Vodoléčebný ústav s plovárnou

Vodoléčebný ústav s plovárnou is a historic spa complex in Luhačovice, standing on Leoš Janáček Street and ranking among the most recognizable buildings of this Moravian spa town. The site brings together a former water-treatment house, sulphur-and-mud baths, riverside sun baths, and a boiler-house-with-laundry building — four historic sections that together form a distinctive example of spa architecture from the turn of the 20th century.

What will you see there?

The buildings were designed in the folk Art Nouveau style so closely associated with Luhačovice, and most of them are the work of architect Dušan Jurkovič, one of the leading figures of Central European architecture of his era. Timber detailing, ornamented rooflines, and motifs drawn from vernacular building traditions give the complex a look unlike the standard spa architecture of the period.

The water-treatment house itself grew out of the former Jestřabí mill, which Jurkovič reshaped into its present form in the early 1900s. The sun-bath pool, with its wooden changing cabins, dates from 1903 and for decades served spa guests taking river and sun baths — a standard part of balneological treatment at the time.

The entire complex has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964, reflecting its national-level historical and architectural significance.

How has the site changed over time?

The pools stopped operating in 1995 due to the poor technical condition of the facilities. After 2000 the complex was reconstructed and began serving as a cultural venue, hosting events and guided tours even though it no longer functioned as a working bathhouse.

A major turning point came with a thorough revitalization completed in 2024. Now operating under the name Sluneční lázně (Sun Baths), the complex has been given new life as a cultural and social space. It houses exhibitions on the history of hydrotherapy and Luhačovice's spa traditions, on the work of architect Dušan Jurkovič, and on the town's ties to composer Leoš Janáček, a frequent visitor to the spa.

How to get there?

The complex sits in the central part of Luhačovice, on Leoš Janáček Street, right next to the town's main attractions — the colonnade and the spa park. It's within easy walking distance from almost anywhere in town, making it a natural stop on any tour of Luhačovice.

When to visit?

Since the site now functions mainly as an exhibition and cultural venue, daytime visits are best, when the interior displays are open. Spring and summer are ideal for combining a visit with walks through the surrounding park and along the nearby river, while autumn and winter offer a quieter experience away from the summer crowds of spa guests.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Vodoléčebný ústav s plovárnou used for? It was a spa complex — a water-treatment house, sulphur-and-mud baths, and sun baths — used by Luhačovice spa guests for hydrotherapy treatments and bathing.

Who designed the complex? Most of the buildings were designed by architect Dušan Jurkovič, the figure behind Luhačovice's distinctive folk Art Nouveau style.

Can you visit the site today? Yes. Following a revitalization completed in 2024, the complex operates as a cultural venue with exhibitions on the history of hydrotherapy, Jurkovič's architecture, and Leoš Janáček.

Since when has it been a protected monument? The whole complex has been listed as a cultural monument since 1964.