On Foot Through the UNESCO Heritage — A Practical Route Through Marienbad
A circuit of the UNESCO World Heritage component in Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad): from the Main Colonnade via the Singing Fountain, the Cross Spring and Skalník's Gardens to Nové Lázně and Goethe Square — with tips on when to set off and what to bring.
What we are actually protecting when we say "UNESCO"
On 24 July 2021 Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the eleven components of the property The Great Spa Towns of Europe, spread across seven countries. The component covers 835 hectares and includes not only the historic centre with its springs, colonnades and spa houses, but also the surrounding therapeutic landscape: the parks, the forest parks with paths up to Hamelika, and the golf course on the eastern edge of the town. Around it lies a buffer zone of 3,677 hectares, which follows the town's boundaries and protects the woods of the Slavkov Forest.
That is exactly why it makes sense to get to know the town on foot. The following circuit begins and ends at the Main Colonnade and, at an unhurried pace, takes a morning — roughly 2–3 hours including stops at the springs; the lookout tower or the golf course will add an afternoon. The background to the inscription is explained on the UNESCO page and in the article Why Marienbad is on the UNESCO list; this text is about where to walk.
The route: eight stops around the spa centre
1. The Main Colonnade
Start in the middle of the cast-iron promenade, which is a National Heritage Monument. The neo-Baroque colonnade was built in 1888–1889 to designs by the Viennese architects Hans Miksch and Julian Niedzielski, and its cast-iron structure was made by the Blansko ironworks. Today it measures 135 metres (originally 180 metres together with the so-called Old Colonnade), and the nomination dossier describes it as the longest colonnade in a spa town. Look up: the ceiling is covered by Josef Vyleťal's fresco cycle on the theme "Man and the Universe". Details are on the Colonnade and Singing Fountain page.
2. The Singing Fountain
Walk a few steps down in front of the colonnade to the circular basin, 18 metres in diameter. The fountain was built in 1982–1986 to a design by the architect Pavel Mikšík and first played on 30 April 1986 with Petr Hapka's composition "Music for a Fountain". It plays every odd hour from 30 April to 31 October; the best view is from the colonnade steps, and in the evening it is illuminated as well.
3. The Cross Spring pavilion
At the end of the colonnade stands the domed pavilion, the symbol of Marienbad. The Cross Spring is first mentioned in the annals of the Teplá monastery in 1749 as a "salty acidulous water", and the same year the pharmacist Damián Schulz erected a wooden cross beside it, from which the spring took its name. The image of the Virgin Mary hung by the spring then gave the whole place its name in 1808. The colonnade temple above the spring was built in 1818–1826, probably to designs by Georg Fischer. The Rudolph and Caroline Springs also rise by the colonnade; all the springs here are cold acidulous waters at 7–10 °C, each with its own taste. The character of the springs is described in the springs overview; drinking as part of a cure is decided by the spa physician — see mineral springs.
4. Skalník's Gardens and the spa park
From the pavilion, return along the colonnade and descend into the park. The gardener Václav Skalník, later mayor of the town, began transforming the marshy valley into a park town in 1817; with the architect Georg Fischer and the builder Anton Thurner, the basis of today's centre was created in 1817–1823, later remodelled in the English landscape style. Keep to the main path down through the park, past the cast-iron bandstand and, in May, the flowering rhododendrons. This is where you can see why UNESCO values the interconnection of springs, buildings and greenery rather than individual structures. The continuation into the forests is described on the Nature and parks page.
5. The Ambrose Spring and the Central Baths
In the lower part of the park, close to the Central Baths, the Ambrose Spring rises from three outlets — a plain iron-rich acidulous water with a rusty trace at the outlet. The Central Baths with their domed tower are among the historic spa houses within the component that still serve their original purpose today. From the spring, continue to the neighbouring Nové Lázně.
6. Nové Lázně and the Roman Baths
Nové Lázně, a building by Marienbad native Josef Schaffer in Italian Neo-Renaissance style from 1893–1896, was ceremonially opened on 1 June 1896. On the ground floor the Roman Baths survive in the form of an ancient double atrium with marble columns, together with two historic cabins for carbonated baths, today called the Imperial and Royal cabins. The latter commemorates King Edward VII of Britain, who visited Marienbad nine times in 1897–1909. The building now serves as a spa hotel; the historic interiors are open to guests. More on the Architecture page.
7. Goethe Square
From Nové Lázně, climb up to Goethe Square above the spa park. It is dominated by the deanery Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of 1844–1848, built in the neo-Byzantine style to plans by the Munich architect Johann Gottfried Gutensohn. Also on the square stands the Golden Grape House of 1818, the oldest surviving neoclassical house in the town, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stayed in 1823; today it houses the Municipal Museum with Goethe's preserved rooms. The poet visited Marienbad three times in 1820–1823, and it was his stay here that gave rise to his "Elegy".
8. Back to the colonnade along Hlavní třída
Descend to Hlavní třída (Main Street) and walk past the Chopin House (Hlavní 47), where Fryderyk Chopin stayed in 1836, and past the Municipal Theatre of 1868 by Friedrich Zickler, remodelled in Art Nouveau style in 1905. The circuit closes at the Casino social house, the former Kursaal of 1867, from which the colonnade is within sight.
Optional extension: Hamelika or golf
The Hamelika lookout tower. From Goethe Square, marked paths lead through the forest park, which is part of the UNESCO component, up to Hamelika hill (722 m above sea level). The 20-metre stone lookout tower with its 100 steps was built in 1876 by the builder Friedrich Zickler. The circuit there and back takes roughly an hour and a half; further routes are on the day trips page.
Royal Golf Club. On the eastern edge of the component lies the course of the club founded in 1904, ceremonially opened on 21 August 1905 in the presence of King Edward VII; in 1929 it was extended to 18 holes, and since 2003 the club has been permitted to use the title "Royal". The UNESCO nomination dossier ranks it among the oldest golf courses in Central Europe. Details on the golf page.
Practical information
When to set off. The town is at its liveliest from the opening of the spa season in May until October, when the Singing Fountain plays and guided forest walks take place (June to September). The International Chopin Festival, held since 1960, takes place in August, and the Marienbad Film Festival at the turn of August and September. The colonnade and parks are open all year round; in December the circuit is complemented by the Advent markets. Tips by month: best time to visit.
What to bring. A spa cup or your own beaker for tasting the springs, comfortable shoes — the route runs over paving, park paths and, in the case of Hamelika, a forest trail — and an extra layer, because the spa centre lies at about 630 metres and mornings can be fresh even in summer. Afternoon coffee goes with spa wafers, which have been baked in Marienbad since 1856.
Pace. Do not hurry. The colonnade is at its most beautiful early in the morning, when guests gather at the springs with their cups, and in the early evening by the illuminated fountain. Anyone with more days to spare can split the circuit in two.
Where next
- UNESCO — what the inscription means and what the component includes
- Why Marienbad is on the UNESCO list — the story of the nomination
- Colonnade, springs overview, nature, golf, architecture, day trips — continuing beyond the circuit
The spa hotels within the component itself, including Nové Lázně with the Roman Baths, are run by the Ensana hotels.
What concerns you?
More articles
History of the Colonnade — Marienbad's Architectural Jewel
From humble wooden shelters to the magnificent cast-iron Neo-Baroque colonnade of 1889 — the fascinating architectural story of Marienbad's most iconic landmark and its place in European spa culture.
The Singing Fountain of Marienbad — Schedule, History, and Tips
The Singing Fountain at the Main Colonnade is Marienbad's most iconic attraction. Every odd hour from spring to autumn, it performs a musical water show that draws thousands of visitors.
Drinking Cure in Marienbad — A Guide to the Mineral Springs
How to drink mineral water properly in Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) — the main springs, their composition and traditional use, the usual course of a day, what research says about the drinking cure, and practical advice for your stay.
