Karlovy Vary - Imperial Spa

The history of the Imperial Spa began at the end of the 19th century, during the city's heyday. On the site of the original burgher's brewery, an architectural gem was built between 1893 and 1895, designed by the famous Viennese duo Fellner & Helmer. Incidentally, they are also behind the Karlovy Vary Theatre and the Grandhotel Pupp.

At the time, it was the most modern and luxurious spa house in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. The building was equipped not only with electric lighting, but also with an ingenious system for preparing and distributing healing peat to individual bathrooms.

After decades of decay in the second half of the 20th century and dubious privatization attempts, the building has undergone a total transformation in recent years. The reconstruction, completed in 2023, returned the building to its original splendor, including the unique integration of a concert hall into the inner atrium. Today, the Imperial Baths are no longer used for bathing, but have become a multifunctional cultural center.

The interiors of the grand building can be viewed today on guided and individual tours. Entering the Imperial Baths is like stepping through a portal in time. The interiors are a mix of neo-Renaissance, French classicism and Art Nouveau elements.

Upon entering, visitors are immediately struck by the majestic staircase and rich stucco decoration. The walls are decorated with frescoes „The Discovery of the Dormant Spring Fairy“ and „The Discovery of the Spring“.

The entire building was strictly divided into a women's and men's section.

In the middle of the building, on the site of the historic service yard, a modern multifunctional social hall was built, which is the home stage of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra. It is a fascinating example of how hypermodern architecture can be combined with a historical monument without disturbing each other. Thanks to the new construction in the atrium, top concerts of classical and modern music are held here.

The huge Zander Hall served as a gym. It is decorated with five oil paintings on the theme of the (then renewed) Olympic Games. At one time, the room housed special mechanical weight training machines (the predecessor of today's fitness centers).

There were waiting rooms on each floor of the building, leading to changing rooms or massage areas.

In the ladies' lounge there is a painting depicting important guests of the spa. An interesting example is Albrecht von Wallenstein.

This lounge was used for gentlemen to relax after their baths. There is a painting here depicting the most famous visitors to the spa. Among the 67 personalities, Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife, the composer Beethoven and the poet Goethe stand out.

The absolute highlight of the tours and a tourist magnet is the imperial bathroom. This room was designed specifically for Emperor Franz Joseph I: unlike many famous personalities, he did not use it.

Peat and water were brought into the sunken tub directly from the basement using hydraulics. The tub is not golden, as is tradition, but oak.