Would you like to see the area around the town too, and are you looking for ideas? Here are a few tips for trips around Mariánské Lázně. Places that will please even seasoned travellers.
The settlement of Kladská
This picturesque settlement, built in the style of Swiss mountain chalets, lies in the heart of the Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest) protected landscape area, on the edge of the Kladské rašeliny peat bog reserve. The settlement is the starting point of the Kladská nature trail, which runs around Kladský Pond. Along the 1.2 km route visitors learn about the history, flora and fauna of the Slavkov Forest. The area around the settlement is ideal for walking and cycling.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 8 km
Kynžvart Chateau
Kynžvart Chateau became known mainly as the summer residence of the Austrian foreign minister and chancellor, Prince von Metternich (1773-1859). At the end of the 17th century a Baroque chateau was built on the site of a Renaissance fortress, and it was later rebuilt. The chateau comes with a large park, farm buildings, a brewery and a golf course. Today visitors can admire valuable exhibits such as the chancellor's library, which is one of the most important aristocratic libraries in the country.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 9 km
Chodovar Brewery
The family brewery in Chodová Planá was built above medieval cellars cut into the granite rock. The oldest written record of the brewery dates from 1573, and the present buildings went up in 1862. The brewery offers guests a visit to its brewing museum and a restaurant with real character, both housed in the historic cellars.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 12 km
Teplá Monastery
The Premonstratensian monastery was founded as early as 1193. At the height of its fame it owned extensive property and had great influence on events in the region. The monastery played a decisive part in the founding of the town of Mariánské Lázně. The surviving original parts of the monastery are a valuable example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The pride of the monastery is its beautiful library, the second largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. It holds more than 100,000 books, including more than 1,000 manuscripts.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 17 km
Bečov nad Teplou Chateau and Castle
The little town of Bečov, whose history goes back to the 13th century, lies in the valley of the River Teplá. Its landmark is a complex made up of an originally Gothic castle and a Baroque chateau. The real treasure of Bečov chateau is the unique Romanesque reliquary of St Maurus from the 13th century, one of the most valuable pieces of goldsmith's work in the Czech Republic. The reliquary has an exciting history: for a long time it was thought lost, and it was only found in 1985 under the floor of the castle chapel.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 24 km
Krásenský vrch lookout tower
The stone spiral lookout tower stands 777 m above sea level. Construction of the tower began back in 1933, and 120 steps wind around the outside up to the top. In good visibility you can see as far as the Doupov Mountains or the Ore Mountains.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 24 km
Historic centre of Cheb
The centre of the medieval town of Cheb is an urban heritage reserve. Cheb Castle, dating from the 12th century, is one of the most beautiful Romanesque monuments in Central Europe. The symbol of the town is Špalíček, a picturesque cluster of medieval merchants' houses that dominates the main square. Also worth a visit on the square is Retromuseum Cheb, where visitors are taken back into the past at the snap of a finger.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 32 km
Loket Castle
Loket Castle is the landmark of the medieval little town of Loket. The town owes its name (loket means elbow) to its position in a bend of the River Ohře, which served as its natural defence in the Middle Ages. Built in the 12th century, the castle was besieged several times in the past and also served as a prison, and today it is one of the region's main attractions.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 36 km
Františkovy Lázně
The smallest spa town in the West Bohemian spa triangle is Františkovy Lázně. Like Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, it can pride itself on exceptional natural wealth in the form of mineral springs. One of the main symbols of the town is the statue of František, a symbol of fertility. To this day the town has kept its spa character, with historic architecture and charming parks.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 35 km
SOOS National Nature Reserve
Not far from Františkovy Lázně there is a national nature reserve with a large peat bog and fen, where a great many mineral springs rise. A nature trail runs along the bed of a dried-up lake, which once held salty mineral water. Once you have been there, you will understand why the reserve is nicknamed the Czech Yellowstone.
Distance from Mariánské Lázně: 40 km
