In Jeseník, healing traditions, city history and paths through the surrounding area offer a range of discoveries. To plan your trip, you can first choose a focus: spa history and springs, historic places or outdoor excursions. This lets you shape your stay around your own interests without packing every stop into a fixed itinerary.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Jeseník railway station is on line 292 between Šumperk and Jeseník and on line 318 between Jeseník, Krnov, Mikulovice and Zlaté Hory. The Slezský Semmering railway also takes travellers to Jeseník. From there, they can continue to Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně, Křížový vrch or the Zlatý Chlum lookout tower. Check timetables and connections before travelling. There is a bicycle rental service at the station; check in advance whether it is currently operating.
Spa Traditions Among Springs and Walking Paths
Priessnitzovy léčebné lázně is located above Jeseník at an average elevation of 620 metres. Its treatments make use of favourable climatic conditions and the healing properties of around 80 registered local springs. Traditional Healing Procedures and the Legacy of Vincenz Priessnitz were added to the Czech Republic’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2014. The Balneopark is designed as a water garden with hydrotherapy and relaxation stations; its facilities include a natural shower with cold spring water.
Several trails explore the history of spa culture, but differ in their layout and length. The Schroth-Priessnitz Trail connects the Jeseník spa facilities with the Na Pomezí saddle and has eight stops. The Vincenz Priessnitz Trail passes nine springs and nine stops, where texts explain the history of spa culture. This six-kilometre circular route begins at the bus terminus in the spa resort and ends at Jižní svah above the resort. For a shorter themed walk, Jesenické toulky offers two trails through the historic monuments of the spa town of Jeseník.
The Stezka Stezkou Víly pramene also focuses on spa history: with seven stops, it runs through Smetanovy sady and explores the history of spa culture in the Jesenicko region. If you’d also like to include a viewpoint, Zlatý Chlum has a 26-metre-high stone lookout tower. The Vyhlídkový okruh from Jeseník passes Křížový vrch, the lookout tower and the Čertovy kameny viewpoint. Check trail conditions before setting out.
City History and Exhibitions
Vodní tvrz has been an immovable cultural monument since 1963 and houses the Vlastivědné muzeum Jesenicka. Another way to explore the history of Vincenz Priessnitz is the Muzeum Vincenze Priessnitze, whose permanent exhibition is dedicated to the healer’s life and work. Objects on display include a life-size figure of Priessnitz and a model of the spa resort from the 19th century. Exhibition content may change in the future.
Katovna is a burgher house built in the Baroque-Rococo style, associated with the legend that Jeseník’s executioner lived there. The historic building houses the interactive Objev Jesenicko exhibition. It includes multimedia panels about the landscape of the Jesenicko region, a living aquarium, six IQ exhibits and board games; exhibition details may change. Together, they offer different perspectives: the history of spa culture, the region’s landscape and the city’s architectural history.
More Outdoor Activities
For cyclists, YES-cyklo offers more than 200 kilometres of marked circular routes in the area around the spa town of Jeseník. For winter sports, the Jeseník-SKI-Aréna has cross-country ski trails around the former barracks. A route connecting to these circular trails runs via Bělá to Filipovice. The activities therefore have different emphases: marked circular routes for cycling, and ski trails with a connecting route for winter sports.
The DiscGolfPark Priessnitz is located in Vincenz Priessnitz Park. Natural obstacles and questions about the spa facilities add to the game at each hole. Discs can be borrowed from the spa information centre or the reception desk at the Priessnitz Sanatorium. As access conditions and rental arrangements may change, check availability and rental options before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bělá Pod Pradědem, Žulová, Vlčice, Hradec-Nová Ves, Skorosice, Bílá Voda, Horni Lipova, Kobylá Nad Vidnavkou.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Jeseník.
