Ottovka: the most popular spring in the circular pavilion

Ottovka is the most popular of Luhačovice’s springs, and its circular pavilion has become one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. This spring offers visitors a unique combination of historical atmosphere, pleasant taste, and healing properties.

Named after Count Otto Serenyi

Mineral water has flowed freely in this area for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1905 that the spring was properly captured in a stone cellar. It was named after Count Otto Serényi, a member of the noble family that had owned the Luhačovice estate since the 18th century and systematically developed the spa operations. The Serényi family also gave its name to the most famous spring—Vincentka, named after Count Vincenc.

Pavilion from 1929

In 1929, a distinctive circular pavilion designed by architect Škřivánek was built near the Ottovka spring. This elegant structure with an open rotunda has become an iconic motif on Luhačovice postcards and in guidebooks. The pavilion stands on the right bank of the Horní Olšava River, amidst the greenery of the spa park—10 meters higher than most of the other springs.

Ottovka’s location at the foot of Malá Kamenná Hill creates a naturally romantic setting that visitors appreciate not only for its healing waters but also for its peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of the colonnade.

Chemical Composition

Ottovka is a natural, highly mineralized cold water of the hydrogen carbonate-chloride-sodium type (HCO₃-Cl-Na) with a total mineralization of 9,725 mg/l. Compared to Vincentka (9,060 mg/l), it is thus slightly higher in total mineralization, but differs in the ratio of its individual components:

• Increased iodine (I⁻) content — supports thyroid function, strengthens immunity, and boosts overall vitality
• Increased iron (Fe) content — contributes to red blood cell formation and oxygen transport in the body
• High boric acid (HBO₂) content — anti-inflammatory effects, a characteristic component of Luhačovice waters
• Lower NaCl content compared to Vincentka — Ottovka is therefore less salty in taste and, for some visitors, more pleasant for regular drinking cures
• Presence of lithium (Li⁺) — has a sedative effect on the nervous system

The water is naturally carbonated and has a temperature of 10–12 °C. The spring’s flow rate is 3 liters per minute — it is thus among the less abundant sources, indicating a deep and slow flow through underground layers (source: GeoERA, 2021).

Healing Effects and Uses

Ottovka is a traditional and popular mineral water for drinking cures. Thanks to its milder salinity and more pleasant taste, it is often the first choice for many visitors when getting acquainted with Luhačovice mineral waters. Its therapeutic effects include:

• Respiratory system — iodine and boron components support the healing of the upper and lower respiratory tracts
• Digestive system — bicarbonates neutralize stomach acid, relieve heartburn, and reduce acid reflux
• Musculoskeletal system — carbonated baths with Ottovka improve blood circulation and promote regeneration
• Circulatory system — carbon dioxide in mineral baths has a beneficial effect on blood pressure

At the spa, Ottovka is mixed with the Jaroslav spring in a 2:1 ratio to prepare special baths.

Where to find Ottovka

The circular Ottovka pavilion stands on the right bank of the Horní Olšava River, at the foot of the Malá Kamenná slope. From the spa colonnade, you can reach it via a pleasant walk along the river, taking about three minutes. An interactive map shows the location of all springs.

Ottovka is open to the public during the spa season. The pavilion is one of the most photographed spots in Luhačovice—its silhouette on the riverbank, surrounded by mature trees, is a scene captured by thousands of visitors each year.

Would you like to learn about other mineral waters from Luhačovice? Read about Vincentka, Aloiska, or all the springs.

Sources: GeoERA (2021), Lázně Luhačovice a.s. (2024), Girgel M., Hrabec J., Šnajdara P. (2008): Mineral Springs of the Zlín Region. See also Mineral Springs in Luhačovice on Wikipedia.

Karel Kadlčík · Luhačovice.cz