A drive through West Bohemia reveals natural wonders and grand landmarks

Mariánské Lázně, one of the pearls of the world-famous Czech spa circuit with its numerous hiking and cycling paths, historic landmarks, and charming architecture, has always been a favorite spot for a weekend retreat. 

Just 170 km from Prague, the dynamic bioclimate, healing carbonated spring waters and nutrient-rich peloids of this West Bohemian darling have recently helped earn it a rightful spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.      

We mapped out the journey for you. Traveling by car is the best way to experience Mariánské Lázně and its surroundings, nestled in the middle of the breathtaking Slavkovský Les nature preserve. 

We set out for our destination – the Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad – in a Mercedes-Benz EQE 4MATIC Electric Art Edition, adjusting the steering wheel and seat during the initial customized driver’s profile setup process before hitting the road.    

We’ve compiled a suggested itinerary with tips for where to go, what to see and how to fully enjoy the perks of Mariánské Lázně’s many natural wonders.    

We began our journey from Karlovo náměstí, cruising through the city to the R5 ramp before continuing on to the D5/E50 motorway toward Rozvadov. 

The car was fully charged before setting out, and would easily be getting us to Mariánské Lázně, approximately 170 km to the west of Prague, without needing a top up. The Mercedes has a range of approximately 600 km on a full charge in the city and around 550 km when driving on highways or countryside roads. It takes only about 15 minutes to charge the EQE for about 250 km driving range. 

While D5/E50 provides a straight path to the dainty spa town, you can always adapt your route to fit your mood. The intelligent navigation can calculate the fastest and most convenient route or suggest alternative routes. It will also highlight where you can find charging stations along the way. 

Once you arrive at Mariánské Lázně, you’ll find the Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad situated on the exclusive Ruská Street right in the center. The five-star resort incorporates the town’s many resources – carbonated spring waters, natural carbon dioxide, peloids, and air quality – into its wide range of therapies geared toward health prevention, relaxation, and pampering.  

The hotel is equipped with a sauna, outdoor pool, and yoga area in the garden. Full board includes a rich breakfast and multi-course lunches and dinners, which use local ingredients and are prepared according to healthy cuisine principles to promote active lifestyles. 

After dinner, be sure to visit the Library Bar, which has a wonderful ambiance and live jazz music.

Kick off your day with an excellent buffet-style breakfast at the hotel before stepping out to explore Mariánské lázně. The sights, including many grand colonnades, historic churches, and a world-class singing fountain, are awe-inspiring. 

A walking tour of this historic town, which has welcomed a steady stream of notable guests over the centuries, including kings and queens, politicians, artists, and writers, is a must.

Be sure to hit many of the expansive parks here, including the lovely Skalníkovy Sady, a leafy central landmark created at the end of the 19th century, as well as Boheminium, which offers miniature replicas of the most important buildings in Czechia. 

Don’t pass on the opportunity to get in a bit of forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku” in Japanese, while you’re in town. One of the Falkensteiner Spa Resort Marienbad’s most popular programs, forest bathing, is a type of therapeutic relaxation akin to yoga or meditation that connects participants with nature.    

Once you’re thoroughly relaxed, it’s time to hit the road again for a bit more sightseeing further afield. 

The Mercedes’ all-wheel steering and MBUX navigation system made traversing the roads around here easy and stress-free. A HEPA filter kept the cabin air fresh and clean. 

Loket Castle, a 45-minute drive from Mariánské lázně, is a worthy afternoon excursion. This 12th-century gothic splendor is one of the oldest and most historical stone castles in the country. You can tour the dungeons, including the prison cells and torture chambers. 

The nearby Slavkov forest will delight climbers and cyclists. Down one forest path, you’ll find the impressive granite rock formations known as the Svatoš Rocks.         

It’s time to start slowly making your way back to Prague. But not without making a detour along Route 2117 to Kladská, a beautiful nature reserve with bogs and beautiful forests, roughly 9 km from the center of Mariánské Lázně. 

Take a scenic walk across a raised wooden pathway flowing around the Kladský rybník and Horní Bahňák lakes. The area attracts many nature lovers and families and offers a very easy, family-friendly trip. Alternatively, you can choose a much longer journey through the NPR Kladské rašeliny nature preserve. 

After about two hours of exploring the area on foot, we jumped back in the Mercedes, which we had charged before leaving the spa town, for the trip home. 

We went through the town of Bečov nad Teplou, which houses the Reliquary of St. Maurus. This lovely chateau houses one of the most valuable Czech relics – the reliquary of St. Maurus, which is considered only to be topped by the Czech crown jewels. 

The roadway here was beautiful, surrounded by forests, fields with cows, and winding through small towns. The route was made even more relaxing by the Mercedes’ powerful 292 HP electric engine, which minimized outside noise, and its plush, firm seating, which ensured comfort on long drives.   

We arrived in Prague with 50 percent of the battery still charged. Location-hopping over a three-day trip through the pristine nature of Western Bohemia is affordable and easy to access with an electric car, giving you endless travel options.   

Our suggested itinerary can be adapted using the navigation system, with a surprising number of destinations achievable in just a long weekend.