Karlovy Vary
★ 4.7🇨🇿 Karlovy VarySuggested visit 1 dayBest season May to September, mild and busiest
World HeritageHot springsCity walk
The best-known spa town in Bohemia, its pastel buildings and colonnades lining the Teplá river.
Overview
Founded in the 14th century, Karlovy Vary is among the oldest spa towns in Europe, with more than a dozen mineral springs that can be drunk. Buildings stack up on both banks of the Teplá in pastel colours and colonnades, forming a complete valley landscape. Visitors buy a spa cup and drink at designated springs, the Grandhotel Pupp is a landmark, and the international film festival runs each July.
History
Founded in the 14th century after Charles IV of Bohemia found the springs, it drew European nobility and writers in the 19th century and was inscribed as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe in 2021.
Highlights
- •The colonnades and springs
- •The pastel buildings along the Teplá
- •The Grandhotel Pupp
- •The film festival each July
Practical tips
- •Buy a spa cup locally to drink at the springs
- •Lodging is tight during the film festival — book early
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- The town and colonnades are free
- Opening hours
- All day
- Local food
- Bohemian roast duck, spa wafers, Becherovka
- Getting around
- About two hours by bus from Prague.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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