Podebrady

Poděbrady is a pleasant spa town in Central Bohemia, located approximately 50 km northeast of Prague on the Elbe (Labe) River. The town is best known for its mineral spa waters and as the birthplace of King George of Poděbrady (Jiří z Poděbrad), the only Hussite king to sit on the Czech throne. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and is much less commercialized than other Czech spa towns, making it a more authentic representation of Central European spa culture.

The town centre features a large equestrian statue of King George, a medieval castle (now housing a hotel school), and spa buildings. The heart-shaped flowerbeds and statues throughout town reflect the spa tradition – the waters are reputed to be good for heart conditions.

The climate follows the continental pattern with warm summers ideal for spa visits and walks along the Elbe.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is approximately 80 km southwest.

By Train

Take a fast train (rychlík) from Prague (Hlavní nádraží or Praha-Vysočany) with destination Hradec Králové, departing hourly during daytime. Travel time to Poděbrady is approximately 1 hour. Basic fare 78 Kč single, 140 Kč return.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes approximately 45 minutes via the D11 motorway.

Poděbrady is small and walkable. The spa area, town centre, and train station are all within easy walking distance.

• Equestrian Statue of King George of Poděbrady – A large statue in the town square commemorating the Hussite king.
• Poděbrady Castle – A medieval castle now housing a hotel school and the Charles University Czech for foreigners summer program.
• Libice nad Cidlinou – 4 km south. The birthplace of St. Adalbert, with marked fortress foundations destroyed in 995 when the Přemyslides murdered the Slavník family.
• Karlova Koruna (Chlumec nad Cidlinou) – A famous Baroque castle in private hands, open for sightseeing April to October. 25 km away, reachable by fast train in 30 minutes.
• Písty Sand Dune – A natural geological formation.

"Taking the waters" at the spa fountains around town – bring your own container. The Libický luh nature reserve offers walking and birdwatching. The Elbe riverbank provides cycling and walking paths.

Poděbrady restaurants serve traditional Czech cuisine in a spa-town setting. Local establishments offer svíčková, guláš, and spa-worthy meals. Several cafés along the spa promenade serve coffee and pastries. Lunch menus typically cost 100–150 Kč.

The spa mineral water is available at public fountains throughout town. It has a distinctive mineral taste. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Guesthouses and pensions from approximately 500–700 Kč per night.
• Mid-range: Spa hotels offering wellness packages from 800–1,500 Kč.

Bohemian crystal is available at factory-direct prices. At the end of the flower-lined spa alley near the train station, a factory-direct crystal store sells at a fraction of Prague prices. Tours of the factory are occasionally available.

• Kutná Hora – 29 km southeast. UNESCO World Heritage town, reachable via Kolín. Travel time 35–60 minutes.
• Prague – 50 km southwest. The capital city.
• Kolín – 15 km southeast. Railway junction on the Elbe.
• Karlova Koruna – 25 km northeast. A Baroque chateau at Chlumec nad Cidlinou.