Vincentka: The Crown Jewel of the Luhačovice Springs
Vincentka is the most famous natural healing water in Luhačovice and one of the most significant mineral waters in the Czech Republic. Its unique chemical composition, rich history, and wide range of healing properties make it the true crown jewel of Moravian spas.
History of the Spring
The first written records of the strongly salty mineral water springing up on Luhačovice’s spa square date back to the 17th century—at that time, the spring was simply called Slaný (Salty) or Bublavý (Bubbling) due to the loud escape of carbon dioxide. In 1792, the spring was renovated and renamed Vincentka in honor of Count Vincenc Serényi, the then-owner of the Luhačovice estate and patron of the developing spa. The Serényi family was instrumental in the systematic development of the spa infrastructure, which to this day forms the heart of the town.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the spring underwent repeated technical modifications. A major change was the 1988 drilling, known as Vincentka 2, 50 meters deep, which stabilized the spring’s flow and replaced the historic Amandka. The current appearance of the Vincentka hall behind the colonnade dates from a renovation completed in 2019.
Chemical Composition — Detailed Analysis
Vincentka is a natural hydrogen carbonate-chloride-sodium mineral water (HCO₃-Cl-Na) with exceptionally high carbon dioxide content. Its total mineralization is 9,060 mg/l, which ranks it among the highly mineralized waters of European caliber.
| Component | Content (mg/l) | Health benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Na⁺ (sodium) | 2,170 | Muscle function, transmission of nerve impulses |
| K⁺ (potassium) | 143 | Heart function, fluid regulation |
| Ca²⁺ (calcium) | 304 | Bone and tooth strength, insulin secretion |
| Li⁺ (lithium) | 9.1 | Sedative and stabilizing effects on the nervous system |
| Ba²⁺ (barium) | 6.03 | A specific component of Luhačovice waters |
| HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonates) | 4,490 | Alkaline component — key for digestion and inhalation |
| Cl⁻ (chlorides) | 1,600 | Liquefies mucus during inhalation |
| I⁻ (iodine) | 5.2 | Thyroid function — 348% of the daily dose in 100 ml |
| F⁻ (fluorine) | 2.7 | Tooth enamel protection, cavity prevention |
| HBO₂ (metaboric acid) | 284 | Anti-inflammatory effects |
| CO₂ (carbon dioxide) | 3,100 | Natural carbonation, improves blood circulation during bathing |
The pH value is 6.7 (slightly acidic), and the water temperature at the spring is 10–12 °C. Trace elements include boron, strontium, zinc, manganese, copper, and others. In total, Vincentka contains over 30 analytically verifiable components—which is exceptional even by European standards (source: GeoERA, 2021).
Health Benefits by Component
Each of Vincentka’s main components contributes to specific health benefits:
- Iodine (I⁻) — supports proper thyroid function, strengthens the body overall, and improves the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Just a single sip of Vincentka is enough to meet your daily iodine requirement.
- Lithium (Li⁺) — natural sedative effect, relief of nervousness and stress. The waters of Luhačovice are among the richest sources of lithium in Europe.
- Fluoride (F⁻) — protects tooth enamel, prevents tooth decay. Vincentka is recommended for children at a dose of 0.25–0.3 L per day.
- Bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻) — neutralize stomach acid, aid digestion, and relieve heartburn and acid reflux.
- Chlorides (Cl⁻) — when inhaled, they thin mucus in the airways and facilitate coughing up phlegm.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) — in carbonated baths, it improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
Drinking cure with Vincentka
Vincentka is recommended for drinking cures, gargling, inhalations, and nasal rinses. Standard dosage: 2.5–3.5 dl twice daily on an empty stomach, preferably for 15–20 days. The water can be drunk either cold or warm. It is not recommended to eat or drink for half an hour after the drinking regimen. People with kidney failure should limit their intake—in such cases, consultation with a doctor is necessary.
Bottling and Distribution
Vincentka is bottled and distributed by Vincentka a.s., which handles sales throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In addition to classic bottled water, there are a number of other products—nasal sprays, throat lozenges, and inhalation solutions—that utilize the beneficial composition of this spring.
Where to taste fresh Vincentka
You can taste the freshest Vincentka right in the Vincentka hall, located behind the spa colonnade. At the dispensing counter with a fountain, you can taste the water both cold and warm. Outside the hall’s opening hours, a public drinking fountain is available in the middle of the colonnade, at the site of the historic Amandka spring. Current opening hours can be found on the spa information center’s website.
Sources: GeoERA (2021), Lázně Luhačovice a.s. (2024), Janoška M. (2011): Mineral Springs in Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. See also Vincentka on Wikipedia.