Dr. Šťastný's Spring: The Story of the Luhačovice Geyser

Dr. Šťastný’s Spring is undoubtedly the most dramatic of all the mineral springs in Luhačovice. Its discovery in 1929 caused a sensation across Europe—and the tragic fate of the doctor after whom it is named evokes the darkest chapter of modern history.

The Story of the Geyser

At the beginning of the 20th century, Luhačovice was searching for new, abundant sources of mineral water to support its growing spa operations. While drilling a well near the Janovka Spring in 1929, something unexpected happened. At a depth of 39 meters, the drilling rig struck a powerful reserve of pressurized carbonated mineral water—which immediately erupted to a height of nearly 20 meters.

The 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.

Dr. František Šťastný (1913–1944)

The spring was later renamed in honor of MUDr. František Šťastný, a spa physician from Luhačovice who paid for his humanity with his life. During the Nazi occupation, he secretly treated wounded partisans in the White Carpathians region. For this activity, 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 medical oath above his own safety.

Unique Chemical Composition

The Dr. Šťastný 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 type (HCO₃-Cl-Na). Among the springs in Luhačovice, it stands out 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 natural sedative and stabilizing element that acts on the nervous system
Highest barium (Ba²⁺) content — a specific component of Luhačovice waters, rare in 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, the Dr. Šťastný spring is primarily used for:

Inhalation therapy — the high chloride and iodine content thins mucus in the airways, facilitates expectoration, 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 generally aid in the treatment of respiratory conditions, digestive issues, diabetes, and 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 springs on the interactive map.

The spring is open to the public during the spa season. Its pavilion, nestled in greenery beneath the rock massif, 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.