Jesenik

Jeseník combines a strong spa tradition with walking trails, museums and excursions into the countryside. Above the town lie the Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně at an average elevation of 620 metres. Those wishing to combine different interests during their trip will find options here for wellness days, historical discoveries, circular trails and active excursions.

Spa Tradition and Trails around the Spas

The Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně make use of favourable climatic conditions and the healing power of around 80 registered local springs. Traditional healing methods and the legacy of Vincenz Priessnitz were added to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Czech Republic in 2014. The Balneopark is designed as a water garden with stations for hydrotherapy and relaxation. It also includes a natural shower with cold spring water.

The Stezka Schroth-Priessnitz educational trail connects the Jeseník spas with the Na Pomezí saddle and has a total of eight stations. The Stezka Vincenze Priessnitze comprises nine stations at nine springs; its texts explain the history of spa treatment. The six-kilometre circular trail begins at the final bus stop in the spa town and ends at Jižní svah above the spa town. Jesenické toulky also offers two walking trails through the historic monuments of the spa town of Jeseník. The Stezkou Víly pramene educational trail leads into Smetanovy sady, with seven stations presenting the history of spa treatment in the Jesenicko region.

The DiscGolfPark Priessnitz in Vincenze Priessnitze Park offers a playful addition. Natural obstacles and questions about the spas accompany the game at the individual holes. Discs can be borrowed at the spa information centre or at the reception of the Priessnitz Sanatorium.

Museums, Historic Houses and Regional History

Vodní tvrz has been an immovable cultural monument since 1963 and houses the Vlastivědné muzeum Jesenicka. The Muzeum Vincenze Priessnitze presents a permanent exhibition on the life and work of the healer. It also features a life-size figure of Priessnitz and a model of the spa town from the 19th century. The town museum in Jeseník was founded in autumn 1900.

The interactive Objev Jesenicko exhibition is located in the historic Katovna. It includes multimedia panels on the landscape of the Jesenicko region, a live aquarium, six IQ exhibits and board games. Katovna itself is a bourgeois house built in the Baroque-Rococo style and is associated with the legend that the executioner of Jeseník lived there. The cultural spectrum therefore ranges from spa history to town history, the regional landscape and engaging exhibition formats.

Cycling, Cross-Country Skiing and Viewpoints

For cycling tours, the YES-cyklo network around the spa town of Jeseník includes more than 200 kilometres of marked circular routes. Notable destinations for walks and excursions include Zlatý Chlum, with its 26-metre-high stone observation tower. The Vyhlídkový okruh from Jeseník leads via Křížový vrch, the Zlatý Chlum observation tower and the Čertovy kameny viewpoint.

In winter, the Jeseník-SKI-Aréna offers cross-country ski trails around the former barracks. A route via Bělá to Filipovice connects to the circular trails. The various options can therefore be organised according to the desired focus: spa trails and springs, museums and historic houses, cycling routes, viewpoints or cross-country skiing.

Getting There and Accommodation Focus

Jeseník railway station is located on line 292 between Šumperk and Jeseník and on line 318 between Jeseník, Krnov, Mikulovice and Zlaté Hory. There is a bicycle rental service at Jeseník railway station. The Slezský Semmering railway line takes travellers to Jeseník; from there, they can continue to the Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně, Křížový vrch or the Zlatý Chlum observation tower.

When searching for accommodation, you can therefore first determine the character of your stay. If the spa tradition with walking trails and springs is to be the focus, the spas and their educational trails provide a suitable thematic starting point. For cultural interests, the key attractions are Vodní tvrz, the museums and the historic houses. Those planning to be active can choose cycling, viewpoints or cross-country skiing as their main focus.

More Destinations in the Same Region

For further orientation, you can also find Velká Kraš, Bílá Voda U Javorníka, Zlate Hory, Horni Lipova, Velké Kunětice, Skorosice, Ostružná and Vidnava.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Jeseník.