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 town impresses with its history and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Karlovy Vary was built around the Vary springs, whose sulphurous water is said to have a healing effect. Well-known figures such as Beethoven, Kafka, and Freud also appreciated the town's special atmosphere. Below you will find an overview of what there is to discover in Karlovy Vary.

Sights of the town

When you travel to Karlovy Vary, you will come across numerous sights. Discover the famous colonnades or the Diana Tower. In addition to its thermal spas, Karlovy Vary offers much more and will leave a lasting impression on many visitors.

Stará Louka promenade

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

The famous colonnades

Karlovy Vary has a large number of colonnades, i.e. covered pillared halls that provide shaded areas for relaxation and spa treatments. Among the most well-known is the Vřídlo Colonnade, which houses probably the most famous of the town's twelve springs. Since the 16th century, a fountain about twelve metres high and around 72 degrees warm has been active here, rising from the Vřídlo spring. The water is used, among other things, for drinking cures and spa baths. There are also several spring basins from which drinkable mineral water can be taken at different temperatures. The water is said to have a supportive effect on digestive complaints, diabetes, being overweight, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Other colonnades worth seeing are the Mill Colonnade and the Market Colonnade, which is located directly on the historic market square.

Church of St Mary Magdalene

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

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 spas

In addition to the famous herbal liqueur, it is also worth visiting the thermal spas in Karlovy Vary. Numerous spa houses and hotels offer various treatments, including classic spa cures, wellness and beauty programmes, massages, and whirlpool baths with thermal water. It is advisable to look for well-rated establishments in order to have 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 tour of the glassworks can also be particularly interesting, as you experience the work of the glassmakers up close. The high-quality glass is also well suited as a souvenir.

Diana Tower

Another popular attraction is the Diana Tower. For many years, a cable car has been taking visitors from the station next to the Grand Hotel Pupp through the spa forest to the viewpoint. The ride takes only a few minutes and offers lovely views of Karlovy Vary along the way. Once at the top, after a few steps or conveniently by lift, you reach the 35-metre-high tower gallery. From there you can enjoy the view of the historic centre as well as the surrounding nature, including the Ore Mountains, the Kaiserwald, and the spa forests. A walk through the spa forest on the way back is also recommended.

Spa forest

In addition to colonnades, thermal spas, and promenades, the spa forests are also worth a visit. You can hike there or explore nature by bike. The paths are well maintained and reliably signposted. Colours usually indicate the level of difficulty: green stands for easy routes, blue for moderately difficult routes, and red for more demanding paths. Along the routes you will repeatedly come across gazebos, pavilions, huts, and other small structures that offer a welcome place to take shelter, especially in the rain.

Viewing platforms: Stag's Leap and Charles IV

There are further viewpoints in the spa forest, including the Charles IV lookout tower and the Stag's Leap lookout pavilion from 1804. Stag's Leap is particularly interesting for children, as there is a figure of a chamois beneath the pavilion that can be discovered.

The ideal time to travel for your dream holiday

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

In addition, events also take place regularly outside the summer and Christmas periods. In January, for example, you can experience New Year performances, balls, and concerts. In April, an unusual gathering also takes place, in which several hundred members of European noble families travel to celebrate a medieval-style festival.

The main season often begins as early as May with rituals, folk costume shows, market tents, and May celebrations. June is followed by, among other things, international canoe competitions, the Karlovy Vary Carnival, and the "Mozart and Karlovy Vary" music festival. Further events take place at the end of June and beginning of July, including the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Getting there and getting around locally

Travelling by car is a convenient way to travel to Karlovy Vary, especially if you would also like to visit nearby attractions. Please note, however, that a vignette requirement applies in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, it is also possible to 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 sights near Karlovy Vary

If you are already in Karlovy Vary, it is also worth planning to see sights in the surrounding area. Particularly recommended are the spa town of Františkovy Lázně and Loket Castle.

The other two spa towns of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle

Františkovy Lázně is home to the world's first peat bath, the so-called Franzensquelle spring. You can also visit the magnificent Ruská street as well as further bathhouses there. The spa town of Mariánské Lázně is also well worth seeing and is not without reason referred to as the pearl of the Spa Triangle. Discover over 40 mineral water springs and experience the drinking cures. You should also visit the town'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 shaped 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 a lookout tower. The Svatý Florián family brewery is also located in the immediate vicinity, which continues to uphold traditional Bohemian methods and offers beer as well as lemonades.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment exploring Karlovy Vary. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. Feel free to also use our route planner to help you plan your trip better and display suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.