When visiting the spa town of Luhačovice, your steps will surely lead you to the most sought-after destinations. Whether it’s the Spa Square, the Grand Colonnade, or the Luhačovice Dam. Many places can only be visited on foot. However, the dam offers the possibility of a cycling trip. During fine weather, you can take advantage of the situation and combine both options together. Hop on your bike at Hotel Vincent, walk through the spa centre with your bike beside you, and then head off along the cycle path towards the dam. Visit the most popular spots during your trip.
Since the springs are located in the pedestrian zone of the spa, cyclists are prohibited here. Nevertheless, the springs are worth a stop during your wandering. You can walk alongside your bike. You can start with a tasting of Dr. Šťastný mineral water. You’ll find the spring in a small park near the Inhalatorium. You can rest under mature trees on a bench. Across the water, you’ll catch a glimpse of the circular pavilion concealing Ottovka. The most popular spring can be drawn into bottles. Nearby you’ll find tennis courts.
Continue along the water and you’ll reach Spa Square. The New Jubilee Spring bubbles up next to the Community House. Then head towards the spa colonnade. The arched structure is topped by the Vincentka hall. Leave your bikes in the cool shade under a mature willow and go take a look inside. After being refreshed by tasting the springs, you have no choice but to walk along the Šťávnice river to the very end of the spa. During your walk through the spa centre, the exquisite architecture of Dušan Jurkovič is certainly worth noticing.
Perhaps every visitor’s eye pauses over the beautiful buildings that accompany walks through the spa. The most famous building in Luhačovice, Jurkovič House, can be found right on Spa Square near the colonnade. One of the first buildings by this Slovak architect currently serves as a spa hotel. Above it, hidden in the forests, lies the Chaloupka villa. The architect reconstructed this at his own expense. On your way further from Spa Square and closer to the cycle path heading to the dam, you won’t miss the Music Pavilion and the building called Jestřábí. Nearby is the so-called Japanese Garden offering rest in the shade by a shallow pond. At the very beginning of the cycle path stands the Sun and River Baths. In their heyday, they served as a relaxation spot for the local elite. Today, the lido no longer serves its purpose.
Get on your bike and head upstream to the water reservoir itself. The cycle path is lined with mature trees casting pleasant cool shade on hot summer days. The Luhačovice Dam itself is a frequent destination for leisurely walks or cycle tourism. The reservoir originally served as flood protection. Construction of the dam began in 1912 and due to the outbreak of the First World War, was only completed in 1930. It’s connected to Luhačovice by the Jurkovič Avenue walking path. You can also reach the dam by sightseeing train from the centre.
Take advantage of the tarmac surface around the reservoir, stated to be 3.3 km long. The surface is suitable for cycling and inline skating. On hot summer days, you can enjoy refreshment in the form of water fun at the Duha swimming area. Children’s hearts will leap at the sight of Pirate Bay. The rope centre is located on the shore of Luhačovice Dam. The area offers seating and refreshments for purchase. Continue cycling around the dam. You can stop here and there, sit on a wooden bench and enjoy nature. Occasionally you might catch a glimpse of a carp splashing on the surface. Now all that awaits you is trying out the exercise equipment placed along the path and viewing the water from the dam wall.
