This Czech spa town in the forested hills near Germany has drawn royalty and artists for centuries to bathe in and drink from its mineral rich hot springs.

Why Visit Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary’s dozen mineral hot springs, discovered in the 14th century, gave rise to a spa tradition that drew figures including Goethe, Beethoven, and Russian tsars to its elegant colonnades. The Mill Colonnade, a grand Neo-Renaissance structure housing several of the town’s principal springs, remains the most photographed spot in the city center. Karlovy Vary’s own herbal liqueur, Becherovka, and the sweet wafers known as oplatky, traditionally eaten alongside the mineral water, have become inseparable from a visit to the spa town.

Top Experiences

  • Mill Colonnade: A grand Neo-Renaissance colonnade housing several of the town’s mineral hot springs.
  • Karlovy Vary Spa Treatments: Experience the mineral water traditions that have drawn visitors for centuries.
  • Becherovka Museum and Distillery: Learn about and taste the town’s famous herbal liqueur, produced here since 1807.
  • Diana Lookout Tower: A hilltop tower reached by funicular, offering panoramic views over the spa town.

Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Karlovy Vary.

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Practical Tips

  • Visitors traditionally drink the mineral water from special spouted cups called lazenske poharky, sold throughout town.
  • Karlovy Vary hosts an International Film Festival each July, one of the oldest in Europe.
  • The Diana lookout funicular offers an easy way to see the town’s layout from above.

FAQ

Why is Karlovy Vary known for hot springs?
A dozen mineral hot springs were discovered here in the 14th century, leading to centuries of spa tourism and the development of the town’s elegant colonnades.

What is Becherovka?
It is a herbal liqueur produced in Karlovy Vary since 1807, considered a local specialty and often enjoyed alongside a visit to the spa town’s springs.

Is Karlovy Vary easy to visit from Prague?
Yes, it is about two hours from Prague by car or bus, making it a popular day trip or overnight spa getaway.

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