Getting There

There are several express trains from Prague's main station for 238Kc (trip time: 2 hr., 50 min.). Mariánské Lázne train station, Nádrazní nám. 292, is south of the town center; take bus no. 5 into town. If getting here from Karlovy Vary, there are about eight trains daily; the trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and the fare is 55Kc. For timetables, go to www.jizdnirady.cz.

The bus from Prague takes about 3 hours and often requires a change in Plzen. It costs about 180Kc. The Mariánské Lázne bus station is adjacent to the train station on Nádrazní námestí; take bus no. 5 into town.

Driving from Prague, take Hwy. E50 through Plzen to Stríbro -- about 22km (14 miles) past Plzen -- and head northwest on Hwy. 21. The clearly marked route can take up to 2 hours. Parking is not generally a problem as there's paid street parking on the main drag, Hlavní trída.

Visitor Information

Along the main strip lies the Infocentrum, Hlavní 47, 353 01, Mariánské Lázne (tel. 354-622-474). In addition to dispensing advice, the staff sells maps and concert tickets and can arrange accommodations in hotels and private homes. It's open daily 9am to noon and 1 to 6pm, closed on Sundays in January and February. For information and tips about what's going on, go to www.marianskelazne.cz.

Special Events

One of the few places in central Europe not to claim Mozart as one of its sons, Mariánské Lázne has instead chosen to honor one of its frequent visitors, Chopin, with a yearly festival devoted entirely to the Polish composer. The Chopin Festival usually runs for 8 to 10 days near the end of August. Musicians and directors from all over the world gather to play and listen to concerts and recitals. In addition, several local art galleries hold special exhibits. Tickets range from 180Kc to 1,500Kc.

Each June, the town plays host to a classical music festival with many of the Czech Republic's finest musicians, as well as those from around the world. For more details or ticket reservations for either event, contact Infocentrum.

Patriotic Americans can show up on July 4 for a little down-home fun, including a parade and other flag-waving special events commemorating the town's liberation by U.S. soldiers in World War II.

Sports-minded travelers can play one of the country's best golf courses and see how you measure up to the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, and Sam Torrance, who all played here at the first European PGA tour event, the Czech Open.

Orientation

Mariánské Lázne is laid out around Hlavní trída, the main street. A plethora of hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and stores fronts this street. Lázenská Kolonáda, a long, covered block beginning at the northern end of Hlavní trída, contains six of the resort's eight major springs.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.