Karlovy Vary - The magic of a spa town

More details about the tour

Are you planning to visit Karlovy Vary for the first time? Or have you already been here five times? It doesn’t matter—everyone will find something new and interesting in this remarkable town. Karlovy Vary is more than just a spa town in the Czech Republic. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, it is truly a gem of the country. The town offers a magical atmosphere and a sense of endless coziness that will stay with you long after your visit. Here, you’ll discover a unique blend of untouched forest parks and mysterious medieval castles.

The city is also famous for its many mineral springs and impressive geysers. Colonnades are an iconic part of Karlovy Vary’s landscape, offering picturesque views and charming walks. Interestingly, Karlovy Vary surpasses other Czech cities in the number of bridges—with more than 40 large bridges and over 20 pedestrian ones.

Highlights

• Healing walks and geysers: The water and air in Karlovy Vary rejuvenate your body—explore the surroundings by bike or on foot.

• Unforgettable panoramas: Take the cable car to the Diana Observation Tower and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city.

• Impressive architecture: Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neoclassical buildings—castles, churches, and statues that tell many fascinating stories.

• Bridges and footbridges: Admire the unique architectural structures and discover new facts from our experienced guides.

• Memories of Karlovy Vary: Don’t forget to bring home legendary crystal, porcelain dishes, and the enchanting stone rose.

Description

Karlovy Vary has a mild foothill climate, making it a comfortable destination year-round. The air here is therapeutic—you simply walk around, and your health begins to restore itself. Surrounded by mountains, the city benefits from unique air currents that carry the soothing, healing scent of fir trees through the streets. In summer, this is joined by the aroma of wild herbs. In fact, therapeutic walks are officially prescribed by doctors. There are 21 walking routes and 3 levels of difficulty to accommodate various physical abilities. Biking and hiking trails stretch for 120 kilometers, and well-maintained forest paths are connected by scenic observation platforms.

Health and wellness for all ages is the main reason people come to Karlovy Vary. You can take a hemp bath with revitalizing oil, or choose a beer or wine bath—each accompanied by the matching drink. Many hotels and sanatoriums offer open-air pools and thermal baths, which you can enjoy even in winter, providing deep relaxation in a short time.

Many visitors are drawn to Karlovy Vary for its panoramic views. In the spa part of town, funiculars take you up to several observation decks. One of the most famous is the Diana Observation Tower, offering sweeping views of the city and surroundings—up to 70 km on a clear day. You can even see the German border. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rozhledna Diana can also be reached via one of the marked hiking trails. If you're on a short tour, we recommend visiting the gazebos scattered throughout the town, which also offer beautiful views of the spa district.

History and culture lovers will be enchanted by the city’s statues, obelisks, and architectural landmarks. Most buildings feature lush Neoclassical and Baroque styles. Their light-colored facades, ornate roofs, and decorative details give Karlovy Vary a storybook feel—earning it the nickname “gingerbread” or “marshmallow” town. Renowned writers like M. Gorky, F. Kafka, N. Gogol, A. Tolstoy, and I. Turgenev mentioned Karlovy Vary in their works. Over the centuries, it has hosted figures such as Goethe, Beethoven, Mozart, and Peter the Great.

During a sightseeing tour, you can admire the city’s theater and discover the charm of its chapels and churches. Longer tours may include a visit to Loket, a picturesque town just 14 km away, featuring a beautiful castle and the largest meteorite ever found in the Czech Republic. As the birthplace of Becherovka liqueur, Karlovy Vary also attracts fans of gastronomy and wine. Even on a short tour, you can sample local food and drink. Our guides can recommend cafes and restaurants offering authentic cuisine and traditional dishes prepared here for centuries. Don’t forget to pick up souvenirs and gifts—world-renowned porcelain from the Thun factory, “crystal of kings” from the Moser glassworks, and of course, the iconic stone rose.

Visit not only the famous natural, architectural, and historical landmarks of Karlovy Vary, but also discover something new. Explore the Czech Republic with us! Exeltrip_transfers guides will share insights and stories you may not know—even if you’ve lived here for years. If you prefer to explore independently, guide services are optional. Just book a transfer to Karlovy Vary from Prague or any other city, not only in the Czech Republic, but anywhere in Europe!