Cheb - medieval town near Karlovy Vary, founded in the 11th century, which makes it one of the oldest cities in this region. Over its long history, the city of Cheb managed to be part of the Roman Empire, and under the rule of the German Kaisers, and finally, become part of the Czech lands. The historical city center with the fortress and the famous Špalicek quarter have been well preserved to this day. Also in Cheb you can visit several ancient churches, the town hall and the city museum.
...Marianske Lazne - famous resort in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary, famous for his cold healing springs, an atmosphere of respectability and peace, as well as ancient architecture.
The main attractions of Marianske Lazne are: Colonnade with healing water and a musical fountain; not far from it there is a beautiful forest park with walking paths; the central street of the city - Hlavni trida; Orthodox Cathedral; ancient swimming pool called "Roman...
Svyatoska Rocks, located in the vicinity, are a good opportunity to admire natural attractions and engage in active tourism, walking along specially laid paths here (or riding a bicycle along them). The tourist route is provided with signs, which eliminates the danger of getting lost. Also during this trip you can stop...
Resting in Karlovy Vary Of course, it is worth visiting Prague. You can get from Karlovy Vary to Prague by bus, which departs from the city's Lower Station - Terminal at Dolní nádraží. It is better to purchase tickets (preferably round trip) in advance, since there are always a lot of people interested in this route. Approximate travel time is two hours.
If you care, what to give to parents: send them to medical resorts in Europe for treatment.
Loket is an ancient town and castle in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary. Founded in the 13th century, Loket Castle served as a defensive fortress, a royal residence, and even a city prison. Today the city and Loket castle are considered a museum complex. Loket Castle displays archaeological finds, collections of ancient weapons and porcelain. But what makes the greatest impression is the torture chambers in the basements of the castle with models of prisoners, the creaking of torture machines and groans...
An amazing piece of provincial Czech Republic, attractive with natural and cultural attractions. Karlovy Vary. I want to come back here endlessly.
The popular Czech resort, world famous for its 13 mineral springs, which have no analogues in the world, can have a beneficial effect on your health. What to see in Karlovy Vary? What to do besides “healing on the waters” and healing the body?
About resort colonnades
Open daily. May-September: 10.00-19.00. Cost: adults – 80 CZK, children – 40 CZK. Family: 2 adults, 2-3 children – 220 CZK.
Mini zoo. Ponies, Cameroonian goats, Chinese piglets. Each animal has its own name and character. Peacocks walk along the paths. Animals are allowed to be petted and even fed. The entrance is free.
Goethe observation tower with a picturesque view of the city surroundings. It is located on a hill (638 m) with the poetic name “The Peak of Eternal Youth.” The oldest and first observation structure. There is a forest around the tower. There are 165 steps leading to the upper observation deck, the height is 42 m.
The best option to get there is as part of a sightseeing bus tour of the city. On your own - by bus No. 8 to the village of Gurki and along the Gogol path 1.2 km up on foot to the tower. Open every day except Monday: April-September – from 11.00 to 20.00; October-March – from 11.00 to 16.00.
About gardens, about parks...
Japanese rock garden. For the Czech Republic and Karlovy Vary, the attraction is “non-standard” and mysterious. It is located at the very end of the “geyser line” on the southern outskirts of the city. The author is Japanese landscape architect Kinji Nomura.
The garden was originally created for meditation. It is shaped like a circle with a curved line in the middle, a symbol of Yin-Yang, masculine and feminine. Stone of Good and stone-ship. Sculptural stone Buddha lantern, white gravel throughout the garden, large vertical “menhirs”. Each element of the landscape composition has its own symbolism and meaning.
Start your walk from the Geyser, past the Grand Hotel, along the Goethe Path to the rock garden. Distance 1.5 km, time – about half an hour. Take bus No. 2 or No. 7 from the Rynok stop to the Richmond Hotel stop and walk 150 m to the garden.
Dvorak Gardens. A cozy park in the central part of the city, which you can see on your own in Karlovy Vary. Attract the attention of vacationers:
- lake with a sculpture of a mermaid;
- monuments to the composer A. Dvorak and the poet P. Bezruch;
- national monument of the Czech Republic - a pedestal with a thermometer in Art Nouveau style (1913);
- 200-year-old giant plane trees.
You are allowed to walk and have picnics on the lawns of the Dvorak Gardens. Free admission. A walk from the Geyser, along the embankment of the left bank of Tepla, past the Mill Colonnade, through the military sanatorium and out to the gardens.
Shouldn't we go to the museum?
Fans of historical rarities and unusual exhibits will find the following attractions in Karlovy Vary.
Moser Crystal Museum. More than 2000 items of a unique exhibition: antiques and elite newfangled crystal. A short film will tell about the history of the enterprise. You can see the museum and go to the glass blowing shop to get acquainted with the tools and technologies of “light” production.
Photo and video filming is permitted. Guided tours of the glass factory every half hour. There is a company store where real works of glass art are offered for sale: costume jewelry, jewelry, dishes, souvenirs.
Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 17.00. Entrance fee to the museum is 80 CZK (adults), 40 CZK for children. Take city bus No. 1, 2, 22 from the Rynok stop to Sklarzhska.
Jan Becher Museum. Traditional with a specific taste and aroma – the highlight of the resort. Its recipe is shrouded in mystery and has been passed down from father to son since the beginning of the 19th century. The thematic exhibition of the museum is historical rarities related to the drink. The tour includes watching a documentary film. Cost – 120 CZK with tasting of 3 products. The museum has a bar and a shop. Open daily from 9.00 to 17.00.
Where to go for an esthete
Holidays in the Czech Republic are not only an exciting “excursion” to Karlovy Vary, there is something to see for connoisseurs of cultural traditions and theatergoers.
Art Gallery(Art Gallery). Introduces the collection of paintings and sculptures of contemporary Czech art (XIX–XX centuries). The main building is located on the embankment; branches are in the Becherova Villa and in the Summer Palace in the town of Ostrov near Karlovy Vary.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9.30-12.00 and 13.00-17.00. First Wednesday of the month – admission is free. The ticket price depends on the program and thematic exhibition.
City Theater. The building is in neo-baroque style. The interior decoration is magnificent and luxurious. An architectural and artistic pearl of the Karlovy Vary resort and its landmark. The stage is decorated with a curtain - a work of art and artistic value of the city, painted by great artists.
The box office is open daily from 10.00 to 17.30 and for an hour before the start of the performance. The ticket price depending on the seat category is from 100 to 490 CZK.
Beauty in the area: interesting places
What to see in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary or near the resort? There are plenty of options.
It “grew up” on a rock and is surrounded on all sides by a river. The “Key of the Czech Kingdom” is located 14 km from the center of Karlovy Vary. The town of the same name is located here - in the Slavkov Forest reserve. From the upper gallery of the tower there is a panoramic view of Loket and the Ohře river valley.
For lovers of educational tourism, the fortress museum presents a unique exhibition of porcelain, a weapons museum, and archaeological rarities. For thrill seekers, the dungeon and torture chamber with wax figures will be of interest; performances/simulations of the death penalty.
Cheerful gnomes and mythical characters are everywhere on the castle grounds. Under the fortress there is a natural amphitheater with a stage where theatrical performances and concerts are held. July is the month of the annual opera festival. The family brewery Svatý Florián also attracts gourmets.
There is a bus from Karlovy Vary to Loket. Departs from Nizhny Station. By car, take the R6 road in the direction of Cheb, turn at the Loučki sign onto road no. 209. It will lead to the town. Excursion (in Russian) around the castle – 170 CZK, for children – 140 CZK. Family – 420 CZK. For photos and videos, additional payment is 20 CZK.
Svatosha rocks. National monument of the Czech Republic near Karlovy Vary, an interesting attraction. It is called the “petrified wedding” in the Ohře Valley. Romantic legends, bizarre granite columns and 50-meter-high pyramids that excite the imagination, a picturesque canyon. The brothers Grimm, Goethe, Freud, and Kerner drew inspiration for their works here.
The valley is accessible to cyclists, walkers and boaters. The 13 km long ecological trail between Karlovy Vary Doubi and the Loket Fortress is often chosen by fans of hiking. Travel time is 3-6 hours. By bike – 1-3 hours. Buses run from the settlements of Loket and Doubi.
Town of Angel Mountain. An attraction 12 km from Karlovy Vary, where you can see several interesting things at once:
- ruins of a 14th century Gothic fortress. on a rocky spur;
- panoramas of the Slavkov Forest and the Doupov Mountains;
- parish church of St. Michael the Archangel (built in the 17th–18th centuries);
- Church of the Holy Trinity (XVIII century);
- Šemnice Rock in the Ohře Valley with picturesque panoramic views.
There is a commuter bus from Nizhny Station. A walk along the green tourist route (9.6 km) passes through the Slavkovsky Forest reserve and takes 3.5-4 hours. The R6 road towards Prague will lead the car to Angel Hill.
Reliquary of St. Maur in Bečov nad Teplou. The ancient castle and fortress (XIV century) are located 25 km from Karlovy Vary. The reliquary is a rectangular sarcophagus dating back to the 13th century. discovered in 1985. Height 65 cm, length 140 cm. Decorated with filigree carvings, embossing and ornaments with precious stones and semi-precious stones embedded in them. Bas-reliefs made of gilded silver, unique gems (carved miniatures) in antique style.
There is a direct bus from Karlovy Vary to Becov nad Teplou.
As you can see, Karlovy Vary is rich in attractions; there is something to see here for both independent tourists and families with children. Wellness holiday in the lap of nature, educational and ecotourism... The resort will give you an unforgettable experience and... spectacular photos.
It is not necessary to sign up and pay for any excursions in Karlovy Vary, because in principle you can see everything on your own and in one day. First, you need to make an approximate route and you can basically start it from anywhere, it will just depend on which specific hotel you will be staying at. You can start, for example, from the central bus station Trznice, where, in principle, all bus routes intersect.
So, the first thing you need to see is the Jan Becher Museum. To be more precise, this museum is entirely dedicated to the famous Karlovy Vary medicinal liqueur Becherevka. In addition, it is a five-minute walk from the Tržnice bus station. By looking into this museum you will learn literally everything about the history of the creation of this wonderful tincture.
Next, you should go to the majestic building of the Ambassador Hotel, which is located on a street with a very pleasant atmosphere. The building, designed by Viennese architects in 1901, is a real pearl of its kind and is even included in the list of cultural monuments of the country. From the outside, the hotel is very reminiscent of an ancient castle, and the interior is no less luxurious.
Then along the route you will come across a very nice building of the very first hospital in Karlovy Vary, Lazne V. You can also see what an unusually beautiful garden is laid out in front of this hospital. You can sit there with great pleasure and admire the flowers and fountains. Well, if you have time and desire, you can undergo some spa treatments at the hospital.
Then turn your attention to the Thermal Hotel building. You won't be able to miss it because it stands out from the surrounding landscape. This hotel is famous for two things - the fact that there is a swimming pool on its roof and the fact that it is here that the International Film Festival takes place every year. The hotel was built in the traditional architecture of communist times, but for the seventies of the last century it undoubtedly looked simply grandiose.
On the way from this hotel to the Garden Colonnade you will meet the Dvorak Gardens. This very peaceful park was named after the famous composer Antonin Dvorak and here, of course, you can see a monument erected to him. Well, then you will come across the famous Karlovy Vary colonnades with thermal springs - Sadovaya, Melnichnaya, Geysernaya, Market and Castle.
Not far from the Geyser Colonnade you will see the Catholic Church of Mary Magdalene. The building is very nice and if you are lucky, you can enjoy wonderful organ music there. Don't forget to take a ride on the old funicular and go up to the Tower of Diana, which towers over the entire city. There you can visit a restaurant with traditional Czech cuisine.
Then on the same hill you can visit another observation deck called “Deer Leap”. It is located a little lower, so the views from here will not be as gorgeous. When you descend from it, turn your attention to the Anglican Cathedral of St. Luke, built at the end of the nineteenth century in a pseudo-Gothic style.
Next, you will pass by the Duck Pond just in time for the Orthodox Cathedral of Peter and Paul, which was built with funds from the Russian imperial Romanov family. Then, after the cathedral, you will move through a luxurious quarter where the houses are more reminiscent of castles in their architecture. Here you will see the luxurious Villa Bechera, where the Karlovy Vary gallery is now open.
In the very heart of Europe there is a wonderful corner that is visited annually by hundreds of thousands of vacationers. The healing resort in the Czech Republic is known throughout the world thanks to its thermal springs. The history of this city goes back several centuries, so on the territory of this beautiful town there are many interesting objects for tourists, and entertainment in Karlovy Vary will appeal to everyone.
There could have been much more architectural monuments, but the main attractions of the resort were lost in fires that raged in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the pearl of the Czech Republic acquired its modern appearance more than 100 years ago.
Geyser colonnades
Tourists arriving at the resort are often lost and don’t know what to see first in Karlovy Vary, so in our article we will try to help them.
Of course, the main attractions of the charming city are the mineral springs, and it’s simply impossible not to visit them. Geyser colonnades are unique places where you can not only drink healing water, but also enjoy the incredible spectacle of a powerful jet gushing from the source. In the very center of the city, above the Tepla River, there is Vřídelní kolonáda, the first mention of which dates back to the 16th century.
in the heart of the city
The geyser colonnade, located near Theater Square, will surprise you with its unusual architectural design, and tourists thinking about where to go in Karlovy Vary will not be disappointed. Initially, the 12-meter fountain, open until 17.00, was protected by light canopies, and later a Baroque hall was erected near it. The rusted cast iron colonnade was replaced with a modern glass structure housing a hot and powerful spring. In the spacious room, through the transparent walls of which bright light pours, there is not only a geyser, here you can have a snack in the restaurant, do shopping in local shops and buy souvenirs with resort attributes.
The other four colonnades are nearby, and if you wish, you can get acquainted with them. However, everyone decides for themselves what to see in Karlovy Vary.
Popular church
The architecture of the resort certainly deserves special attention, and next to the geyser there is the Baroque church of St. Mary Magdalene - the largest monument in the Czech Republic. For those who don’t know where to go on an excursion in Karlovy Vary, we recommend visiting not only the beautiful temple, but also its dungeon, and tickets can be bought inside the colonnade.
Tourists are breathtaking from the sight of the funeral chapel, where the remains of the now closed cemetery (which surrounded the church until the end of the 18th century), the Altar of the Lord, made of the mineral aragonite, and an interesting geological exhibition are kept. Evening excursion routes around the temple are also organized for city guests, starting after 20.00.
Castle tower
History buffs familiar with the events that took place during the time of the king will not think long about where to go in Karlovy Vary, but will go to the Castle Tower - the only building that has survived from the Gothic castle of the ruler. His large court also stayed at the king’s residence, and the founder of the city himself watched from a high tower over places dear to his heart.
After a terrible fire at the beginning of the 17th century, which completely destroyed the castle, it was decided not to restore the architectural ensemble. But the tower was an important strategic point from which the enemy was observed, so the observation deck was restored, but in the Baroque style. Now you can go upstairs using a special elevator, and from the height you can see an amazing view of the picturesque city.
Where to go in Karlovy Vary when you want to eat delicious food?
Tourists note the huge number of establishments offering delicious food and drinks. Each hotel or sanatorium has its own restaurants, and prices depend on their star rating and location. For example, in the status grand restaurant "Pupp", located in the Grandhotel Pupp, visitors will be offered not just dishes, but real culinary fantasies from the chef, which will give a wonderful gastronomic experience. For the pleasure of enjoying local and exotic cuisine, you will have to pay more than 100 euros.
Restaurants in Karlovy Vary are distinguished by their variety of menus and prices. Near the Tepla embankment there is a small establishment called Bernard. Here they will serve beer of the same brand, which does not need advertising. The small hall with five tables will appeal to couples in love, and the restaurant's cuisine will appeal to all gourmets. The average bill will be one thousand rubles, and this is a very reasonable price for the opportunity to try fried cheese, lamb knee, pork ribs, and meat soups.
Among the inexpensive restaurants, stand out are Venezia, Male Versailles, Charleston, Karel IV with average prices of 350-500 CZK (600-1000 rubles).
City museums
For art lovers, museums in Karlovy Vary are of particular interest. The main symbols of the country are and you can get acquainted with them in the exhibition halls. The Klášterec nad Ohří Palace is located 30 kilometers from the city, and it gained fame after the largest porcelain museum opened its doors to visitors under its roof.
The Moser glass factory offers excursions for everyone, and thematic exhibitions with samples of crystal products will surprise you with their extraordinary beauty. Tourists have the opportunity to see the complex work of glassblowers, and in the store you can purchase a souvenir that will arouse the admiration of relatives.
The Becherovka Museum is a favorite place for tourists who try the liqueur, the recipe of which is kept secret. Here you can not only taste it, but also purchase all five types of the drink.
Entertainment in Karlovy Vary
Where should a tourist go who has already visited balneological complexes, museums, and architectural attractions? Adults and children choose the Dinopark, dedicated to the prehistoric era of our planet, and interactive models of dinosaurs will delight city guests.
Aquaforum is a huge water park where exciting rides and wellness treatments await everyone. Numerous nightclubs and bars with a varied program will appeal to young people who want to have a great rest.
Karlovy Vary is not only a wonderful resort, but also a place where you can get acquainted with interesting sights, and the memory of your trip will remain with you forever.
The Czech thermal resort has been popular among Russian tourists since the mid-19th century. Treatment on the local waters is preferred by athletes and movie stars, oligarchs and businessmen, but Karlovy Vary, in spite of everything, remains quite affordable in prices and provides a lot of opportunities for the average tourist. While improving their health, travelers invariably crave entertainment, and therefore choose where to go from Karlovy Vary in between miraculous procedures.
To Goethe and Chopin
The second largest and most important resort is called Marianske Lazne and it is there that vacationers most often visit. Among the local attractions, in addition to the healing springs, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the central square and the museums of Goethe and Chopin, who visited this pretty town, are well known.
Music fans usually come to Marianske Lazne for the annual Chopin Festival, and on normal days the city theater and the Casino cultural center operate here.
When choosing where to go from Karlovy Vary, pay attention to the short distance between the resorts. The 50 km separating them can be easily covered either by taxi or by intercity bus. Those wishing to stay longer in Marianske Lazne can choose a room in one of hundreds of local hotels.
To the old castle
Fans of medieval architecture and chivalric romances do not hesitate for long when deciding where to go from Karlovy Vary. The town of Cheb on the border with Germany is famous for its ancient castle of the 12th century, built on the banks of the Elbe River to repel enemy attacks. The observation deck on the Black Tower shows guests panoramic views of Cheb and the surrounding area. Entrance to the castle is open from 9.00 to 17.00 from May to September and from 11.00 to 17.00 in April and October. The price of full and reduced entrance tickets is 60 and 30 CZK respectively. The facility is closed in winter.
Getting to Cheb is very easy by train from the central railway station of Karlovy Vary. The train covers the 45 km route in less than an hour. Departures are every 60 minutes, ticket price is about 70 CZK (all prices are approximate and are given for August 2015).
German sketches
Having time and desire, it is easy to get from Karlovy Vary to. You can do this very comfortably and quickly with a car rented from a rental office, but driving on your own using public transport is a little cheaper and without problems with parking:
- Going there even for one day is a dream for travelers who are interested in art and European architecture. The train here goes through the town, the ticket will cost about 15 euros, and the travel time will be about two hours.
- Worth visiting are a medieval fortress with a viewing platform overlooking the old town, several Gothic temples, a toy museum and local gingerbread served for dessert in every cafe. You can get to Nuremberg from Karlovy Vary on your own by train via Cheb. The travel time, including transfers, will be about 3.5 hours, the ticket price is almost 30 euros.
