Autumn is coming soon, and with the first chills many seek refuge in a spa vacation. Because spas offer the pampering of a bath and the relaxation of a swim, along with the well-being of something “warm” and nice, even when it’s raining outside. But forget for a moment everything you know about spas: sulfur waters, steam, mud, salts… Immerse yourself in a brand new and unusual experience: beer spas! You will find them in the Czech Republic, about 150 km from Prague, in a town called Chodovà Planà, in the Tachov district. To get there, just rent a chauffeured vehicle in complete comfort, or rely on public transportation—the train is the fastest!—which connects it to Prague Airport (PRG). In addition to the relaxation of these unique spas, you’ll explore an interesting region.
The market town where you can relax… into beer!
Chodovà Planà is a “market town” – a sort of “second-class” municipality in the Czech Republic that lies halfway between a proper city and a standard municipality. These are typically small to medium-sized towns, encompassing a large surrounding agricultural area. In the heart of the Tachov district, the market town of Chodovà Planà skillfully combines spa activities (the pride of the province) with beer production, the primary trade for this corner of the Czech Republic. Not far from here, in fact, lies the city of Plzen… does that ring a bell? It was there that the very first Pilsen beer was bottled in the 19th century!
In Chodovà Planà, however, beer isn’t just for drinking… or for seasoning sauces to accompany restaurant dishes. Here, beer is above all about well-being, and you can literally immerse yourself in it, with original spa treatments.
The idea came from the city’s historic brewery, run by a well-known family of local entrepreneurs for generations. In addition to tastings and bottling, the Chodovar brewery has also opened a “spa and wellness” section where visitors can immerse themselves in enormous barrels filled with beer! First, a sauna session, then an immersion in the sparkling hop-infused liquid that enriches the skin with vitamins, and finally, the help of the aroma that also makes your mind fully relax! The “beer bath” is also followed by massages, relaxation treatments, and advice on using hops and beer itself as “alternative medicines”. Whether you’re a drinker or a teetotaler… well, why not give it a try?
What to see in Chodová Planá?
Chodová Planá is relatively small and can be explored in a short time, even on foot. We recommend combining your beer spa treatment with some sporting activity, for example by exploring the town by bike!
You can admire the main church – an elegant 18th-century Baroque building dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the Old Castle—also from the 18th century—and the “modern” one, built in the early 20th century. And of course, the Beer Museum, located in the historic Chodovar brewery. There are numerous wineries and breweries in the immediate vicinity, so using the town as a base for a short beer tour is a worthwhile option.
The Beer Region
Chodovà Planà is part of a region where beer is almost a cult! Within a two- or three-hour drive, you can visit some very interesting places.
Not far from here, for example, is Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad: an elegant spa town founded in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, it is famous for its mineral water springs, which for centuries have been considered beneficial to health and excellent for food production. The historic center, crossed by the Teplá River, is characterized by splendid 19th-century buildings, many in Art Nouveau style, and elegant colonnades where you can sample the thermal waters. Among the most evocative sights is the Mill Colonnade, with five springs. The city also offers pleasant walks in the surrounding woods, up to the Diana observation tower. Naturally, you should try the local beer and the traditional oplatky, thin sweet wafers typical of the area.
Smaller but no less interesting are the medieval towns of Český Krumlov and České Budějovice, each home to historic breweries that have been working for centuries. The České Budějovice brewery might not mean anything to you when you hear its Czech name, but if we translate it into German, it becomes “Budweiser” and then … everything changes! Among so many beers, in this region you can also admire something different: the forests of the Blanský Les reserve and the spectacular Gothic Cathedral of Tabor, a sort of “Milan Cathedral” in yellow stone that towers over the fields of a province rich in scents and colors.
What to see nearby?
Chodovà Planà invites you to excursions. The town is located at the crossing of dozens of European transport routes. From here, you can quickly reach many interesting tourist destinations. Prague is just over an hour and a half away by car, and you will drive the same distance on the other side to reach Nuremberg, Germany, across the border. With journeys ranging from an hour and a half to three hours by car, you can also explore Regensburg, Augsburg, Leipzig, Dresden, and even Munich!
And if you get tired, no problem, because the “beer spas” are always waiting for you upon your return to treat you to wellness and recharge your batteries.
Spa holidays: always a high quality vacation
Spa holidays are an important opportunity to care for your physical and mental well-being. Spending a few days in a spa allows you to escape from the daily grind, reduce stress, and dedicate more time to yourself. Thermal waters, mud, steam (or thermalized seawater and beer)… thanks to their properties… are used to promote relaxation and contribute to the body’s well-being.
In addition to spa treatments, these holidays often offer the opportunity to indulge in relaxing activities, such as nature walks, massages, wellness programs, and moments of meditation. The tranquil atmosphere of spa resorts promotes relaxation and can help you recharge after particularly intense periods of work or study. And the Czech Republic perfectly suits to this purpose, with its wild and lovely fairytale-like scenery.
Spa holidays are also important from a psychological perspective, as they allow you to temporarily unwind from the frenetic pace of everyday life. Dedicating time to personal well-being can improve your mood and foster greater awareness of your needs. For this reason, a spa holiday at this time of year is ideal, and if you come to the Czech Republic, it will be much more than just a “moment of relaxation.”
