A trip to quiet and calm Karlovy Vary is a real rest for the soul and a healing balm for the body. For Russian tourists, this Czech resort has become "native" since tsarist times. From time immemorial, aristocrats and intellectuals rushed here for treatment.
Today Karlovy Vary is a worthy balneological tradition, excellent service of well-equipped hotels and, of course, numerous hot springs that can improve health and heal from numerous ailments. Local health resorts offer a variety of wellness programs to suit all tastes.
Also, urban environs are of great interest. There are medieval castles, picturesque canyons on the wooded slopes of the river and numerous well-equipped trails to contemplate all this splendor.
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What to see and where to go in Karlovy Vary?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Mineral springs
There are about 70 mineral springs in Karlovy Vary, but it is believed that only 12 have healing qualities. Each is intended for the treatment and prevention of a specific group of diseases. The water temperature ranges from 30 ° C to 70 ° C. Picturesque colonnades were erected around the thermal springs in the 19th-20th centuries, which protected them from the influence of the external environment.
Diana Lookout Tower
The tower is located at the top of the Druzhba hill. Tourists can get there by funicular, or spend half an hour and walk along the hiking trail. The observation deck of the tower offers a panoramic view of the wooded green hills that surround Karlovy Vary. In addition to the tower itself, there is a cafe, a restaurant on the hill, as well as benches and comfortable seating areas.
Goethe Lookout Tower
The building was erected at the end of the 19th century, it is the oldest observation deck in Karlovy Vary. It is interesting that in 1945 the tower was named in honor of I. Stalin, but already in the 60s. renamed. A staircase with 165 steps (42 meters high) leads to the top of the building. Many objects of the Goethe Tower were restored only in 2002 with the active participation of F. Gaspra, who wanted to make the appearance of Karlovy Vary more attractive.
Castle tower
An elegant castle built during the reign of Charles IV. Initially, it was assumed that the building would be used as a hunting lodge, but after the completion of construction, the local aristocracy began to arrange here holidays, balls and lavish receptions. In 1604 the castle was destroyed by fire, but a new tower was soon erected. The construction of the 17th century has survived to this day. Now there is a restaurant on the territory of the Castle Tower.
Hot Spring Colonnade
Glass building, erected in the 70s. XX century, designed by J. Otruba. The colonnade is located near the Vrzhidlo spring, which bursts out of the ground with a powerful hot jet (2 thousand liters of water / min.) Due to the high temperature, it is impossible to stay near the geyser for a long time. In the colonnade, in addition to the hall with the source, there is an extensive hall where souvenirs, dishes and Bohemian glass are sold.
Mill colonnade
A picturesque colonnade built in the 19th century in the neo-Renaissance style with elements of an elegant Empire style. It consists of 124 monumental columns supporting the façade with bas-reliefs by V. Lokvenets. Inside the Mill Colonnade there are the Knyaz Vatslav, Melnichny, Rusalka, Libuše and Skalny mineral springs. The water temperature in the springs ranges from 45 ° C to 64 ° C.
Market colonnade
The structure was erected in 1883 from wood and should have served only a few years before the construction of something more impressive. But it lasted over 100 years. At the end of the 20th century, the city authorities decided on a complete reconstruction, and now tourists have the opportunity to admire the restored landmark. Inside there are two sources - "Market" and "Charles IV". The Castle Tower is located just behind the Market Colonnade.
Garden colonnade
The colonnade was erected in 1880 by G. Helmer and F. Fellner. These two architects have made a great contribution to the appearance of Karlovy Vary. In the middle of the 20th century, the pavilion was dismantled and only a frame with columns remained from the construction. However, in 2002, the historical appearance was restored. Now the Garden Colonnade is a real decoration of the city. Inside there are the "Serpentine" and "Sadovy" springs.
Castle colonnade
An architectural structure in the Art Nouveau style, erected at the beginning of the 20th century by the project of the Viennese architect F. Oman. At the beginning of the 21st century, the colonnade was renovated at the expense of the Zamkovye Lazni hospital, which made many facilities available only to the clients of this institution. The healing water from the spring can be drunk by everyone, but admiring the magnificent interior decoration of the Castle Colonnade is available only to tourists living in the Castle Spa.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Temple of the XVIII-XIX centuries, built according to the project of K. Dientzenhofer. The first church in the Gothic style appeared on this site in the 15th century; it belonged to the Order of the Crusaders. Later, the building was rebuilt in the more fashionable and progressive Renaissance style at that time. Subsequently, the temple was destroyed more than once during wars and fires, as a result, by the 18th century, the building was almost destroyed. The restoration was completed by 1861.
Peter and Paul Church
A functioning Orthodox church built in the 19th century according to the project of D. Ukhtomsky. It was the first Orthodox church in the Austrian Empire. Due to the war, the church was closed in 1916, services were resumed only in the middle of the 20th century. A complete renovation was carried out in the 1980s. Since then, the building has been maintained in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the local authorities.
Jan Becher Museum
The famous drink "Becherovka" is revered and loved in the Czech Republic, sometimes it is even called the "thirteenth spring" of Karlovy Vary. It is used as a medicine and an ingredient in many cocktails. The Becherovka production company was founded by the local pharmacist Jan Becher. A museum named after him was opened in Karlovy Vary in 1992. During the tour, visitors can taste the drink with different flavors, learn its history and buy souvenirs.
Karlovy Vary Museum of Local Lore
The museum complex includes three buildings, as fewer were not enough to accommodate an extensive exposition. Archaeological finds, art and household items, documents, geological exhibits related to the history of Karlovy Vary are exhibited here. The museum was founded in 1865 on the initiative of the Austrian physician and balneological expert J.V. von Löschner.
Moser Glass Museum
The Moser Glass Factory was built in Karlovy Vary in 1875. He is engaged in the production of products from Bohemian glass - a famous brand, famous throughout the world for its high quality. In the factory museum you can see an exposition made up of the most valuable and rare specimens produced at different times at the Moser. You can also get acquainted with all stages of glass production.
Karlovy Vary Picture Gallery
The museum exhibits contemporary works of art created by Czech sculptors and painters in the second half of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition contains about 150 works in the style of Cubism, Expressionism and Fauvism. On the territory of the gallery, temporary exhibitions are often held, as well as performances and concerts.The building was built in 1912 in a neoclassical style.
Karlovy Vary City Theater
The building of the theater was built in the 19th century according to the project of G. Earlier in its place there was a wooden building, which collapsed during a fire in 1787. The inspiration for raising funds for the construction of the theater was one of the founders of balneology in Karlovy Vary - D. Becher. As a premiere performance, a wonderful enchanting opera by W. A. Mozart "The Marriage of Figaro" was performed.
Outdoor pool of the hotel "Termal"
Heated swimming pool, open all year round, which is located on the territory of the Hotel Termal. The water in it is not medicinal, but the most ordinary, so everyone can swim. The pool has a fitness club, sauna, solarium and massage room. The length of the pool from side to side is 50 meters, the depth is up to 4.5 meters. The pool offers great views of the surrounding hotel buildings and the surrounding hills. The pool is closed at this time.
Grand hotel "Pupp"
A sanatorium located in an early 18th century building, which is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Karlovy Vary. Famous musicians, royal persons, representatives of aristocratic families, cultural figures and other famous people have been guests of the Pupp Hotel. Every year, the hotel hosts an international film festival, which attracts world-class stars.
Hotel "Imperial"
A four-star hotel built in a classical style at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel is surrounded by a magnificent park with its own theater stage. The interior of "Imperial" is dominated by restrained luxury and calm notes of the Art Nouveau style. There is also a cinema, concert hall and spacious auditoriums for seminars. The hotel's resort restaurant serves national and international cuisine, and there are 9 dietary options to choose from.
Loket castle
The castle is located near Karlovy Vary. There is debate about the date of its foundation, but experts point to the 13th century. The building is a severe medieval fortress with thick walls and narrow loopholes. Presumably, Loket was erected as a frontier fort, which demarcated German and Czech possessions. The castle rises on the banks of the Ohře River.
Valech castle
An architectural structure of the 16th century, erected during the reign of Vladislav II. The castle changed owners many times. The greatest flowering fell on the period 1695 - 1733. The castle park was inspired by the tradition of Italian landscape design. The church built in the 18th century according to the project of Giovanni Ross deserves special attention. The last owner of Valech was Count Larish-Mennich, then the property went to the state.
Bečov nad Teploi
A Bohemian Baroque castle located on the rocky bank of the Tepla River. It is believed that the structure was built in the 13th century. Over the next two centuries, the castle was owned by different surnames until it was captured by the Swedes during the Thirty Years War. In the second half of the 17th century and in the 19th century, major renovations were carried out. Bečov nad Teplou became state property in 1945.
Dvorak gardens
A picturesque city park that was created at the end of the 19th century. Trees more than 200 years old grow on its territory. The gardens were named after the Czech composer A. Dvořák; the maestro's monument adorns one of the park's alleys. It should be noted that visitors are allowed not only to walk decorously along the paths and sit on benches, but also to walk on the lawns, which makes the park attractive to most residents and visitors of Karlovy Vary.
Svatosh rocks
A picturesque canyon in the Ohře river valley, where you can admire the natural beauty of the Karlovy Vary surroundings. This natural site is included in the list of specially protected in the territory of the Czech Republic. Many legends are associated with the Svatoshki Rocks. At one time, they inspired the brothers Grimm, Goethe, Kerner and Spiss to create poetic literary works.
Rock "Deer Skok"
A low cliff, on top of which a chamois statue was placed in 1851. The metal sculpture was created by August Kiss. Unfortunately, in 1984 the figure was spoiled by vandals. Two years later, the sculptor J. Kotek created a bronze copy, which now crowns the top of the hill. "Deer Skok" is one of the symbols of Karlovy Vary. There is an observation deck near the statue, which is very popular with tourists.
