Is Karlovy Vary Worth Visiting? Uncover This Amazing Czech Spa Gem
Is Karlovy Vary Worth Visiting?
Nestled in the heart of the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary is a town that exudes charm and elegance, making it a hidden gem worth exploring. Famous for its thermal springs, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, this picturesque spa town offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of rejuvenating spa treatments, the allure of its grand colonnades, or the vibrant local festivals, Karlovy Vary invites you to uncover its many treasures. Join us as we delve into what makes Karlovy Vary a must-visit destination and decide for yourself if it lives up to the hype.
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How long does it take to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague?
The easiest way to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague (the capital of the Czech Republic) is by train.
This will take you 3-4 hours depending on if it is a fast train or not. I went on České dráhy (Czech railways) which was a very pleasant journey. I decided to upgrade to 1st class and it was only £12! I also got offered an alcoholic beverage at that price.
Things to do in Karlovy Vary
enjoy the Wellness centre at Hotel Thermal
Dip your toes in the rooftop pool at Hotel Thermal and enjoy sweeping views of Karlovy Vary. They also have a wellness centre for you to enjoy if swimming is not up your street. I highly recommend the saunas, especially after the long train journey.
You can check out the Hotel Thermal here. Want some dinner check out Varyo just above the Hotel Thermal for more amazing views of Karlovy Vary.
Visit the Moser Glassworks
Experience the authentic atmosphere of artistic work by hand, as presented by the master glassmakers at the Moser Glassworks. Discover more than 160 years of history at the glassworks, from the oldest pieces created to contemporary collections.
Check out Moser Glassworks here.
Becherovka muzeum | Guided tour and tasting
The 170-year-old distillery where Becherovka liqueur was once made is a unique tourist attraction. The distillery and the square outside will transport you back to the 19th century.
Want more information about Becherovka Muzeum? (also known as Jan Becher Muzeum) click here.
Guided tour of Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is well known for its thermal springs discovered in the 14th century. It’s the best-known of the famous trio which makes up the West Bohemian Spa Triangle. Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town once hosted some of the most illustrious figures of European artistic and cultural life, and today it is the second most visited destination in the Czech Republic. The town’s wonderful architecture makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful spas.
Funicular to Diana’s Observation tower
The funicular has been transporting spa guests from the colonnade to the Diana viewing tower for more than 100 years. The lower station is located next to Grandhotel Pupp. The funicular runs every 15 minutes. (Last leaves at 19:00). Diana’s lookout tower offers memorable views across the historical centre of Karlovy Vary and the surrounding area.
There is also an opportunity to visit the butterfly house.
Transfer to Krušné hory (Boží dar) – (31 km, 25 min)
Mining region Krušnohoří/ Erzgebirge on the UNESCO list
Mysterious geological phenomena on the horizon and eight hundred years of history underfoot. The mining region on the Bohemian-German border is one of the places that fascinate lovers of culture, history and wildlife thanks to its dense network of preserved mining monuments and dramatic history combined with important scientific discoveries.
Mauritius mine
On a tour of the Mauritius Mine, dressed in helmets, raincoats and boots, you’ll look 12 metres underground. You’ll see not only the adit itself and the downstream workings, but a large chamber.
- Důl Mauritius
- Hřebečná, Abertamy, Karlovarský, Česká republika, 362 35
Ski Resort Klínovec |selection of sports/outdoor activities, weather permitting
The Klínovec ski resort is the largest ski centre in the Krušné Mountains and is connected by a special ski bus with the Fichtelberg ski resort across the border in Germany. It offers excellent snow conditions throughout the season on 31.4 km of ski slopes. In summer there are 22 km of downhill mountain bike trails suitable for riders of all abilities.
1.5-hour bike or scooter ride along the AZUR trail. This was my favourite activity to do. The scooter was so much fun.
- SKIAREÁL KLÍNOVEC s.r.o.
- Loučná pod Klínovcem, Ústecký kraj, Czechia, 431 91
- https://klinovec.cz/en/klinovec-summer/
Evening walk around Mariánské Lázně
The spa town of Mariánské Lázně offers many natural mineral springs as well as over 200 years of history, relaxing parks, magnificent architecture and invigorating cultural and outdoor activities.
see a night performance of a singing fountain with light effects
Either at 21:00 or 22:00 watch the fountain in Mariánské Lázně dance with water and light effects. This is completely free to watch.
- Zpívající Fontána
- U Kolonády, Mariánské Lázně, Karlovarský, Česká republika, 353 01
Walk along the Kladská natural trail in the Kladská Peat Bog National Nature Reserve
One of the most beautiful places in the Cheb District is Kladská Lake and its Hunting Lodges. Kladská is situated in one of the most significant natural environments within the Slavovský Forest Protected Landscape Area.
Loket | guided tour of the city and medieval castle
A 12th-century Gothic fortress built atop a huge rocky outcrop, Loket Castle is surrounded on three sides by the River Ohře. It is one of the oldest and most historically valuable castles in all Bohemia and the most visited tourist attraction in the Karlovy Vary Region.
Guided tour of Cheb
One of the oldest towns in the Czech Republic, the highlights here are Cheb Castle, the medieval Špalíček block of houses and a unique architectural phenomenon – the roof trusses of the houses that once belonged to wealthy Cheb merchants.
Where to Stay in Karlovy Vary?
Grandhotel Pupp
An iconic hotel in the Karlovy Vary Region, the Pupp exudes a swish elegance and offers 5-star and 4-star accommodation. It’s a luxurious place to relax as well as a venue for seminars, meetings and conferences.
Nové Lázně Ensana Health Spa Hotel
Time to pamper yourself!
Roman Baths, the Maria Spring and oxygen therapy, spa procedure
The Roman Baths were built in 1896 at the same time as the Nové Lázně (New spa) was rebuilt, to provide a luxurious experience. Under richly decorated vaulting and between marble columns, you can plunge into pools once enjoyed by the rich and powerful from all over the world.
The spa also provides a quite unique experience in the world of Czech balneology – the Maria Spring combined with oxygen therapy. Guests are seated in a special pool with natural CO2 rising from the Maria Spring to around waist height. This procedure is combined with oxygen therapy. This has a positive effect on cell regeneration and slows the ageing process.
Great Snack Places in Karlovy Vary
Where to eat in Karlovy Vary
Eat at Varyo
Located just about the hotel thermal pool this is a convenient restaurant to relax after spending time at the wellness centre at Hotel Thermal.
Lunch at Restaurant Karel IV. (Becherplatz)
Enjoy a delicious meal and a tankard of Charles IV beer from the local brewery.
Click here for Google Maps: Restaurant Karel IV. (Becherplatz)
Dinner at the restaurant Le Marche
Come to Le Marché Restaurant in Karlovy Vary to experience the original gourmet menu prepared by Executive Chef Jan Krajč. Food that is unique in its appearance, aroma, and especially in its taste.
Click here for Google Maps: Le Marché
Lunch with beer tasting at the Červený Vlk brewery
- Pivovar Červený vlk
- Boží Dar 279, Boží Dar, Karlovarský, Česká republika, 362 62
- https://cervenyvlk.cz
Lunch at Restaurant U Tetřeva
Serving great fresh fish and game, if you’re into that kind of thing.
- Restaurace a pension U Tetřeva
- Mariánské Lázně, Karlovarský kraj, Czechia, 353 01
- https://utetreva.cz/
Lunch at the Brewery Hvězda
- Hvězda
- https://www.hvezda-cheb.cz/
Dinner at Brewery sv. Florian
Experience a unique Slavonis earth grill! You will not find it anywhere else in the Czech Republic (it is under a trademark). In this furnace, a fire is first lit for at least three hours. It is heated mainly with birch and beech wood. The firebricks draw the heat into themselves and the piglet, loaded and covered with home-brewed beer, is then lowered onto the charcoal grill, the whole oven is covered and ‘grilled’ for six to seven hours.
- Rodinný pivovar Sv. Florian
- T. G. Masaryka 136/81, Loket, Karlovarský, Česká republika, 357 33
- http://www.hotel-loket.cz/cz/pivovar
Dinner at Gourmet Hotel & Restaurant VILLA PATRIOT
Villa Patriot is a fine dining restaurant in the centre of Mariánské Lázně.
- Gourmet Hotel & Restaurant Villa Patriot
- Dusikova 62, Mariánské Lázně, Karlovarský, Česká republika, 353 01
- http://www.villapatriot.cz
Karlovy Vary Film Festival
Did you know that every year around June-July Karlovy Vary has a film festival. It isn’t just a small festival it is pretty big and A list celebrities attends. The likes of Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant are just a few people who have attended this festival.
Is Karlovy Vary worth visiting an overview
Is Karlovy Vary Worth Visiting? I would say absolutely! Karlovy Vary is not very well known however it is a beautiful place so a peaceful relaxing holiday. I would recommend staying for at least 2 days especially if you are taking the train from Prague.
