Things to do in Karlovy Vary

About Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a historic spa town in western Bohemia renowned for its twelve thermal mineral springs that have attracted European nobility since the 14th century. The city's architecture is defined by its ornate colonnades, such as the neo-Renaissance Mill Colonnade and the intricately carved wooden Market Colonnade. Visitors traditionally traverse the valley floor to sample mineral water while exploring the sprawling spa district. Beyond the therapeutic springs, the area features dense forested hillsides accessible via funiculars and hiking paths, including the iconic Deer Jump Lookout. The cultural legacy of the town is cemented by local industry, most notably the production of the herbal liqueur showcased at the Jan Becher Museum.

Good to know

1. 1

   The city's thermal springs were legendarily discovered by King Charles IV during a deer hunt in the 14th century.

2. 2

   Karlovy Vary hosts an internationally significant film festival every summer, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Central Europe.

3. 3

   The famous herbal liqueur Becherovka, produced in the city since 1807, is often referred to as the '13th spring' of Karlovy Vary.

4. 4

   The town's geological makeup features a unique combination of heat and mineralization, resulting in the formation of 'sprudelstein' or sinter, which is used in local crafts.

5. 5

   Karlovy Vary was a favored destination for figures like Goethe, Beethoven, and Chopin, who integrated the town's mineral cures into their own artistic routines.