Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is one of the oldest spa towns in the Czech Republic and, together with Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně, forms the West Bohemian Spa Triangle. The city impresses with its history and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Karlovy Vary was built around the Vary springs, whose sulphur-rich water is said to have healing effects. Famous personalities such as Beethoven, Kafka and Freud also appreciated the city’s unique atmosphere. Below you will find an overview of what there is to discover in Karlovy Vary.

Attractions in the City

If you travel to Karlovy Vary, you will come across numerous attractions. Discover the famous colonnades or the Diana Observation Tower. In addition to its thermal baths, Karlovy Vary offers much more and will leave many visitors truly impressed.

Promenade Stará Louka

Stará Louka (“Old Meadow”) is the famous promenade of Karlovy Vary on the northern bank of the Teplá River. It is characterized by impressive Art Nouveau buildings framed by wooded hills. Along the promenade you will find numerous restaurants, cafés, shops and high-quality hotels. The Grandhotel Pupp is also located here and is well known to many visitors, as the James Bond film “Casino Royale” was filmed there. From the promenade you can continue on to the shopping street Lázenská ulice, which offers additional shopping opportunities.

The Famous Colonnades

Karlovy Vary has a large number of colonnades, i.e. covered colonnaded halls that provide shaded areas for relaxation and spa treatments. One of the best known is the Hot Spring Colonnade, which includes what is probably the most famous of the city’s twelve springs. Since the 16th century, an approximately twelve-metre-high water fountain at around 72°C has been active here, rising from the Hot Spring. The water is used, among other things, for drinking cures and spa baths. In addition, there are several spring vases from which drinkable mineral water can be taken at different temperatures. The water is said to help with digestive system complaints, diabetes, obesity and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Other colonnades worth seeing are the Mill Colonnade and the Market Colonnade, which is located directly at the historic market square.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

In the immediate vicinity of the Hot Spring Colonnade is St. Mary Magdalene Church, which has shaped the cityscape since 1736. The imposing building in the High Baroque style is considered a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The striking towers in particular immediately catch the eye. Inside, the Baroque style continues and defines the magnificent design. The underground crypt is also worth seeing, as it is even older than the present church and once belonged to a Gothic predecessor church. To this day, the crypt still contains remains from the former cemetery.

Jan Becher Museum

Karlovy Vary is not only known for its thermal springs, but also for its bitter herbal liqueur, which was developed in 1807 by Jan Becher as a remedy. In addition to the twelve thermal springs, this herbal liqueur is therefore often referred to as the “13th spring”. The Jan Becher Museum is dedicated to the development of this liqueur and, with an audio guide, provides insights into its more than 200-year history. You will learn more about production, bottling and storage in the historic cellar rooms. A tasting is also part of the museum experience for many visitors.

Thermal Baths

In addition to the well-known herbal liqueur, it is also worth visiting the thermal baths in Karlovy Vary. Numerous spa houses and hotels offer various treatments, including classic bath cures, wellness and beauty programs, massages and whirlpool baths with thermal water. It is advisable to choose well-rated facilities to ensure the best possible experience.

Moser Museum and Glassworks

The Moser Museum focuses on the history of the glassworks of the same name, which has been associated with Karlovy Vary for over 150 years. Visitors gain insights into glass production and can admire more than 2,000 exhibits. A guided tour of the glassworks can also be particularly interesting, as you can experience the work of the glassmakers up close. The high-quality glass is also well suited as a souvenir.

Diana Observation Tower

Another popular attraction is the Diana Observation Tower. For many years, a cable car has taken visitors from the station next to the Grandhotel Pupp through the spa forest to the viewpoint. The ride only takes a few minutes and already offers beautiful views of Karlovy Vary along the way. Once at the top, you can reach the 35-metre-high tower walkway after a few steps or conveniently by elevator. From there you can enjoy the view of the historic center and the surrounding nature, including the Ore Mountains, the Slavkov Forest and the spa forests. A walk through the spa forest on the way back is also recommended.

Spa Forest

In addition to colonnades, thermal baths and promenades, the spa forests are also worth a visit. You can hike there or explore nature by bike. The trails are well maintained and reliably signposted. Usually, colors indicate the difficulty level: green stands for easy routes, blue for medium-difficulty trails, and red for more challenging paths. Along the routes you will repeatedly come across arbors, pavilions, huts and other small structures, which offer a welcome place to take shelter, especially when it rains.

Viewing Platforms: Hirschsprung and Charles IV

There are additional viewpoints in the spa forest, including the Charles IV lookout tower and the Hirschsprung viewing pavilion from 1804. Hirschsprung is especially interesting for children, as there is a chamois figure beneath the pavilion that can be discovered.

The Ideal Time to Visit for Your Dream Vacation

Thanks to the wide range of options, a stay in Karlovy Vary is possible all year round. The city is particularly popular during the summer months. Winter can also be worthwhile, as the Christmas season offers a special experience with markets, concerts, festive programs and atmospheric decorations.

In addition, events are held regularly outside the summer and Christmas seasons. In January, for example, you can enjoy New Year performances, ball events and concerts. In April, there is also an unusual gathering where several hundred members of European noble families travel to celebrate a medieval-themed festival.

The main season often begins as early as May with rituals, traditional costume shows, fair tents and May celebrations. In June, international canoe competitions, the Karlovy Vary Carnival and the music festival “Mozart and Karlovy Vary” take place, among other events. Further events are held at the end of June and beginning of July, including the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Getting There and Getting Around

Traveling by car is a convenient way to get to Karlovy Vary, especially if you would also like to visit nearby attractions. Please note, however, that a vignette is required in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus or train. In Karlovy Vary itself, you can reach many places on foot and also make use of the well-developed public transport network.

Other Interesting Attractions Near Karlovy Vary

If you are already in Karlovy Vary, it is also worth planning attractions in the surrounding area. The spa towns of Františkovy Lázně and the Loket Castle are particularly recommended.

The Other Two Spa Towns of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle

Františkovy Lázně is home to the first peat bath in the world, the so-called Franzensquelle. You can also visit the main boulevard Ruská and other bathhouses there. The spa town of Mariánské Lázně is also very worth seeing and is not without reason referred to as the pearl of the spa triangle. Discover more than 40 mineral water springs and experience the drinking cures. You should also visit the city’s landmark, the Maxim Gorky Colonnade.

Loket Castle

The town of Loket is one of the most beautiful excursion destinations near Karlovy Vary and is characterized by Loket Castle (“Elbow Castle”). The castle has existed since the 13th century and houses, among other things, a historic pharmacy, a rock collection, a porcelain exhibition, a weapons exhibition, a torture museum and an observation tower. In the immediate vicinity there is also the family brewery Svatý Florián, which continues to maintain traditional Bohemian methods and offers beer as well as lemonades.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and hope you enjoy exploring Karlovy Vary. Please make sure to inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip more effectively and display suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Contact us anytime via email.