Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary (or Calrsbad in German) is the largest and most prestigious spa town in Bohemia. Founded as a free town in the 14th century, it enjoyed its heyday in the 19th century and during the Belle Époque, frequented by the greatest aristocrats and artists in Central Europe.

The city centre has preserved its prestigious architecture from this golden age, with elegant colonnades linking the various hot springs, majestic thermal baths and luxury hotels, including the famous Grand Hotel Pupp, creating a unique urban ensemble.

Suggested visits and activities in Karlovy Vary:

Stroll through the historic centre along the river to discover its luxury hotels, palaces and colonnades. You can taste the spring water in varying degrees.
Taste the regional speciality, wafers or “oplatky”, available in a variety of flavours (the Kolonáda brand is the most famous).
Take the funicular up behind the Grand Hôtel Pupp, for superb views over the city.
Go for a walk in the woods surrounding the town, where the paths are very well laid out and offer great views. Recommended: the “Deer Jump” (“Jelení skok”) or the Charles IV lookout.
Enjoy a treatment session at the Castle Spas (“Zámecké Lázně”), near the Mill Colonnade (booking recommended on site).
Visit the Moser crystal factory and museum, the most famous in Czechia.
Visit the Jan Becher Museum, creator of the herbal digestif Becherovka.