Pramen Dr. Šťastného: příběh luhačovického gejzíru

The Story of the Geyser

In the early 20th century, Luhačovice was searching for new, abundant sources of mineral water to support its growing spa operations. In 1929, while drilling a well at the Janovka spring, something unexpected happened. At a depth of 39 meters, the drilling rig struck a massive reserve of pressurized carbonated mineral water—which immediately erupted, shooting up nearly 20 meters into the air.

A massive mineral water geyser, the likes of which Central Europe had never seen before, attracted the attention of experts and journalists from across the continent. The spring was aptly named “Gejzír” (Geyser) and became a symbol of the natural power hidden beneath the Luhačovice Valley. Today, the flow is regulated to 5 liters per minute, but the force of the underground pressure remains.

MUDr. František Šťastný (1913–1944)

The spring was later renamed in honor of Dr. František Šťastný, a spa physician from Luhačovice who paid with his life for his humanity. During the Nazi occupation, he secretly treated wounded partisans in the White Carpathians region. For these actions, he was arrested by the Gestapo and tortured to death in 1944. Naming the spring after him is an expression of the town’s respect for a man who placed his Hippocratic Oath above his own safety.

Unique chemical composition

Dr. Šťastný’s spring is one of the most highly mineralized springs in Luhačovice. It is a natural, highly mineralized, iodine-rich, carbonated water of the hydrogen carbonate-chloride-sodium (HCO₃-Cl-Na) type. It stands out among the springs in Luhačovice for several record-breaking values:

• Highest iodine (I⁻) content—a key element for proper thyroid function, overall immunity, and the body’s vitality
• Highest lithium (Li⁺) content—a naturally occurring sedative and stabilizing element that acts on the nervous system
• Highest barium (Ba²⁺) content—a distinctive component of Luhačovice’s waters, rare among European springs
• Highest fluoride (F⁻) content—protects tooth enamel and prevents cavities
• High boric acid (HBO₂) content—anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects

The water is cold (10–12 °C), hypertonic, and naturally rich in carbon dioxide. It also contains elevated levels of strontium and bromides (source: Lázně Luhačovice a.s., 2024).

Use in Spa Therapy

Thanks to its unique composition, Dr. Šťastný's spring is used primarily for:

• Inhalation therapy—the high chloride and iodine content thins mucus in the airways, makes it easier to cough up phlegm, and alleviates chronic inflammation
• Drinking Cures — Of all the springs in Luhačovice, this one has the least pronounced salty taste, making it the most palatable for patients to drink regularly
• Gargling—for inflammation of the pharynx and vocal cords

Luhačovice mineral waters are generally helpful in treating respiratory conditions, digestive problems, and diabetes, as well as in recovery following cancer treatment. Thanks to its iodine and boron content, the Dr. Šťastný Spring is particularly ideal for respiratory conditions.

Where to Find the Spring

The Dr. Šťastný Spring Pavilion stands at the northwestern foot of Velká Kamenná, northwest of the Luhačovice Spa Theater. The site is easily accessible on foot from the spa colonnade—a pleasant walk through the park takes about five minutes. You can find the locations of all the springs on the interactive map.

The spring is open to the public during the spa season. Its pavilion, nestled among the greenery at the foot of a rocky outcrop, is one of the most photogenic spots in Luhačovice Park.

For more information about the mineral springs in Luhačovice, visit the Mineral Springs page or see the list of other springs.

Sources: Lázně Luhačovice a.s. (2024), Girgel, M., Hrabec, J., Šnajdara, P. (2008): Mineral Springs of the Zlín Region, Janoška, M. (2011): Mineral Springs in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. See also Mineral Springs in Luhačovice on Wikipedia.

Seasonality - Closed in winter

The Dr. Šťastný Spring is closed during the winter months. Outside the main spa season (approximately November–March), the path leading to it is open and you can visit the pavilion, but the mineral water dispenser and the service counter are not in operation during the off-season. If you’re visiting Luhačovice in the winter, we recommend the Vincentka spring in the Vincentka hall, as well as the Aloiska and Nový Jubilejní springs—these are open year-round.