Mariánské Lázně – kolonáda a Spievajúca fontána

Mariánské Lázně (German: Marienbad) is a spa town in the Karlovy Vary Region, about 27 km southeast of Cheb. With an area of nearly 52 km² and roughly 14,000 residents, it is among the best-known destinations West Bohemia has to offer – yet it is the youngest of the famed trio of West Bohemian spa towns.

Since 2021, Mariánské Lázně, together with Františkovy Lázně and Karlovy Vary, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the entry Great Spa Towns of Europe. This recognition confirms that it is not merely a place for treatment but an entire architectural and social phenomenon that shaped European spa culture. A walk through the town is thus also a walk through its history.

At the heart of the spa district is the colonnade – a grand setting for strolling, relaxing and socialising, the kind that is inseparable from traditional spas. Nearby, the Singing Fountain draws attention, blending water and music into a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Greenery and a calm atmosphere round out the town's surroundings, inviting you to slow down and take in the genius loci of a classic spa resort.

Mariánské Lázně lies in a picturesque corner bordering neighbouring municipalities such as Velká Hleďsebe, Lázně Kynžvart and Drmoul, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider West Bohemia region. If you're planning a trip to see the colonnade and the Singing Fountain, it's worth booking accommodation nearby and spreading the visit over a more relaxed pace – spa towns are best enjoyed when there's no need to rush, allowing time for a morning or evening walk along the promenade, when the town is at its most beautiful.