Happy TravellerWelcome to Bílina, a picturesque town located in the Teplice District of the Ústí nad Labem Region in the Czech Republic. With a population of around 14,000, Bílina is known for its spas and the strongly mineralized water, Bílinská kyselka. The town centre is well preserved and is protected by law as an urban monument zone. Let’s explore the history, geography, and attractions of this charming town.
Bílina is made up of six town parts: Bílina, Chudeřice, Mostecké Předměstí, Pražské Předměstí, Teplické Předměstí, and Újezdské Předměstí. The name of the town originates from the adjective white (bielý in Old Czech). The term Bielina (white/bald place) is etymologically derived either from the fact there was an area without any wood or from sparkling waters of the river Bílina (formerly called Bělá).
Bílina is located about 10 kilometres (6 mi) south of Teplice and 10 km (6 mi) northeast of Most. It lies on the border between the Most Basin and Central Bohemian Uplands. It is situated in the valley of the Bílina River. The town is dominated by two features. The steep hill Bořeň is a large phonolite hill, dominating the town and its surroundings. It lies on the southern municipal border and at 539 metres (1,768 ft) above sea level is the highest point of the town. It lies in the eponymous national nature reserve. The second feature is the giant brown coal mine Bílina which seriously changed and damaged surrounding landscape.
During the 10th century, a gord was built here by Bohemian rulers as a defence point against German raids from neighbouring Saxon Eastern March (part of the Holy Roman Empire). The first written mention of Bílina is from 993 on a privilege of Pope John XV, when it was a seat of a province (Latin: provincia Belinensis). A record in Chronica Boemorum describes a battle between Duke Bretislaus I and the German Emperor Henry III near the gord in 1040–1041. Since the 2nd half of the 13th century German settlers were called into the border areas of the Bohemian Kingdom, introducing German town law; it was also the case with Bílina town which is first mentioned as a regular chartered town (civitas) in 1289. In 1407, Bílina was purchased by lord Albrecht of Koldice, well known for his anti-Hussite attitude. Thus, Bílina was surrounded and conquered by a Hussite hejtman Jakoubek of Vřesovice who returned Bílina to the Koldice family in 1436 and lords of Koldice kept the town until 1495. After 1502, the town of Bílina was owned by the aristocratic family of Lobkowicz who later built on the place of Gothic castle a new château, designed by Swiss-Italian architect Antonio della Porta.
Bílina is famous for its spa culture. Local springs of delicious mineral water began to be systematically exploited already in 1664. In 1702 Princess Eleonore of Lobkowicz had the mineral spring cleaned and the very first spa guests began to visit. By the end of the 19th century, the spa Biliner Sauerbrunn (meaning Carbonated springs of Bílina in German) had become the pride of the town. Bílina also received the nickname Vichy of Germany. The digestive pastilles produced here also provided a worldwide common name for digestive regulators and laxatives: Seidlitz Powders. The lozenges were made from the springs mineral water Zaječická hořká, which was also used in the local spa balneology. Scientific descriptions of the medicinal properties of local water treatment have contributed to the works of significant balneologists, including Franz Ambrosius Reuss, August Emanuel von Reuss, and Josef von Löschner. Father and son Reuss are depicted in the spa Bílina memorial, which dominates the spas central park. In 1878 a large spa complex was built in a Renaissance Revival style, designed by the Lobkowicz family architect and builder Franz Sablik. Above the main spring, called Josephs Spring, a so-called spring temple was built, which protected it from the influences of the surroundings and at the same time allowed visitors to gather water as it was common in other European spas. Another building became popular among visitors: Forest Café, built as a timber pavilion in Swiss mountainous style.
Bílina has several notable landmarks. Lobkowicz château is a baroque castle built in the years 1676–1682 on the site of an earlier Gothic castle. A preserved Hussite bastion as a remnant of the massive town fortifications is in the eastern part of the caste complex. The town hall is an Art Nouveau building from 1908–1911. Marian column and a fountain on the square are from the second half of the 17th century. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a parish church and historic monument. The original church was built already in 1061. The entire architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance elements, created during the reconstruction in 1573–1575, after the town was hit by a fire. Bílina also boasts a modern multipurpose stadium and a winter stadium with a capacity of 1,000 people. There is also a swimming pool.
Come and visit Bílina, a town with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant spa culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s landmarks, relaxing in the spas, or enjoying the local cuisine, Bílina has something for everyone. Book your trip today and discover the hidden gem of the Czech Republic!
