Those who spend their vacations in the region around Karlovy Vary will certainly take advantage of the numerous spa offers in Karlovy Vary. These include not only drinking cures, but also the numerous offers from the field of rehabilitation, wellness and beauty treatments.
During our stay in Karlovy Vary, in addition to the drinking cure with the mineral water of the various springs of the city and a lot of exercise in nature, we also took a look at other offers. We found out that there is a possibility to benefit from the offer in the city even without a doctor’s prescription.
Elisabethbad – large spa center in Karlovy Vary
In the middle of the city, in the Smetana Park, there is a beautiful building in front of an impressive fountain. This building houses the Elisabeth Spa, founded in 1906, one of the most traditional spa centers in the city. To this day, the spa is one of the largest spa facilities in the Czech Republic.
The spa was named in honor of Empress Elisabeth – who is actually much better known by the name Sissi.
About 20% of Karlovy Vary mineral water is used for spa treatments in the facility. But not only water treatments, also many other offers can be found in the offer of the spa facility.
We previewed the offer online and decided to try the salt cave at Elisabethbad in Karlovy Vary.
Salt Cave in Elisabeth Bath in Karlovy Vary
In advance you have to make an appointment for the visit. So we went through the large entrance door into the building and stood a little surprised in the entrance hall. Here was not much of the charm that the building showed from the outside. In a porter’s lodge sat two women, more bored than interested in us. We did not know where to get appointments for the salt cave so we approached the two. The mood visibly changed and immediately they began to explain everything to us in a friendly way. We were able to book the appointment for the visit to the salt cave directly there. To our delight, the visit was even free of charge for us with the Karlovy VARY REGION CARD and could take place the very next day.
History of the development of the therapy in salt caves
In the Polish salt mine of Wieliczka, it was noticed in the 19th century that the miners suffered less from respiratory diseases than other occupational groups. As a result, a Polish doctor established a spa there. In time, other natural karst caves, salt tunnels and salt mines were used as therapy centers for asthmatics. In Germany, this form of therapy spread much later, as there were no suitable natural geological formations. It was not until the use of so-called holotherapy that special salt rooms became established in spas, thermal baths and wellness facilities.
What is a salt cave?
Salt caves are also called salt chambers, salt rooms or salt SPAs. These are rooms whose walls are covered with salt. Many tons of rock or sea salt are used, for example from the Dead Sea or the salt mountains of Pakistan. Salt is also laid out on the floor.
Often the salt caves look like stalactite caves. Colored salt lamps are used, soft music sounds and water splashes.
What is the effect of a visit to the salt cave?
If one believes Western orthodox medicine, the therapeutic benefit of a stay in a salt cave has not been proven. But the “spirits” argue, for example, in some Eastern European countries the salt air therapy is quite recognized.
Inhalation of the salt and other minerals is recommended for chronic respiratory infections, allergies and psoriasis, but also serves to relax and strengthen the immune system.
In the documentation of the salt cave in Elisabethbad I found the following indications: asthma, skin diseases, eczema, acne, psoriasis, blood circulation disorders, hypertension, neuroses, fatigue and depressive states, obesity, hypothyroidism, allergies of all kinds, psychosomatic diseases.
How does a visit to a salt cave work?
An artificial microclimate is created in the salt cave. The temperature is approximately between 20-22 degrees and the humidity is 40-50%. Small brine nebulizers or salt generators are used to blow dry salt aerosols into the room.
You visit a salt cave in normal clothes and lie down in a deck chair for about 45 minutes.
Our visit to the salt cave at Elisabethbad in Karlovy Vary
We arrived at the Elisabethbad about 10 minutes before our appointment. The salt cave is located in the basement of the house. In front of an inconspicuous door were some chairs and an employee welcomed us.
After the session in front of us ended, we were led to a small hallway behind the door. Here we were given overcoats for our shoes and could take off our jackets. There were no other visitors there during our visit, but normally there is a maximum of 8 people in the salt cave at the same time.
The salt cave in Elisabethbad is built exclusively from the natural material. Stones and salt come from Poland, Pakistan, Siberia and the Dead Sea. There were deck chairs in the room, muted music was playing and water was splashing.
After we made ourselves comfortable, the door closed and we were now alone for 45 minutes. Just the right time to relax, dream and breathe. The microclimate in the room is determined by ions of iodine, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, bromine and selenium.
After our therapy time was over, we left the salt cave. I have rarely seen Patrick so relaxed and I felt that my constantly irritated airway felt different. I could breathe more freely, coughed less and the effect lasted the entire day. Seems like I should treat myself to something good at home once in a while too.
Address:
Smetanovy sady 1145/1,
360 01 Karlovy Vary,
Tschechien
Opening hours salt cave:
Monday – Friday: 8-19
Saturday: 9-19
Sunday: 10-17
There are special times reserved for parents with children.
Price:
Adults 45 minutes: 120,-CZK
Discounts are offered. With Karlovy VARY REGION CARD you can use the salt cave free of charge.
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