Where to Go for a Weekend from Prague – Luhačovice in 3.5 Hours by Car
Do you live in Prague and feel like you need a change? A weekend escape from the capital doesn’t have to mean flying abroad or travelling all day. Simply hop in your car, head towards Moravia, and in under four hours you’ll find yourself in a completely different world. Luhačovice, the most beautiful Moravian spa town, lies just 300 kilometres from Prague, yet feels as though you’ve crossed the border into another country. Instead of Prague’s hustle and bustle, you’ll find the tranquillity of spa colonnades; instead of smog, the fragrance of coniferous forests; and instead of overpriced coffee in the city centre, mineral springs from which you can draw water completely free of charge.
If you’re looking for a tip on a trip from Prague to Moravia that combines relaxation, architecture, nature, and excellent food, Luhačovice is a choice you’ll happily return to. And in this article, we’ll show you exactly how to plan such an extended weekend from Prague from A to Z.
How to Get from Prague to Luhačovice
The journey from Prague to Luhačovice is more pleasant than you might expect. You have several options to choose from, each with its own advantages. Let’s look at them in detail.
By Car – the Most Comfortable Option in 3.5 Hours
A car is undoubtedly the most flexible choice for a weekend trip from Prague. The main route follows the D1 motorway towards Brno, a stretch that most Prague residents know well. From Prague, you’ll take the D1 and continue through Humpolec, where you can make your first stop for coffee or a snack. The D1 motorway is notorious for its repairs, but in recent years the situation has improved dramatically, and you’ll drive on new surface for most of the route.
After Brno, you have two main options for continuing to Luhačovice:
- Route via D2 and R55 – from Brno, continue briefly on the D2 towards Bratislava, then turn onto the R55 dual carriageway through Hodonín and Uherské Hradiště. This route is slightly longer but uses better roads.
- Route via Kroměříž – from Brno, take the D1 to the Kroměříž junction, then continue via Zlín to Luhačovice. This variant is shorter and also offers the opportunity to stop in beautiful Kroměříž, which we highly recommend.
The total journey time ranges from 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic. If you’re leaving on Friday afternoon, bear in mind that the exit from Prague may be slower, so add about 30 minutes’ buffer. The ideal departure time on Friday is either early afternoon or after seven in the evening, when traffic on the D1 has subsided.
By Train – for Those Who Want to Relax on the Journey
You can reach Luhačovice from Prague by train in approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. From Prague Main Station, take a fast train or RegioJet service to Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště, from where you continue by regional train directly to Luhačovice. Czech Railways operate direct fast trains on the Prague–Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště route, and the connection to the local line is straightforward.
RegioJet operates comfortable yellow trains on the Prague–Zlín route, from where it’s just a short transfer by bus or train to Luhačovice. The advantage of the train is that you can work, read, or simply gaze out of the window at the changing landscape during the journey. The disadvantage is less flexibility once there, as Luhačovice and the surrounding area are more comfortably explored by car.
By Bus – an Affordable Alternative
RegioJet and FlixBus operate direct bus services from Prague to Zlín. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, and ticket prices start at very reasonable rates, especially if you book in advance. From Zlín, you can reach Luhačovice by public bus or regional service in another 30 to 40 minutes. The bus is an ideal choice for those travelling alone or in pairs who want to save on petrol and motorway tolls.
Stops on the Route from Prague – for Those Who Don’t Want to Drive Non-Stop
One of the advantages of travelling by car is the ability to break up the journey with stops that turn a simple transfer into a full-fledged trip from Prague to Moravia. Two places on the route deserve more attention than the rest.
Kroměříž – Baroque Pearl of Moravia
Kroměříž lies directly on the route from Brno to Luhačovice and is a city that will take your breath away. Two local heritage sites are inscribed on the UNESCO list and rightfully rank among the most beautiful baroque complexes in Central Europe.
- Flower Garden – a geometrically perfect baroque garden complex with colonnade, labyrinth, and fountains. A walk takes at least an hour and is an experience you’ll long remember.
- Archbishop’s Palace – the monumental seat of Olomouc bishops with a magnificent picture gallery containing works by Titian, Cranach, or Van Dyck. The palace garden beneath the castle is an ideal place to rest.
A stop in Kroměříž for one to two hours perfectly breaks up the journey and adds a cultural dimension to your weekend. If you’re travelling on Friday, we recommend arriving in Kroměříž in the early evening, strolling through the gardens, then continuing to Luhačovice for dinner.
Zlín – City of Tomáš Baťa
Zlín is a unique city that was completely rebuilt in the first half of the 20th century by shoe magnate Tomáš Baťa. The functionalist architecture here forms a unified urban complex that has no parallel in Czechia. The city’s landmark is the legendary Baťa skyscraper – administrative building number 21, which houses the regional authority and where you can ride in Baťa’s office in the lift.
For history enthusiasts, there’s the Shoe Museum, which chronicles the story of the Baťa company and its influence on the entire region. And if you’re travelling with children, Zlín offers an excellent zoo, which we’ll mention later.
Weekend Itinerary for Prague Residents – Day by Day
Here’s our proven plan for a weekend in Luhačovice from Prague that works brilliantly for couples and families. Adapt it to your own pace.
Friday Evening – Arrival and First Impressions
If you leave Prague around five in the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Luhačovice between eight and nine in the evening. After checking into your hotel, we recommend taking a short evening stroll along the spa colonnade. Luhačovice in the evening has a truly special atmosphere – the illuminated colonnade, silence broken only by the murmur of the Šťávnice brook and the occasional couple walking beneath the trees. It’s a moment when you first realise how far you are from Prague’s hustle and bustle.
Visit Vincentka, the most famous spring in Luhačovice, and taste the mineral water. It has a distinctive, markedly salty flavour that takes getting used to, but locals swear by it. For dinner, you can visit one of the local restaurants, where you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality-to-price ratio compared to Prague.
Saturday – Main Day Full of Experiences
Start Saturday with breakfast and a morning walk around the springs. Luhačovice has fourteen mineral springs in total, each with a different taste and composition. Take a bottle or cup and create your own tasting circuit. The most significant springs are Vincentka, Ottovka, Dr. Šťastný Spring, and Aloiska.
Dedicate the morning to Jurkovič architecture, which is an absolute unique feature of Luhačovice. Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič created a collection of buildings here at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries that combine Art Nouveau with Slovácko folk architecture. Walk around Jurkovič House, look at the Sluneční lázně (Sun Spa), and admire the beautiful wooden details on buildings throughout the spa complex. For architecture lovers, it’s a real treat.
For lunch, indulge in Moravian cuisine. Local restaurants offer specialities such as Haná-style cabbage, kyselica (sour soup), frgály (sweet pastries), or excellent Moravian wine. After lunch, you can head to Luhačovice reservoir, where you can swim in summer, hire a pedalo, or simply sit on the shore with a book. The reservoir is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre and is a lovely spot for an afternoon rest.
Spend the early evening on a trip to the surrounding area. The surrounding forests offer dozens of kilometres of marked hiking trails with magnificent views of the White Carpathians. A popular route leads to the Komonec lookout tower, from where you can see as far as Slovakia on a clear day. The entire ascent takes about an hour and a half, and the reward is a panoramic view of the Moravian landscape.
Evening in Luhačovice is the perfect opportunity to sit with Moravian wine. The Slovácko region, in which Luhačovice is located, is one of the best wine-growing areas in Czechia. Try the local Riesling or Pálava – it’s a completely different experience from wine from a Prague supermarket.
Sunday – Wellness and a Slow Departure
Keep Sunday morning for regeneration. Many hotels in Luhačovice offer wellness treatments that utilise local mineral water and healing mud. Even a short one-hour treatment will energise you for the entire following week. If wellness isn’t your thing, have a leisurely brunch and take another stroll along the colonnade.
Plan your departure for late morning or early afternoon. Sunday traffic on the D1 towards Prague tends to be heavier in the evening hours, so the earlier you set off, the more comfortable your journey will be. On the return journey, you can stop at a place you didn’t manage to visit on the way there, whether that’s Kroměříž, Zlín, or perhaps Buchlovice Castle, which lies just off the main route.
What Will Surprise Prague Residents in Luhačovice
Many visitors from Prague arrive in Luhačovice with certain expectations and are then pleasantly surprised by reality. Here are a few things to prepare for.
Peace that doesn’t exist in Prague. Luhačovice has fewer than five thousand inhabitants, and even in the main season, an atmosphere prevails that’s miles away from Prague’s hustle. Here, nobody rushes anywhere, and after a while, you’ll find that you don’t either.
Mineral springs are free. Yes, really. In Prague, you pay for a bottle of mineral water in a shop; here, you can draw it directly from the spring, fresh and full of minerals. Vincentka, which you buy in Prague pharmacies, flows here for free. It’s a small thing, but it symbolises Luhačovice’s overall approach to visitors.
People are friendly. In Moravia generally, people tend to be more open and warm-hearted than in Prague, and Luhačovice is no exception. Prepare for restaurant staff wanting to chat with you, for passers-by to give you directions, and for the overall atmosphere to be much more relaxed than you’re used to.
Prices vs Prague. This is a pleasant discovery for many Prague residents. Restaurants in Luhačovice offer excellent quality at prices that are on average thirty to forty percent lower than in Prague. Accommodation is also significantly more affordable. For the price of one night in an average Prague hotel, you can have a weekend here in a nice guesthouse with parking and breakfast included.
Architecture that has no parallel. Jurkovič’s buildings in Luhačovice are truly unique, and even those who aren’t usually interested in architecture will appreciate them. The combination of Art Nouveau and Moravian folk art creates a visual experience you won’t find elsewhere in Czechia.
Extended Weekend from Prague – What to Do with an Extra Day
If you can take a day off and turn your weekend into an extended weekend from Prague, Luhačovice and the surrounding area offer plenty of additional activities that are definitely worth it.
Zlín Zoo – Lešná
Zlín Zoo ranks among the best in the entire Czech Republic and regularly places at the top of visitor satisfaction rankings. The grounds are set in beautiful natural countryside around Lešná Castle and offer exhibitions focused on individual continents. The African Village, Asian Trail, and Australian Pavilion are among the main attractions. From Luhačovice, it’s about thirty minutes by car to Zlín zoo.
Baťa Canal
The Baťa Canal is a unique waterway created in the 1930s for transporting lignite. Today it serves as a tourist attraction, and you can hire a houseboat, motorboat, or bicycle and travel through beautiful Moravian countryside along the canal. The route runs from Otrokovice to Skalica in Slovakia and offers a completely different view of the region. Boat hire can be found in Uherské Hradiště or Veselí nad Moravou, both within twenty minutes by car from Luhačovice.
White Carpathians – Walking Along the Ridges
Luhačovice lies at the foot of the White Carpathians, a protected landscape area with unique nature. The local White Carpathian meadows are inscribed on the UNESCO list of biosphere reserves, and in spring and summer, hundreds of species of orchids and other rare plants bloom here. The White Carpathians are ideal for hiking – the terrain is accessible even to less experienced walkers, and the reward is beautiful views on both sides of the border, into Bohemia and Slovakia. We recommend the route via Velká Javořina, the highest peak of the White Carpathians at 970 metres above sea level.
For Couples from Prague – Romantic Programme in Luhačovice
Luhačovice is made for a romantic weekend. The atmosphere of the spa town, beautiful nature, and excellent gastronomy create ideal settings for time together. Here’s our tip for a romantic programme.
Lake of Love – a small, mysterious forest lake surrounded by trees, associated with a romantic legend about unhappy love. The walk to the lake leads through beautiful forest and takes about an hour in total. It’s a place with an unmistakable atmosphere that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale. According to legend, it brings luck to couples who visit it together.
Wellness for two – several hotels and spa houses in Luhačovice offer couples’ wellness packages. Massages, baths in mineral water, healing mud wraps – all in a peaceful environment where you can completely unwind from work stress.
Moravian wine and local gastronomy – an evening spent with a bottle of quality Moravian wine overlooking the illuminated colonnade is an experience that surpasses most Prague restaurants. Around Luhačovice, you’ll find several wine cellars and wineries where you can taste local varieties directly from the winemaker. Slovácko is wine country, and local vintners are justifiably proud of their production.
Evening stroll along the colonnade – Luhačovice after dark has a unique charm. Illuminated spa buildings, the murmur of the stream, and virtually no people. For couples, it’s the perfect opportunity for a romantic walk that you simply won’t experience in Prague.
From Prague with Children – What’s Extra in Luhačovice
If you’re travelling with family, Luhačovice and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities for the youngest too. Where to go for a weekend from Prague with children is a question many parents ask, and Luhačovice is an answer that will please both parents and children.
Luhačovice Reservoir and Swimming Area – during the summer months, the reservoir is a popular bathing spot. The water is clean and the surroundings offer plenty of space for playing and picnicking. In the town centre, you’ll also find a public swimming pool with pools and attractions for children.
Playgrounds and parks – the spa park in Luhačovice is made for family walks. You’ll find several playgrounds here, plenty of space for running, and park benches for parents to rest. Children also enjoy tasting the mineral springs – some are salty, others slightly acidic, and for children, it’s an entertaining sensory experience.
Zlín Zoo – as mentioned above, Zlín zoo is one of the best in Czechia and is an absolute highlight for children. Count on at least half a day, as the grounds are extensive and children won’t want to tear themselves away from the animals.
Nature trips – the area around Luhačovice offers numerous undemanding hiking trails suitable even for families with small children. Educational trails with information boards, forest paths with benches, and viewpoints with panoramic views will delight the whole family. Popular routes include the circuit around the reservoir or the ascent to Obětová, a hill directly above the town with a beautiful view over all of Luhačovice.
Hotel Vincent – A Peaceful Base for Your Weekend
If you’re looking for the ideal base for your weekend in Luhačovice from Prague, Hotel Vincent offers exactly what you need. It’s a modernly appointed hotel in a quiet part of Luhačovice that combines comfort with practicality.
Free parking is a given for guests arriving by car from Prague. You don’t need to worry about paid parking or looking for a space on the street. Simply park at the hotel and not worry about your car for the entire weekend.
EV charger – do you drive an electric car? Hotel Vincent thinks of you too. A charging station for electric vehicles is available, so you can charge your car overnight and have a full battery for the journey back to Prague. At a time when increasing numbers of Prague residents are switching to electric mobility, this is a significant bonus.
Self check-in for late arrivals – driving from Prague on Friday evening and arriving after nine? No problem. Hotel Vincent offers a self check-in system that allows you to access your room anytime without having to wait at reception. Simply receive a code and go straight to rest after your journey. This is especially appreciated by those who don’t leave Prague until after work.
The hotel is ideally situated for exploring both Luhačovice and the surrounding area. It’s a comfortable walk to the centre and colonnade, the reservoir is also within walking distance, and you can set off on car trips to Zlín, Kroměříž, or the White Carpathians within minutes.
You can easily make accommodation reservations online at vincentluhacovice.cz/rezervace-ubytovani. If you have questions or special requirements, contact the hotel at ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz or by phone at +420 720 072 780.
Comparison with Other Weekend Destinations from Prague
Prague residents have a range of weekend destinations to choose from. How do Luhačovice compare with the most popular ones? Let’s look at an honest comparison.
Luhačovice vs Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a beautiful town, there’s no question about that. However, in recent years it has transformed into a tourist trap full of foreign visitors, overpriced restaurants, and queues at every turn. Finding an authentic experience in Krumlov without tourist crowds is increasingly difficult. Luhačovice offers comparable architectural beauty but in a much calmer and more authentic environment. Moreover, here you have mineral springs, wellness, and Moravian gastronomy as a bonus. Journey time from Prague is comparable – Krumlov lies about 2.5 hours south, Luhačovice 3.5 hours east.
Luhačovice vs Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is the most famous Czech spa town and in many ways similar to Luhačovice. Both towns offer mineral springs, spa architecture, and wellness. The difference lies in atmosphere. Karlovy Vary is larger, more cosmopolitan, and more expensive. Luhačovice is intimate, Moravian-hearted, and more affordable. Karlovy Vary is closer to Prague, about two hours by car, but if you’re looking for a real escape from the metropolitan lifestyle, Luhačovice will reward you with a more authentic experience.
Luhačovice vs Šumava
Šumava is paradise for nature lovers and active tourists. If you’re looking for wild nature, primeval forests, and mountain lakes, Šumava is the clear choice. Luhačovice, on the other hand, offers a combination of culture, wellness, and nature in one package. You don’t have to choose between relaxation and an active programme because here you get both. For a weekend trip from Prague to Moravia, you also gain a completely different cultural experience – Moravian cuisine, viticulture, and specific South Moravian hospitality.
Why Choose Luhačovice
Each of the destinations mentioned above has its advantages. However, Luhačovice offers a unique combination you won’t find elsewhere:
- Fourteen mineral springs accessible free of charge, including famous Vincentka.
- Jurkovič Art Nouveau architecture that has no parallel in Czechia.
- Moravian gastronomy and wine culture within reach.
- Favourable accommodation and dining prices compared to Prague and other tourist destinations.
- White Carpathian nature for active trips.
- Authentic atmosphere without tourist crowds and tourist traps.
- Rich possibilities for families with children and couples seeking romance.
Practical Tips for Prague Residents in Conclusion
In conclusion, we bring several practical tips that will help you fully enjoy your weekend in Luhačovice.
When to go? Luhačovice is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming parks and pleasant temperatures for walks. Summer attracts with swimming in the reservoir and sitting on terraces. Autumn offers colourful views in the surrounding forests and excellent young wine. Winter has its charm in the form of snowy colonnades and warming wellness treatments. Most visitors arrive in summer, so if you prefer peace, choose spring or autumn.
What to pack? Comfortable walking shoes, a bottle for mineral water from the springs, swimwear for wellness or the reservoir, and in cooler weather, a warm layer for evening walks. If you’re planning hiking in the White Carpathians, don’t forget hiking boots and a raincoat.
How long to stay? A classic weekend from Friday to Sunday works excellently. However, if you can afford three nights, do it. An extended weekend allows you to explore the surrounding area too and you won’t feel like you have to rush everywhere. After all, one of the main charms of Luhačovice is precisely that slow, unhurried rhythm that deserves space.
How much will it cost? A weekend in Luhačovice is surprisingly affordable. Accommodation for two for two nights works out significantly cheaper than a comparable stay in a Prague hotel. Dining is also more favourable. The biggest expense will be petrol for the journey, but even this fits into a reasonable budget at 300 kilometres. Mineral springs are free, walks along the colonnade and in nature too. Wellness treatments and entry to monuments are then a pleasant optional extra.
If you’re wondering where to go for a weekend from Prague, give Luhačovice a chance. It’s only 3.5 hours by car, but it feels like a completely different world. A world where mineral water flows from springs, where restaurant staff welcome you with a smile, and where after two days you return home rested and full of new experiences. And that’s exactly what a good weekend trip from Prague should offer.
Book your stay at Hotel Vincent at vincentluhacovice.cz/rezervace-ubytovani and discover Luhačovice for yourself. For any questions, contact us at ahoj@vincentluhacovice.cz or call +420 720 072 780.