This spa town along the Elbe River has mineral springs dating to the 14th century. Its Art Nouveau colonnade and 13th-century castle define the main square.
In Poděbrady, a spa town 50 kilometers east of Prague, you can drink from iron-rich mineral springs, walk through a 13th-century castle, or watch glassmakers craft crystal pieces at Crystal Bohemia. The town's centerpiece is its 1936 colonnade with a working flower clock, and you'll find locals and visitors strolling along the Elbe River or listening to orchestras during the summer film music festival.
Mineral Springs and Spa Treatments
Twelve public taps throughout Poděbrady let you taste different varieties of Poděbradka mineral water, rich in iron and carbon dioxide. The water helps treat heart conditions and circulation problems. At the spa centers, you can book 30-minute bubble baths, hour-long Thai massages, or try specialized treatments like chocolate wraps and hot stone therapy. Most treatments run between 30-90 minutes.
Exploring the Castle District
The Baroque castle, rebuilt in 1752, contains exhibits about King George of Poděbrady and his era. In the castle courtyard, you'll find the spot where workers discovered the first mineral spring in 1905. Walk from here to the main square, Jiřího z Poděbrad, where a bronze statue of King George stands in the center.
Parks and Colonnade
The 1936 Libenský Colonnade, with its clean constructivist lines, anchors the spa park. Each spring, gardeners plant new designs in the working floral clock, continuing a tradition from 1936. You can walk through gardens with mature oak and maple trees connecting the spa buildings.
Crystal Bohemia Experience
At Crystal Bohemia glassworks, established in the early 18th century, you can watch artisans shape molten glass into vases and decorative pieces. The 45-minute guided tours run twice daily on weekdays. The factory store sells both traditional and contemporary crystal designs.
Activities Along the Elbe
Take a 90-minute boat ride on "Král Jiří" to the medieval town of Nymburk, or cycle on the paved Elbe Cycle Route. During summer, you can swim at Poděbrady Lake, which has 500 meters of sandy beach and designated swimming areas.
Getting to Poděbrady
Trains depart hourly from Prague's main station, with a journey time of 50 minutes. The town's functionalist train station, built in 1931, greets you with its geometric facade and high-ceilinged waiting room. If you're driving, take Highway D11 from Prague - the trip takes about 30 minutes.
