Karlova Studánka is a spa municipality and village in Bruntál District in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 200 inhabitants. The village is well preserved and protected by law as a village monument zone.

Geography

Karlova Studánka is located about 13 km northwest of Bruntál. It lies in the Hrubý Jeseník mountain range. The highest point is the rock Rolandův kámen at 910 m above sea level. The village is situated in a valley of the Bílá Opava River, a tributary of the Opava.

History

The first written mention of Karlova Studánka is from 1554, under its original name Hinnewieder. The first spa buildings were built in 1782. The village was renamed Karlsbrunn/Karlova Studánka (i.e. "Charles' Spring") in 1803 in honour of Archduke Charles, who defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Aspern-Essling.

Demographics

Economy

The main employer in the municipality is the spa company Horské lázně Karlova Studánka (meaning "mountain spa Karlova Studánka"). It employs more than 100 people. Therapeutic elements include a climate with very clean air, natural carbon dioxide and mineral water, which is used for carbonic baths and peat wraps, inhalation and drinking. Today the spa company is owned by the state. It specializes in the treatment of dusty lung diseases and non-tuberculous respiratory diseases.

Transport

There are no railways or major roads passing through the municipality.

Sport

In the municipality is a small ski area called "Pradědova aréna". There is a 550 m long ski slope with a lift.

Sights

The built-up area is protected as a village monument zone for its exceptionally well-preserved and complete set of spa houses and facilities, mainly timbered. The buildings dates from the 18th century, and were modified and supplemented during the 19th century. The spa includes a park with a geological exposition of rocks and an artificial waterfall. The most notable building is the wooden Pitný pavilon ('drinking pavilion') from 1895, where the Wilhelm Spring is located. The waterfall was built in the 19th century and has a height of 20 m. A notable monument is the Church of Our Lady of the Healing of the Sick. It was built in the Empire style in 1838–1840, on the initiative of the Teutonic Knights order.