Johannisbad: Spa Trails, Forest and Winter

Johannisbad between spa tradition and nature

Johannisbad, known in Czech as Janské Lázně, can be explored through its spa tradition, trails and nature activities. The spa uses thermal mineral water that emerges at the spa grounds as Janův pramen and Černý pramen. Walks, the treetop walkway’s distinctive forest themes and seasonal winter activities offer different starting points for planning your trip. Which ones suit you also depends on the time of year you visit.

Trails around the colonnade

Two walking routes start at the square by the Art Nouveau colonnade in Janské Lázně. Střední hřeben is about 5.5 kilometres long, while Luisina cesta through Těsný (Klausův) důl is about 5 kilometres long. The routes are similar in length; Střední hřeben offers views of the spa town and Černá hora. Trail conditions on this route may change.

Luisina cesta leads to a series of water features: the route passes cascades on the Černohorský potok and a waterfall up to 4 metres high. Sturdy footwear is recommended for this route. Despite their similar lengths, the two routes are clearly distinguished by the landscapes described.

The Lázeňská naučná stezka nature trail offers another way to explore the area. It starts at Svobody Square and runs from the Church of St John the Baptist along forest paths, via Mariánská výšina and Střední hřeben, to Hoffmannova bouda. Several stops cover the history of spa treatments, architecture and natural features. The Staré dobré lázeňské cesty walking route group passes through interesting places in Janské Lázně; maps showing the routes and points of interest have been printed for it.

Forest knowledge on the treetop walkway

The Krkonoše treetop walkway has a different focus. It runs for more than 1,500 metres through a biodiverse forest and features a 45-metre-high observation tower. Its attractions also include an underground educational centre dedicated to tree root systems. The walkway thus combines nature observation with a specific forest theme: what happens beneath the surface. For visitors interested in trees and forest ecosystems, it offers a different perspective from the view from an observation tower alone.

Winter cross-country ski trails and seasonal connections

In winter, visitors to Janské Lázně can use 90 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, including loops around Černá hora and Světlá hora. Snow conditions and grooming can vary, so take this into account when planning your days of cross-country skiing. The SkiResort ČERNÁ HORA – PEC area near Janské Lázně is connected to the ski area of Pec pod Sněžkou via the SkiTour. This connection operates seasonally, so it is worth checking conditions for your planned travel dates.

Černohorské rašeliniště may also be of interest when planning your trip. The largest forest bog in the Krkonoše Mountains lies in the wider area around Janské Lázně. Its nature trail can be reached from Janské Lázně by cable car; access is seasonally restricted. Check the conditions before setting off. This excursion is distinct from the trails and activities directly associated with Janské Lázně.

Getting to know the spa town and your stay

The cinema in Janské Lázně is also described as an additional place to visit; it has 228 modern cinema seats. When looking for a hotel in Johannisbad, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the trails and viewpoints, forest themes, spa tradition or seasonal winter activities. Your answer can help you choose a destination that suits your planned stay without confusing the different offerings.

Discover more destinations: Hajnice, Zirec, Slemeno, Čermná v Krkonoších, Horní Marsov, Javorník, Pec Pod Snežkou, Cermná U Vrchlabí

For the broader travel overview: Okres Trutnov.