Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, Carlsbad, is the grandest of the West Bohemian spa towns, set in a wooded river valley, where hot mineral springs bubble up and elegant colonnades, pastel belle epoque facades and grand hotels line the promenade. A UNESCO Great Spa of Europe, it is a place to stroll, sip the healing waters from a special cup and take the air.

Background

Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, founded the city in the 14th century, and it carries his name, while in German it is Karlsbad. It lies where the Ohře and Teplá rivers meet, about 106 kilometres west of Prague, at 447 metres, and Vítkův vrch, a hill of 642 metres, is its highest point. In the 19th century it became a spa resort favoured by the European aristocracy. No spa town in the Czech Republic draws more visitors, and it hosts the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. UNESCO added it in 2021 as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, and the historic centre is protected as an urban monument reservation.

Source: Wikipedia, "Karlovy Vary"

What to look for

• The colonnades and springs - the elegant colonnades where the hot mineral springs flow.
• The belle epoque facades - the pastel spa architecture along the river.
• The spa cup and wafers - drinking the waters from the traditional cup with spa wafers.
• The Becherovka liqueur - the herbal liqueur made in the town.

When to go

The warm months for the promenade and the wooded valley; it is a year-round spa town, busy during its summer film festival. A clear day suits the pastel facades.

Before you go

The mineral waters are an acquired, sulphurous taste, sipped for health rather than pleasure. It has a large Russian-speaking spa clientele and can feel geared to spa guests. Its charm is the strolling and architecture as much as the springs.

Nearby

The other spa towns of Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne are nearby; Prague is two hours east.

Key facts