The spa Karlova Studánka in Bruntál does not agree with the form of the House of Nature

Karlova Studánka – The State Mountain Spa Karlova Studánka in Bruntál does not agree with the proposed design of the planned House of Nature Jeseníky. According to them, the construction encroaches on the reserve deposit of peat and the springs of mineral carbonated water. It could therefore endanger the natural healing resources that form the basis of spa care and the very existence of the spa site. This was communicated to ČTK by the media representative of the spa, Lucie Špačková.

The upcoming House of Nature aims to bring visitors closer to the beauty and curiosities of the Jeseníky Mountains. It will offer interactive exhibits as well as educational programs, thematic lectures, exhibitions, screenings, and creative workshops. The project will be built on state land, with the investor being the Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection of the Czech Republic, and the operator being the spa.

"The project anticipates an intervention in the spring structure of carbonated waters and the peat deposit. Any intervention in this area can affect the water regime of the mineral waters and the physical and chemical properties of the sources, which form the basis of spa treatment," stated the spa balneologist Tomáš Kocman.

Špačková noted that the Czech Inspectorate of Spas and Springs at the Ministry of Health pointed out that it would not issue a positive statement for the approval of the intention at this time. "The construction of the building itself is difficult to imagine under the current state of knowledge and concerning its location," stated the inspectorate.

The director of the spa in Karlova Studánka, Martin Voženílek, stated that they initially supported the original intention of the House of Nature, but the current design of the project encroaches on the protective zones of the natural healing sources. "The law requires us to protect these sources. We are responsible for preserving the mineral waters and the spa environment for future generations. The spa cannot prioritize an investment project or intention over the protection of the resources on which it is existentially dependent and based," Voženílek stated. However, according to him, the spa is ready to negotiate a solution that will respect the protection of natural healing sources in Karlova Studánka.

The Mountain Spa Karlova Studánka in the Jeseníky Mountains is the highest spa in the Czech Republic. People with respiratory, musculoskeletal, and circulatory system diseases, patients after oncology treatment, those with skin diseases, nervous disorders, and mental health issues are treated there. Each year, the spa treats more than 3,000 patients, who have 464 beds available.

The spa belongs to the contributory organizations of the Ministry of Health along with university hospitals and rehabilitation institutes. According to the annual report for 2024, more than 11,000 clients stayed there that year, of which about 3,000 had their stay fully or partially funded by public health insurance. The state enterprise managed with 235 million crowns, and it made a profit of 15.1 million CZK. Around 200 people work there.