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Great Spa Towns of Europe tackle challenges and celebrate renewal in Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic

08 May 2025 Spa season 2025 will be launched this weekend in the historic spa town of Mariánské Lázně in the Czech Republic, as members of the Great Spa Towns of Europe (GSTE) combine the festivities – including the blessing of the springs – with their general assembly.

Panel discussions will take place, including a heritage forum for experts in conservation, town planning and tourism to consider the preservation of local spa culture and sustainable development.

The opinions of young people from the 11 spa towns will be heard during talks, thanks to an EU-funded project called Interspace. The initiative is a town twinning programme that enables young citizens to learn the importance of protecting local traditions.

Interspace’s new youth forum engages them in the decision-making and policy process for the future of their towns.

Mayor, Martin Hurajčík, said, “I believe that Mariánské Lázně will become a place of true European dialogue, where the past and the future come together in harmony.

“This year, we're placing special emphasis on the involvement of young people – their views and proposals are an inspiration and proof for us that the spa tradition can not only be preserved, but also enriched with new energy and vision.”

Chiara Ronchini, secretary general of GSTE said, “The timing could not be more symbolic – as we witness the blessing of the springs, we also welcome the fresh perspectives of our young citizens through the Interspace youth forum.

“Their engagement with our shared heritage demonstrates that the European spa tradition continues to evolve while remaining true to its historic roots."

The assembly will be followed by spa season opening ceremonies between Friday and Sunday (9-11 May).

One of the area's nearly-100 mineral springs, Caroline’s Spring, will receive the blessing at the town’s newly-restored Singing Fountain, which continues to be a tourist attraction since it opened in 1986 with its spectacular water display, set to classical and modern music.

The Singing Fountain will open the spa season with a dramatic show, with compositions that are only played on special occasions.

Events will also include, a parade, a concert by the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, a mass and a full programme of festivities.

Delegates at the general assembly will take part in a ‘Planting Trees for Peace’ ceremony in remembrance of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, as Europe commemorates Germany’s surrender to Allied forces on 8 May 1945. Deputy British ambassador to the Czech Republic – Kate Davenport OBE, will be present.

GSTE members will also visit the WWII Infantry Fallen Memorial in Čachrov.

*About The Great Spa Towns of Europe

Each town was founded around natural mineral springs and their inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021 has brought them better protection and enhanced cooperation in the fields of heritage conservation, balneology/health, tourism and promotion.

The GSTE Association was founded in 2022 and it held its first annual general assembly in 2022 in Františkovy Lázně, in the Czech Republic.

The spa towns are:

• Baden bei Wien, Austria
• Spa, Belgium
• Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
• Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
• Frantiskovy Lazne, Czech Republic
• Vichy, France
• Baden-Baden, Germany
• Bad Ems, Germany
• Bad Kissingen, Germany
• Montecatini Terme, Italy
• Bath, UK