The cooperation between Strakonice and Bad Salzungen, a spa town with 18,000 inhabitants, is the longest-lasting one – the contract was signed as early as in 1977. Bad Salzungen is a district town of the Wartburg region. The first mentions of the town date back to 775 and since 1801, it has been a spa centre which can be ranked among the largest salt spa spots for the treatment of chronic disorders of respiratory organs in central Germany.

Partnership cooperation with Strakonice proceeds at the level of exchanging representatives of both towns as well as at the level of cooperation of young people – Strakonice grammar school students who regularly attend the Work Camp in Bad Salzungen. In return, they invite German students to come to Strakonice where they can learn about our town or discuss various topics. They also took part in town maintenance – in 2002 they helped cleaning Strakonice Podskalí.

Delegations from Strakonice could see the Salt Queen Competition in Bad Salzungen several times, the Prácheň Ensemble of Songs and Dances introduced themselves there and also the sportsmen pit their wits. Our German partners had the opportunity to see our medieval festival, Rumpálování, and they are regularly invited to the International Bagpipe Festival which they always take part in with pleasure.

Salt brings wealth

Even the Celts knew that salt springs meant wellbeing and wealth. In the old days, they developed a theory of extracting salt from the springs. The therapeutic centre’s visitors have the best possibility of successful treatment and convalescence there. This is supported by the town’s picturesque character with historic centre, large parks and picturesque lake of Burgsee. Bad Salzungen is also an important town of culture, every year organizing many festivals, e.g. Queen of Salt competition.