Karlovy Vary (formerly Karlsbad) is one of the most popular resorts in the Czech Republic, which is associated with therapeutic thermal springs, herbal liqueur “Beherovka”, waffles “payouts” and the annual international film festival. But during your stay at this resort, you can not only improve your health, taste Czech delicacies and attend famous events. On the territory of the famous health resort of the Czech Republic, there are quite a lot of attractions that allow you to get acquainted with the original Czech culture. And since most of them are concentrated in the city center, even in one day you can have time to see a lot. To make it easier for you to find out how you can have an interesting time coming to Karlovy Vary-the sights that most deserve your attention, we have described in this article.
Colonnades with thermal springs
Everyone calls the thermal springs with mineral water the main attraction of Karlovy Vary. No matter how much you want to write something more original, but it will not work: the main attraction of the most famous health resort in the Czech Republic is the thermal springs.
There are more than a dozen healing springs in use in Karlovy Vary, and all of them are distributed among 5 colonnades. All the colonnades – Sadovaya, Rynochnaya, Mlynskaya (Melnichnaya), Zamkovaya and Geysernaya-are located close to each other, in the center of the resort.
Entrance to any of them is completely free, and the use of medicinal water is free. This means that everyone can visit and see all the colonnades with springs in Karlovy Vary on their own!
Geyser Colonnade
Not far from the Theater Square is the most powerful and hot spring of the resort – the Geyser (Vřídlo). Due to the high water pressure, the Geyser fountain noisily bursts out of the ground, reaching a height of 12 m, and then falls into the pool. In a minute, Vřídlo pushes 2000 liters of mineral water to the surface, the temperature of which reaches 72°C, and 5000 liters of carbon dioxide.
A separate pavilion – a Geyser Colonnade-has been built for Vrzydlo, which is considered the main attraction and symbol of the most famous health resort in the Czech Republic. It is a large modern building made of reinforced concrete and glass, topped by a dome of glass prisms. This original dome symbolizes the pulsating heart of Karlovy Vary.
In the great hall of Vridelni kolonada there are 5 vases of the spring with medicinal water, cooled to 50°C and 30°C. In addition to the Vrzydlo hall, there is a spacious lobby with galleries where you can view various Bohemian glass products, and kiosks selling souvenirs. The most interesting souvenirs are those made from cemented sludge that appears in the pipes from the thermal water.
In the Vridelni kolonada dungeon, the Geyser Dungeon excursion route is open – this means that you can see in one day in Karlovy Vary not only fountains gushing above the ground, but also underground springs. The route is only available during the warmer months (May-September).
The geyser colonnade operates on this schedule:
- in high season (May-September) – from 06: 00 to 19: 00;
- in winter (October-April) – from 06: 30 to 18: 00.
Address of the place of interest: Vřídelní 137/57, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Mlynskaya Colonnade
Under the arches of this colonnade there are 5 mineral springs at once, and in front of the building there are 6: Skalny (53°C), Prince Wenceslas I (65°C), Prince Wenceslas II (58°C), Rusalka (60°C), Libushe (62°C), and Mlynsky (56°C), which gave the entire structure its name.
Mlýnská kolonáda is a long covered structure (132 m), which was created in such a way that notable visitors to the health resort in any weather could comfortably go to the mineral springs. The light, elegant structure, made in the style of pseudo-Renaissance, impresses with its power and strength. You can even see in the photo that this landmark of Karlovy Vary is perfect from an architectural point of view.
Under the arches of the Mill Colonnade, supported by 124 majestic Greek columns, there are not only vases with springs, but also an orchestra sink. The interior walls of the grandiose structure and the orchestra sink are decorated with allegorical bas-reliefs of the famous sculptor Vaclav Lokvents. On the upper terrace, surrounded by railings, there are 12 original sculptures that symbolize all the months of the year (6 on the right and left sides), and between them – numerous stone vases.
You can go up to the second floor of the building, where there is a gallery and an information desk for tourists. From the second floor there is access to an open spacious terrace – from there you can see a beautiful panorama of Karlovy Vary and its surroundings. You can also see all 12 sculptures at close range.
Since they are “facing the city and facing the terrace backwards,” you will have to climb the wide parapet to see their faces and look at each figure from behind. No one forbids such “rock climbing”, and there are not always people there: in the midday heat, there are not many people who want to be under the scorching sun.
It is interesting to see Mlýnská kolonáda not only during the day, but also in the evening, when it is illuminated. In addition, in the warm season, it is here that the symphony orchestra often plays classical concerts in the evenings.
It is a tradition in Karlovy Vary to create a variety of sand sculptures in front of the Mill Colonnade for the opening of the holiday season. For example, in 2018, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czech Republic, there was a majestic equestrian statue of the country’s first president Tomas Garik Masaryk.
Access to Mlýnská kolonáda is 24-hour.
Place of interest: Mlýnské nábřeží 507/5, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Garden colonnade
This building fully justifies its name, as it is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Czech resort: the picturesque Dvorak Garden. At the end of the 19th century, the Munich Pavilion concert restaurant was built on this site, and in 1965 it was demolished, leaving only the east wing of the covered promenade. Now it is a Garden Colonnade that perfectly fits into the park landscape: a light openwork structure made of cast iron, creating an impression of incredible lightness and grace. With the onset of the evening, when the lights are turned on, the” lace ” structure looks especially impressive, festive and romantic.
Under the canopy of the colonnade there is only one healing spring – the Snake Spring. It is the coldest on the territory of the famous health resort of the Czech Republic, its temperature is 30°C. Mineral water is poured from a tap that looks like a snake’s head. Free round-the-clock access is provided to this source.
From the Garden Colonnade there is a passage to the basement of the Military Sanatorium, where there is a vase with water from the Garden Spring. You can go there any day, but only from 6: 00 to 18: 30.
Address of a popular tourist attraction: Dvořákovy sady, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Stará Louka and Nová Louka streets
Along the Tepla River, from the Geyser in the city center to the Grand Hotel Pupp, which stands at the very turn of the riverbed, there are two fashionable streets of Karlovy Vary. On the east bank – Stara Louka, on the west – Nova Louka. The old Luka is completely pedestrian and is ideal for a boardwalk, while the New Luka has narrow (in some sections very narrow) pedestrian sidewalks.
These streets are the heart of the city. In any weather, it is pleasant to walk here, watch ducks and swans swimming in the river, and see beautiful buildings. The houses of the 19th and early 20th centuries are lined up in neat rows on both banks of the Tepla River, as if showing off their restored facades.
These landmark houses feature expensive hotels, restaurants and bars with the highest prices in the city, crystal and fine souvenir shops, fashion clothing and footwear boutiques. Nova Louka also has a local history museum, where you can view a collection of unique porcelain.
Dvorak’s Gardens
Karlovy Vary is a very green city, with several nice parks on its territory. Dvorak Gardens, located in the central part of the city, were named after the outstanding Czech composer Antonin Dvorak.
Exotic coniferous trees, sycamores, magnolias, gingko, azaleas, rhododendrons, and a lot of roses grow here. There is also a special attraction: two 200-year-old plane trees, the height of which exceeds 22 m, and the diameter of the trunks is more than 450 cm.
Walking through the park, you will be able to see a lot of interesting things: monuments to Antonin Dvorak and the poet Peter Bezruch, a small lake with a stone mermaid on the shore, and also a cabinet with a thermometer, which is considered a national monument of the Czech Republic.
Dvorak Park, which is completely free of charge, is loved by locals. There you can safely walk along the neat sandy paths, relax or play frisbee on the manicured lawns, sit on comfortable benches. Of course, no description or even a photo of this landmark of Karlovy Vary can convey the comfortable atmosphere prevailing here.
Musicians and mimes perform on the sidewalk in front of the garden, artists and caricaturists draw pictures. The works of the latter can not only be viewed, but also purchased.
Moser Glass Museum
The Moser Bohemian Glass Museum introduces its guests to the history of the eponymous glassblowing factory, whose glass and crystal products are well known all over the world. The exhibition, which has about 2000 exhibits, is complemented by 7 documentaries.
The museum has a small glassblowing shop, where you can see how Czech craftsmen blow surprisingly beautiful products out of molten glass.
There are several ways to get acquainted with this attraction, respectively, and the price of tickets will be different:
- view only the museum’s exhibits – for adults 80 CZK, for schoolchildren and students 50 CZK;
- excursion exclusively to the glassblowing shop-for adults 120 CZK, for schoolchildren and students 70 CZK;
- visit to the museum and hot shop – for adults 180 CZK, for schoolchildren and students 100 CZK.
Many experienced tourists recommend visiting only the glassblowing shop: it is very interesting to see the work of masters, and at the same time explanations of guides are not needed. And in museum halls, guides simply give out audio guides, and then you have to independently find in the windows what the announcer tells you. This is very inconvenient, since there are no traffic patterns or arrows indicating the direction.
Also, many guests of Karlovy Vary claim that it is better to see Moser products in the company store that operates at the museum. And here’s why:
- the collection there is richer and more interesting;
- you can visit the store absolutely free of charge;
- sellers know and tell you much more about Bohemian glass and crystal than Czech guides.
Naturally, in the store you can not only see, but also buy souvenirs, dishes – there would be money! And the prices are high: the cheapest products cost from 650 CZK.
The Moser Glass Museum is located at Kpt. Jaroše 46/19, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
The work schedule is as follows:
- museum – every day from 9: 00 to 17: 00;
- glass factory – daily from 9: 00 to 10: 30 and from 11: 15 to 14: 30; guided tours take place every 30 minutes;
- shop – every day from 9: 00 to 18: 00.
Temples worth seeing
There are many religious buildings in Karlovy Vary. Which of these attractions should you see first?
St. Mary Magdalene Church
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a famous landmark not only in Karlovy Vary, but also throughout the Czech Republic: it has the status of a special historical site and is protected by the state.
The light structure, the tops of the domes of which have acquired a noble greenish color, is located next to the Geyser fountain. There is much to see inside: Gothic and Baroque sculptures, perfectly preserved old frescoes, as well as an altar icon that miraculously survived numerous fires of the XVIII century.
The church is open to the public, anyone can come and see the interior decoration. Services are held on Sundays.
Organ concerts are also regularly held here. You can buy entrance tickets in the temple itself immediately before the concert or in advance at any information center.
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene conceals another attraction: in its dungeons there is a medieval burial crypt. Those who want to go there on a guided tour can buy a ticket at the kiosk near the Geyser.
Church address: Svobodova 701/01, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Orthodox Church of Saints Peter and Paul
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is the largest Orthodox church in the city.
Decorated in white and blue tones, with a carved porch, a bell tower 40 m high, and several turrets with gilded crosses on top, the church looks very elegant and solemn.
It is also interesting to see the rich interior: a bas-relief of Peter I, rare icons presented by Nicholas II, an old oak iconostasis. It is especially interesting to look at the stained-glass windows with the image of the Savior, Basil the Great, St. Princess Lyudmila, St. John Chrysostom.
The church is open every day from 8: 00 to 18: 00. Services are held on Sundays and Orthodox holidays.
This landmark is located on the southern outskirts of Karlovy Vary, at the foot of the mountains. Address: Marianskolazenska 3, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Diana Country Complex
Locals say about this attraction: “Those who have not been on the Diana have not seen Karlovy Vary.” “Diana” is a massive stone tower standing on the top of Druzhby Hill (547 m) in the resort forest park.
The height of the tower is 40 m, and at a height of 35 m there is a comfortable observation deck. You can take the elevator or go up the 150-step staircase to see the city of Karlovy Vary. The elevator ride, as well as the entrance to the observation deck – is free of charge.
In addition to the tower, the Diana complex includes a Butterfly House, a small zoo and a playground for children. You can view the mini-zoo’s inhabitants and visit the children’s playground for free.
There is also a souvenir shop on the hill and a restaurant serving delicious food and coffee.
Address of the Diana complex: Vrch pratelstvi 5/1, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
How to climb Friendship Hill
In the forest park there are many paths for walking, there are benches and pavilions for recreation. Along these paths, it will be convenient to return to the city from the “Diana”, and it is best to climb the hill to the sights by funicular.
The trains depart every 15 minutes, and the entire journey from the lower station to the top of the hill takes 3 minutes.
Tickets are sold at the ticket office, their cost:
- for children from 6 to 15 years old – one way 30 CZK, round trip-45 CZK;
- for people older than 15 years – 60 and 90 CZK, respectively.
The lower station is located next to the Grand Hotel Pupp, where trailers leave for the countryside attraction.
Address: Stara Louka 72, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Operating hours
The Diana Complex is open to visitors daily, including on public holidays (with the exception of every year on December 24). Funicular opening hours:
- January-March, November, December-from 9: 00 to 17: 00;
- April, May, October – from 9: 00 to 18: 00;
- June-September – from 9: 00 to 19: 00.
The last approach to the observation deck is 15 minutes before the funicular stops working.
Conclusion
We are sure that you will have a memorable trip to Karlovy Vary-the sights of this Czech resort are very diverse and interesting. Let you have a chance to see the brightest of them, so that you can bring home the maximum of positive impressions!
