As the water fountains dance playfully in time to classical music, against a backdrop of glorious colonnades, and the sweet aroma of fresh waffles wafts through the magnificent palace with its filigreed stucco and artistic ceiling patterns, one is reminded of the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In those halcyon days of Marienbad it was not only Kings and Kaisers that went there to rejuvenate their vital energies, but the likes of Goethe, Chopin, Wagner, Gorky and Ibsen all had their aches and ailments treated here.
As a result of painstaking efforts, the core of Marienbad (Marianske Lazne), in the Czech Republic, has undergone a fundamental renovation and is forging links back to more glorious times in preparation for entry into the European Community. Located just 20 kilometres as the crow flies from the Bohemian spa town of Marienbad in the Upper Palatinate forests is an even more youthful health spa, Sibyllenbad – a small country spa, with a distinct lack of pomp but with lots of charm. Blessed with unparalleled mineral springs, a Moorish bathing temple and sleep school, Sibyllenbad has joined forces with Marienbad. Sibyllenbad has now invested eight million Euros into expanding its medicinal wellness area and, in doing so, has become even more appealing to younger guests. Both towns are proud of their scheme to initiate a joint marketing offensive, emphasising that, “Both spa towns complement each other superbly with their differing structure and springs”. Around half of the money for this unique European Community project, approximately €350,000, has come from Brussels. Both partners forecast a tangible financial upturn for the two spa towns from this joint marketing initiative with their different springs and traditions.
The Czech Republic’s entry into the EU next year and the increasing emphasis on prevention in the health care system are fuelling hopes for future success. Further information is available from the Kurmittelhaus Sibyllenbad, Kurallee 1, 95698 Neualbenreuth, Tel. 09638/9330, Fax 09638/933-140, www.sibyllenbad.de and at Marinbad Kur- und Spa-Hotels Danubius Hotelgruppe, Masarykova 22, CZ – 353 29 Marienbaf, Tel. 00420/354655-550, Fax 00420/354655-500, www.marienbad.cz.