Karlovy Vary
The grandest of the Bohemian spa towns - colonnades, hot springs and pastel belle epoque facades in a wooded valley, a UNESCO Great Spa.
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UNESCO World Heritage
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.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for Karlovy Vary
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
