Spa – the history of Slatinice Spa goes back to the 16th century. Its therapeutic treatments are based on a natural spring of moderately mineralised water with hydrogen sulphide – for both curative drinking and baths.

Velké Losiny Chateau

The chateau was built in the late 16th century by John the Younger of Žerotín, who was also instrumental in the development of the local spa and founded the handmade paper mill, still in operation. At the beginning of the 19th century, the House of Žerotín were forced to sell the indebted domain with chateau to the House of Liechtenstein. The chateau has one of the best displays of late-Renaissance living and architecture in Europe.

Spa and wellness tip:

• Velké Losiny Spa – founded in 1592, the spa is sought-after especially due to the therapeutic effect of the warmest Moravian springs – the basic treatment is bathing in thermal sulphurous water.
• Therme park Velké Losiny – this unique thermal park blends relaxation, regeneration, rest, and beneficial thermal water.

Kolštejn Chateau

Renaissance Kolštejn Chateau comes from the 16th century when the Gothic castle of Goldek, first mentioned in 1325, was redeveloped. Over more than 700 years, the castle was owned by 11 noble families, including John of Luxembourg, the House of Žerotín, and members of the House of Liechtenstein.

The redeveloped chateau offers a guided tour, as well as accommodation where you can experience a romantic, unusual stay in the Chateau Goldenstein Hotel.

Wellness tip:

• Kolštejn Wellness Centre – offering a wide variety of activities, swimming pool, hotel, and mini-brewery, it’s the perfect place for moments of peace, relaxation, recreation, and fun. Its sauna ceremonies are very popular.

Jeseník Water Fortress

The late-medieval fortress protected by a moat, gate, and stone bridge was redeveloped from a citadel built around 1328. Today it houses the Jeseník Regional Museum with permanent exhibitions of local history, fauna and flora, and the cellars offer the interactive Witch Trials Exhibition.

Spa and wellness tip:

• Priessnitz Spa Resort in Jeseník – the spa owes its existence and later fame to Vincenz Priessnitz, the founder of hydrotherapy, who in 1822 established the world’s first hydropathic institute at Gräfenberg.
• Balneopark – this “water garden” was built along a stream and features a set of hydrotherapeutic and relaxation facilities. Cold water, sunshine, and movement restores health in people to this day.
• Schroth Spa in Dolní Lipová – the spa is intrinsically associated with Johann Schroth, who founded the spa in 1829. The resort is renowned for its successful treatment of skin diseases, obesity, and diabetes.