Explore Karlovy Vary

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Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a spa town in the west Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Its numerous thermal springs have made it a popular resort since the 19th century. The riverside spa district is home to several colonnades with columned walkways. The modern Hot Spring Colonnade houses the Pramen Vřídlo geyser, which spouts up to 12 meters high. 

🗓 Best Time to Visit Karlovy Vary

  • May to September – Best weather for walking the colonnades and spa experiences ☀

  • July – Home to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 🎬

  • October – Fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors 🍂

  • December – Cozy and festive Christmas vibes, snow-dusted spa town 🎄

🚍 How to Get There

  • From Prague (~2–2.5 hrs):

    • By bus (RegioJet, FlixBus): Direct and comfortable

    • By train: Slower (~3.5 hrs), scenic but less direct

    • By car: ~2 hours via D6 highway

  • Closest airport:

    • Prague Airport (PRG) – easiest connection for international travelers

💧 Top Attractions in Karlovy Vary

  1. Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) – Iconic neo-Renaissance colonnade with hot spring taps

  2. Hot Springs (Vřídlo) – Main geyser shoots up to 12 meters! Try the mineral water from the ornate spouts ♚

  3. Diana Observation Tower – Cable car up to forest views + mini zoo and butterfly house 🌲

  4. Church of St. Mary Magdalene – Baroque beauty near the main spring

  5. Hot Spring Colonnade – Modernist building over the Vřídlo geyser

  6. Market & Castle Colonnades – Cozy, old-world spa architecture

  7. Jan Becher Museum – Home of the famous herbal liqueur Becherovka 🍞

  8. Grandhotel Pupp – Legendary hotel, film location, and luxury icon 🎞

  9. Spa Forest Trails – Scenic walks above the town, peaceful and refreshing

  10. Karlovy Vary Film Festival area – Modern theaters, pavilions & photo ops

🎉 Things To Do

  • Sip thermal water from porcelain spa cups at different fountains (each spring has different minerals)

  • Treat yourself to a full spa day – mud wraps, massages, hydrotherapy

  • Try a traditional wafer (oplatky) filled with chocolate or hazelnut

  • Attend the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (early July)

  • Visit a luxury spa like Elisabeth Spa or Hotel Thermal

  • Take a carriage ride or walk along the Teplá River

  • Hike or cycle the surrounding hills with marked trails

  • Explore Czech porcelain, glassware, or herbal souvenirs

🏚 Accommodation

  • Luxury:

    • Grandhotel Pupp – Iconic 5-star spa hotel, classic glam

    • Savoy Westend Hotel – Historic spa resort with wellness packages

  • Mid-range:

    • Hotel Romance Puškin – Charming with castle views

    • Hotel Imperial – Historic hotel on a hilltop with amazing views & spa

  • Budget:

    • Villa Basileia Riverside – Unique, artistic guesthouse

    • Hotel Marttel – Affordable and clean, close to the colonnades

🍜 Food & Restaurants

Must-try local dishes:

  • Svickova – Beef in creamy sauce with dumplings

  • Czech goulash with bread dumplings

  • Karlovarské oplatky – Thin, sweet spa wafers

  • Trout from local rivers

  • Becherovka – Digestive herbal liqueur (try as a cocktail or shot!)

Top dining spots:

  • Restaurace Velký mlýn – Czech cuisine with a riverside terrace

  • Le Marché – Gourmet, fine dining with a seasonal menu

  • Becherplatz – Restaurant + brewery + museum, great for tasting Becherovka

  • Tusculum – Elegant café & bistro, tucked away in a villa

  • Pizzeria Palermo – If you're craving casual comfort food

🎚 Local Culture

  • Historic visitors include Beethoven, Goethe, Chopin, Kafka, and Russian Tsars

  • Known for its Bohemian glassware, porcelain, and art nouveau buildings

  • The town feels like a living museum – peaceful, elegant, timeless

  • You’ll often hear Czech, German, and Russian, and meet many wellness tourists

  • Film, literature, and spa life are part of the city’s DNA