What to See and Do in Luhačovice for a Weekend — Complete Guide
Luhačovice ranks amongst the most beautiful spa towns in Central Europe. The unique combination of healing mineral springs, Art Nouveau architecture by Dušan Jurkovič, and peaceful Moravian countryside makes it an ideal destination for a weekend escape from daily hustle. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, culture, gastronomy, or active pursuits, Luhačovice will surprise you with its diversity. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect weekend in Luhačovice — from touring the mineral springs through exploring Art Nouveau gems to excursions in the surrounding area.
Mineral Springs Circuit — Heart of Luhačovice Spa
Mineral springs are the main reason visitors have been coming to Luhačovice for centuries. Across the town’s territory, 15 natural healing springs bubble up, six of which are accessible to the public. All springs are of the hydrogen carbonate-chloride-sodium type with a rich content of free carbon dioxide, yet each has a different taste, temperature, and mineral composition. A walk around the springs is one of the loveliest experiences you can take away from Luhačovice — and it’s completely free.
Vincentka — The Most Famous Spring
Vincentka is unquestionably the most famous Luhačovice spring. It bears its name after Count Vincenc Serényi, owner of the local estate, since the late 18th century. Previously known as the “Main Spring”, its first modifications date back to 1680. Vincentka is exceptional for its increased content of boric acid, fluorides, and barium. It’s the only local mineral water that’s bottled and sold in pharmacies and selected shops throughout the country. You’ll find the spring in Vincentka Hall right in the heart of the spa complex. The taste is distinctly salty and mineral — prepare for an intense experience.
Ottovka — In the Valley Below the Rock
Ottovka is the third most famous spring and received its name after another member of the Serényi family, Count Otto. The mineral water originally bubbled from a gorge called “V Zelnici” on the right bank of Horní Olšava below the foot of Malá Kamenná. Only in 1905 was the spring, flowing from a crack in sandstone, captured in a stone cellar. The path to Ottovka leads along a pleasant trail beside the stream and offers a quiet walk away from the main spa bustle. The water has a milder taste than Vincentka and is suitable for drinking cures.
Aloiska — The Oldest of the Springs
Aloiska is amongst the oldest Luhačovice springs — its existence is documented before 1770. Originally called the “Forest Spring” or “Spring in the Mountain”, it had the character of a simple well. In 1830, the spring was named after Countess Aloisie Serényiová. You’ll find it in romantic forest surroundings near the centre. The path to Aloiska is a popular walk that combines nature with history. The water is somewhat milder in mineralisation and for many visitors the most pleasant tasting.
Dr Šťastný Spring
Dr Šťastný Spring is natural, very highly mineralised, iodine-rich, carbonated mineral water. It’s characterised by increased content of metaboric acid, fluorine, iodine, lithium, strontium, barium, and bromides. It was named after Dr František Šťastný, who contributed to the development of Luhačovice spa at the beginning of the 20th century. The spring is located near Aloiska and offers a distinctly salty taste with an iodine undertone. Locals believe this spring is the most effective for treating respiratory ailments.
St Joseph Spring
St Joseph Spring is the newest of the publicly accessible springs — it was obtained through deep drilling in 2000. It’s located near the local church, which gives it a special atmosphere. Although it’s the youngest spring, its mineral composition is full-bodied and represents another taste variant worth comparing with other springs. It’s a frequently visited place that’s often the first stop for those arriving from the upper part of town.
Amandka
Amandka is currently listed as an observation spring, meaning it’s not primarily intended for drinking cures, but you can visit it and see its surroundings. It’s still part of the complete Luhačovice springs circuit and completes the overall picture of this territory’s mineral wealth. A walk from one spring to another takes approximately one to two hours depending on pace and how long you linger at each spring.
Practical tip: Bring your own bottle or cup. Disposable containers aren’t always available at the springs. Water from the springs is best drunk fresh on-site — when stored, it loses carbon dioxide and changes taste. We recommend starting the circuit at Vincentka in the centre and gradually moving to Ottovka, Aloiska, and Dr Šťastný — this way you’ll walk through the most beautiful parts of the spa park.
Walk Through Dušan Jurkovič’s Architecture
Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič fundamentally influenced Luhačovice’s appearance between 1902 and 1914. His unique style, known as Folk Art Nouveau, combines elements of traditional folk architecture of Valašsko and Slovácko with modern Art Nouveau concepts. In just two years, he realised fourteen buildings, eight of which still stand in the spa town today. Currently, a nomination of Jurkovič’s buildings for the UNESCO World Heritage List is being prepared. Forty immovable cultural monuments are registered in Luhačovice.
Jurkovič House
Jurkovič House is the flagship of the entire complex. This impressive building combines the function of a community centre with spa operations and still serves as one of the town’s main symbols today. The façade is decorated with colourful ornaments inspired by folk embroidery, wooden elements, and ceramic details. Jurkovič House is a cultural monument and you can view its interior when visiting the spa. It’s located right in the heart of the spa complex and you can’t miss it.
Villa Chaloupka
Villa Chaloupka is one of Jurkovič’s most charming realisations. It’s a smaller building that, with its scale and details, resembles an idyllic Wallachian cottage, yet with extraordinarily elaborate Art Nouveau elements. Wooden carvings, painted windows, and the characteristic roof create a poetic whole that’s a favourite subject for photographers. Chaloupka is a protected cultural monument and represents a perfect example of Jurkovič’s art of connecting tradition with modernity.
Valaška
Hotel Valaška is another of Jurkovič’s iconic buildings. Its name refers to the Wallachian axe — valašticka, symbol of the local region. The building combines the majestic scale of hotel operations with the intimacy of folk architecture. Wooden balconies, colourful ornaments, and characteristic turrets make Valaška one of the most photogenic buildings in town. It still operates as a hotel today and you can book accommodation there — it’s a unique experience to sleep in a living cultural monument.
Jestřabí
The original Jestřabský Mill from 1710 was reconstructed by Jurkovič into a hydrotherapy institute, giving the old building an entirely new purpose while preserving the spirit of place. The building is an example of sensitive reconstruction and transformation of a historic building into a modern spa facility. Jestřabí is part of the spa complex and its surroundings offer pleasant walks through the park.
Sunny Baths
Sunny Baths from 1903 are one of Jurkovič’s most interesting buildings from a functional perspective. They originally served as a swimming pool and consisted of an entrance building, pool, and changing cabins. The wooden construction with characteristic folk architecture elements created a unique space for open-air bathing. Although they no longer serve their original purpose, Sunny Baths remain an important part of the town’s architectural heritage.
Music Pavilion
The Music Pavilion below Jestřabí is a small but charming building that still serves its original purpose — hosting concerts and cultural events in the open air. During summer months, colonnade concerts are held here, which are part of the indispensable atmosphere of Luhačovice spa. The pavilion is a protected cultural monument and its decorative wooden elements showcase Jurkovič’s sense for detail even on a smaller scale.
Practical tip: Allow at least two hours for a walk through Jurkovič’s buildings. Most buildings are concentrated in the spa complex and its immediate vicinity, so the route is comfortable even for less able walkers. The information centre on the colonnade offers a map with marked buildings and basic information about each one.
Spa Park and Colonnade — Heart of the Town
The spa park and colonnade form the absolute centre of Luhačovice and are where most of the town’s social life takes place. The colonnade was built in the mid-20th century according to architect Oskar Poříska’s design and consists of three connected buildings — the Great Colonnade, Small Colonnade, and Vincentka Hall.
After extensive reconstruction in 2018–2019, the colonnade transformed into a modern and pleasant place for walks by spa guests and tourists alike. Here you’ll find the tourist information centre, an interactive exhibition dedicated to mineral springs, relaxation zones, and gastronomic services. Cultural and social events are regularly held in the colonnade.
The spa park offers peaceful relaxation in greenery. Maintained flower beds, old trees, benches, and fountains create a pleasant atmosphere for walks in any season. During summer months, regular concerts are held in the park and on the colonnade — from classical music through jazz to folk. A promenade along the colonnade with a cup of mineral water in hand is the quintessence of Luhačovice spa culture and an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Around the park, you’ll also find several cafés and restaurants with terraces where you can sit and observe the bustle of spa town life. The park is accessible year-round and free of charge. An evening walk through the illuminated park has its special charm, especially on warm summer evenings.
Luhačovice Reservoir — Sport and Recreation by the Water
Luhačovice Reservoir (sometimes also called Luhačovice Lake) is a popular place for active relaxation and recreation. The water surface surrounded by greenery offers a wide spectrum of activities for all age groups and fitness levels.
Water and Waterside Activities
During summer months, the reservoir transforms into a centre of water fun. You can hire pedalos, paddleboards, small boats, or kayaks and head out on the water. Swimming is very popular in summer — the water warms pleasantly on the hottest days. On the reservoir’s shore, you’ll find refreshments and rest areas.
Inline Skating and Cycling
The reservoir’s surroundings are interwoven with asphalt paths that are ideal for inline skating and cycling. The route around the reservoir is flat and suitable even for families with children or less experienced skaters. You can borrow bicycles and skates from local rental shops. Cycling paths also lead further into the surroundings — you can take a trip along Olšava or to Pozlovice.
Fishing and Walks
Anglers will appreciate the possibility of fishing at the reservoir. A walk around the entire water surface is pleasant and offers views of the town and surrounding hills. Several children’s playgrounds are located by the reservoir — the largest near Hotel Ambra and Hotel Pohoda — so the place is suitable for families with small children too.
Practical tip: The reservoir is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the spa centre. It’s nicest to head there in the afternoon when the water is warmest and sunbeams beautifully illuminate the surface.
Culture, Museums, and Events
Luhačovice isn’t just about spa culture and nature — the town offers a surprisingly rich cultural programme. The heart of the town’s culture is the Elektra Cultural and Congress Centre, a modern building right in the town centre where theatrical performances, concerts, exhibitions, dance evenings, film screenings, festivals, and markets are held.
Galleries and Exhibitions
Several galleries operate in Luhačovice, offering space to domestic and international artists. The galleries present interesting exhibitions of fine art, photography, and crafts. Art lovers can also draw inspiration from the town’s picturesque nooks where you’ll find fountains, statues, and small sculptures. You can find the current exhibition programme on the town’s website or at the information centre on the colonnade.
Museum Exhibitions
Interesting museum exhibitions include a collection dedicated to Luhačovice’s spa history, which presents a valuable ethnographic collection from the 1920s and newer acquisitions documenting spa heritage. In 2024, a private fire brigade museum was also opened with more than 4,000 exhibits — models of fire equipment and historical originals from home and abroad.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, more than a hundred cultural events take place in Luhačovice. The most significant include the summer spa season with regular colonnade concerts, spring and autumn markets, theatre festivals, and themed weekends. You can find the current programme on the town’s official website. Evening concerts on the colonnade during summer months are an unforgettable experience — sitting with Moravian wine and listening to live music under the stars is amongst the best that Luhačovice has to offer.
Gastronomy — Moravian Flavours Within Reach
Luhačovice lies in the heart of Moravia and gastronomy plays an important role here. Local restaurants offer a diverse palette from traditional Moravian cuisine through modern gastronomy to international specialities. A weekend stay in Luhačovice is an excellent opportunity to taste the best of Moravian culinary tradition.
Where to Eat in Luhačovice
Restaurant Rácek offers pleasant outdoor seating directly above the colonnade. It attracts with discounted lunch offers, dance evenings with live music, and a wine bar full of Moravian wines. It’s an ideal choice for a romantic dinner overlooking the spa park.
Restaurant Elektra is a traditional gastronomic establishment in the town centre. It opens daily at 11 o’clock and from Monday to Friday offers lunch menus with soup at discounted prices. Excellent Moravian wines are part of the offering.
Restaurant Atmosféra in Hotel Pohoda ranks amongst premium establishments in the town and surrounding area. It focuses on modern gastronomy with emphasis on quality ingredients and creative preparation.
Czech Restaurant Hotel Harmonie specialises in traditional Czech specialities. Part of the restaurant is a small terrace with views of the surrounding countryside — an ideal place for Sunday lunch.
Restaurant Rimini brings Italian cuisine for those longing for different flavours. Excellent cakes and homemade ice cream from quality ingredients will delight sweet lovers.
Moravian Wine and Vizovice Slivovitz
Moravia is synonymous with excellent wine and Luhačovice is no exception. In local wine bars and restaurants, you’ll find a rich selection of Moravian wines — from light white varieties through aromatic Traminer to full red wines. Tasting Moravian wine is an integral part of a weekend stay.
Special mention deserves Vizovice, lying just 15 minutes’ drive from Luhačovice. Vizovice is the world centre of fruit spirit production and seat of the legendary Rudolf Jelínek company. The visitor centre in Vizovice offers tours with viewing of production, a small museum full of fragrant herbs and old advertisements, halls with tanks full of slivovitz, bottling lines, and warehouses where Gold Cock whisky matures in barrels. Tours are concluded with tasting — visiting the distillery is one of the best excursions you can undertake from Luhačovice.
Practical tip: If you’re driving and want to visit the distillery, arrange for a driver who won’t be tasting, or use transport. You can buy slivovitz and other spirits in the company shop as an original souvenir from Moravia.
Excursions in the Surroundings — What to See in One Day
Luhačovice has a strategic location from which you can easily undertake excursions throughout the Zlín Region and surroundings. Here are the best tips for day trips.
ZOO Zlín Lešná (20 minutes by car)
The most visited zoological garden in Moravia was established in 1948 and is connected with the Austrian nobility of the Seilern family. Individual exhibitions are organised by continents in the castle park environment, which flows seamlessly into a forest park with numerous ponds and water reservoirs. ZOO Lešná is a full-day trip suitable for families with children and adults — the extensive grounds offer plenty of space for leisurely walks and dozens of interesting animal species from around the world.
Baťa Canal
The operational Baťa Canal on the Morava River enables visitors to cruise on rented motorboats. This 50-kilometre-long waterway was originally designed for transporting brown coal, today it serves exclusively recreational purposes. From May to September, group recreational cruises with commentary and gastronomic programmes or individual boat rentals are available. A cruise on the Baťa Canal is a unique experience — slow sailing through the South Moravian landscape with the possibility to stop at ports along the route is a romantic trip for couples and groups alike.
Buchlov Castle
The royal castle Buchlov stands on one of the highest peaks of the Chřiby Mountains at 509 metres above sea level. Its construction dates to the second half of the 13th century, followed by Gothic additions and the most significant building work occurred in the 15th century under the Lords of Cimburk. The last family to manage the castle were the Berchtolds. Buchlov offers interior tours with rich collections and magnificent views of the distant surroundings. Combine the visit with a walk to nearby Buchlovice Castle with its beautiful gardens.
Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area
The Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area and Biosphere Reserve begins practically on the edge of Luhačovice. The territory is famous for its White Carpathian meadows with orchids, which are inscribed on the UNESCO list. Here you’ll find dozens of kilometres of marked hiking trails for hikers and cyclists. The Bílé Karpaty are a paradise for nature lovers — quiet valleys, meadows full of flowers, old beech forests, and traditional Wallachian and Slovácko architecture create countryside of unrepeatable charm.
Practical tip: All the above excursion destinations are reachable within an hour’s drive from Luhačovice. For ZOO Lešná and Buchlov Castle, count on a full-day trip. The Baťa Canal and Bílé Karpaty can easily be combined with a morning programme in Luhačovice.
Weather Tips — What to Do When It Rains and When the Sun Shines
Weather in Moravia can be changeable, but you certainly won’t be bored in Luhačovice even when it rains. Here are tips for both scenarios.
When the Sun Shines
- Springs walk — circuit of all publicly accessible springs in the greenery of the spa park and surrounding forests.
- Reservoir and water activities — pedalos, paddleboards, swimming, inline skating, or cycling around the water surface.
- Architectural walk — Jurkovič’s buildings shine in sunlight when colourful ornaments and wooden details glow in full beauty.
- Trip to Bílé Karpaty — hiking on marked trails with views of the Moravian landscape.
- Picnic in the spa park — stop at a local bakery, buy Moravian strudel, and sit on a park bench.
- Cycling trip to Pozlovice or Vizovice — flat routes along waterways suitable for the whole family.
When It Rains
- Elektra Cultural and Congress Centre — cinema, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and concerts under cover.
- Rudolf Jelínek Visitor Centre in Vizovice — distillery tour with tasting takes two to three hours and is perfect programme for a rainy day.
- Galleries and museums — fine art exhibitions, fire brigade museum, or ethnographic exhibitions.
- Spa procedures — a rainy day is an ideal opportunity for massage, wraps, or other spa treatments. Many hotels offer wellness services even to non-resident guests.
- Moravian wine tasting — visit one of the local wine bars and taste a selection of Moravian wines with expert commentary.
- Interactive exhibition on the colonnade — the exhibition dedicated to mineral springs is educational and entertaining for children and adults.
- Colonnade under cover — even in rain, you can enjoy a promenade along the covered colonnade with a cup of Vincentka.
Recommended Two-Day Itinerary — From Friday Evening to Sunday Afternoon
We’ve planned an optimal weekend programme for you that includes the best of Luhačovice. Of course, you can adapt it to your pace and preferences — a spa weekend should primarily be about relaxation.
Friday Evening: Arrival and First Walk
After arrival and check-in, head out for an evening walk along the illuminated colonnade and spa park. Enjoy the town’s atmosphere after dark when Jurkovič’s buildings beautifully light up in night illumination. Have dinner at Restaurant Rácek overlooking the colonnade or at Restaurant Atmosféra in Hotel Pohoda. If you fancy a lighter dinner, sit in one of the cafés and order Moravian wine with local cheese.
Saturday Morning: Springs Circuit and Jurkovič Architecture
After breakfast, start the day with a mineral springs circuit. Begin at Vincentka on the colonnade, taste the salty mineral water, and continue to other springs — Ottovka, Aloiska, and Dr Šťastný. Along the way, admire Jurkovič’s buildings: Jurkovič House, Villa Chaloupka, Valaška, and Jestřabí. The entire circuit takes approximately two to three hours and combines spring tasting with an architectural walk.
Saturday Afternoon: Reservoir or Excursion
After lunch at one of the local restaurants, you have two options. If you want to stay in town, head to Luhačovice reservoir for pedalos, paddleboard, or a walk around the water. If you long for an excursion, go to Vizovice to the Rudolf Jelínek distillery (15 minutes by car) or to ZOO Lešná (20 minutes by car). Both are excellent afternoon programmes.
Saturday Evening: Gastronomy and Culture
Dedicate Saturday evening to Moravian gastronomy. Book a table at a restaurant with traditional cuisine and taste local specialities — beef sirloin in cream sauce, Moravian sparrow, sauerkraut, or homemade strudel. After dinner, check the Elektra Cultural Centre programme — perhaps there’s a concert, theatrical performance, or film screening. Or simply treat yourself to an evening park walk and a cup of mineral water for goodnight.
Sunday Morning: Nature or Wellness
Sunday morning is ideal for a slower pace. If you love nature, head for a short hike in the Bílé Karpaty — marked trails begin practically on the town’s edge. A two-hour circuit with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape is sufficient. If you prefer relaxation, treat yourself to a spa procedure or wellness — massage, wraps, or sauna time are the perfect ending to a weekend.
Sunday Afternoon: Departure with a Stop
Before departure, treat yourself to Sunday lunch in Luhačovice and take one last walk along the colonnade. If you’re heading towards Brno or Prague, stop along the way at Buchlov Castle or Buchlovice Castle. If you’re going via Zlín, manage a brief stop in the centre of the Baťa town.
Where to Stay — Hotel Vincent as a Peaceful Base
The choice of accommodation can fundamentally influence your overall weekend impression. In Luhačovice, you’ll find a wide range from large spa hotels through smaller guesthouses to apartments. For those seeking peaceful accommodation without unnecessary spa bustle, Hotel Vincent is an ideal choice.
Hotel Vincent offers modern and comfortable accommodation in a quiet part of Luhačovice, from where it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the spa centre and colonnade. Main advantages include:
- Private parking — parking is available for guests directly at the hotel, which you’ll appreciate especially in high season when parking in the town centre is difficult.
- Electric car charging — the hotel thinks of modern travellers and offers electric car charging, so electric vehicle owners can head for a weekend without worrying about range.
- Self check-in for late arrivals — the self-service check-in system allows comfortable arrival even in late evening hours. You don’t need to stress about reception opening hours — simply arrive when it suits you and the system will take care of you. Online reservation in advance saves you a lengthy registration process on-site.
- Peaceful environment — the hotel is located in a quieter area, which you’ll appreciate especially in the evening and morning when you want to rest. At the same time, everything important is within walking distance.
Hotel Vincent is an ideal base for weekend exploration of Luhačovice — it offers comfort, flexibility, and modern services in a pleasant environment.
How to Get to Luhačovice
Luhačovice lies in the Zlín Region in eastern Moravia and is well accessible from most major Czech cities. Regardless of where you’re departing from, the journey to Luhačovice is comfortable and well signposted.
From Brno (approximately 1.5 hours)
The distance from Brno to Luhačovice is approximately 115 km. The fastest route leads via the D1 motorway towards Vyškov, then through Kroměříž and Zlín. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half depending on traffic. From Brno, it’s the most comfortable weekend trip — leave Friday afternoon after work and you’ll be there in under two hours. Bus connections take approximately 3 hours with a transfer.
From Zlín (20 minutes)
Zlín is the nearest larger city and the journey to Luhačovice takes just 20 minutes via the I/49 road. This proximity means you can easily combine visits to both cities. Zlín offers interesting Baťa architecture, galleries, and shopping centres.
From Ostrava (approximately 2 hours)
From Ostrava to Luhačovice is approximately 160 km and the journey takes around two hours. The route leads through Frýdek-Místek and Zlín or alternatively through Olomouc. Both directions offer pleasant driving through Moravian countryside.
From Prague (approximately 3.5 hours)
From Prague to Luhačovice is approximately 300 km and the car journey takes around three and a half hours. The route leads via the D1 motorway through Brno and then towards Zlín. From Prague it’s a longer journey, but Luhačovice is worth a weekend trip — the combination of spa, architecture, nature, and Moravian gastronomy is the best you can do for relaxation. Train and bus connections are available, usually transferring in Brno or Otrokovice.
Practical tip: If travelling by public transport, current timetables can be found on the IDOS website (idos.cz). For car travel, we recommend setting navigation to Hotel Vincent Luhačovice — thanks to private parking, you won’t have to deal with finding a place to park upon arrival. Electric vehicle owners will appreciate the charging possibility directly at the hotel, so you don’t need to plan stops at charging stations en route.
Why Visit Luhačovice for a Weekend
Luhačovice has one crucial advantage over other Czech spa towns — they’re compact. All main attractions are within walking distance and you can really see a lot over a weekend. You don’t have to choose between springs and architecture, between nature and culture — Luhačovice offers everything in one place.
A weekend stay in Luhačovice is ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape, for families with children who will appreciate the combination of nature and activities by the reservoir, for lovers of architecture and history, for gourmets longing for Moravian flavours, and for everyone who simply needs to slow down and breathe.
Mineral springs, Art Nouveau architecture by Dušan Jurkovič, peaceful spa park, water activities at the reservoir, rich gastronomy with Moravian wine and slivovitz, trips to the Bílé Karpaty or ZOO Lešná — all this together creates a weekend you’ll remember for a long time. And when you leave on Sunday, you’ll already be looking forward to your next visit.
Pack comfortable shoes, bring a cup for mineral water, and head to Luhačovice. They’re waiting for you.