Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a jewel of Czech spa tradition. The city is famous for the healing power of its 15 accessible thermal springs. This comprehensive tourist guide covers every major sight, things to do in Karlovy Vary from the iconic Vřídlo geyser to the city’s grand landmarks. We also include must-know travel logistics and a suggested walking route. Explore the core of this beautiful UNESCO-listed city efficiently.
Things to do in Karlovy Vary: The Core of the City
Karlovy Vary is defined by its spa culture, stunning architecture, and unique local products, all clustered tightly along the scenic Teplá River.
The Colonnades, Springs, and Culture
The central attraction is the Drinking Cure. Visitors walk between beautiful neo-Renaissance, Baroque, and functionalist colonnades. They sip the thermal water from a traditional spa cup (lázeňský pohárek).
- The Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) holds the iconic Vřídlo (Hot Spring). This geyser erupts up to 12 meters high. The water is a scorching 72 degrees Celsius. Visitors can take an underground tour to see the spring’s piping system.
- The Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) is the largest and most ornate of all. It features five springs and 12 allegorical statues.
- The Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) is a delicate white wooden structure. It is built in a charming Swiss style. This colonnade protects two of the city’s major springs.
The Magic of the Mineral Springs (Simplified): Karlovy Vary’s fame rests on its thermal mineral water. All 15 accessible springs share a nearly identical chemical composition. However, their temperatures vary drastically, ranging from 30 to 73 degrees Celsius. This temperature difference dictates the therapeutic effect for digestive and metabolic disorders.
Architecture & Landmarks
Admire the city’s grand historic and cultural buildings:
- The Grandhotel Pupp is an iconic, historic luxury hotel dating back to 1701 and was a filming location for the James Bond film Casino Royale.
- The Imperial Spa (Lázně I) & Concert Hall: This grand, newly-reconstructed 19th-century landmark now houses a striking, ultra-modern Concert Hall, making it a key destination for cultural events and modern architecture viewing.
- The Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul is a stunning 19th-century church with five gilded onion domes.
- The Karlovy Vary Art Gallery (Galerie umění) is home to a significant collection of modern Czech art, accessible via a beautiful walk through the surrounding spa parks.
Panoramic Views & The Diana Funicular
For the best photos, head to the hills surrounding the valley:
- The Diana Funicular Railway is a popular, old railway. It runs up the hill from near the Grandhotel Pupp. It takes you straight to the Diana Observation Tower. From the top, you get amazing views of the whole city.
- Wildlife Enclosures (Svatý Linhart): Walk a short distance from the Diana Tower. You will find the Linhart Game Enclosures. This forest has high wooden walkways. You can watch wild animals like deer and wild boar from above. It is a free, fun place, especially for children.
- The Jelení skok (Deer Leap Lookout) is another classic photo spot. Look for the statue of a chamois goat placed high on a rock.
Things to do in Karlovy Vary: Nearby Attractions
These stops are slightly outside the core walking loop but are easily reached by a short bus or taxi ride:
- Jan Becher Museum: Tour the museum to learn the history and secret recipe of Becherovka, the traditional Czech herbal liqueur often called the city’s “13th Spring.”
- Moser Glassworks and Museum: Famous for producing the world-renowned “Glass of Kings” luxury, lead-free crystal. Visitors can tour the glassworks to see the craftsmanship.
- Unique Attraction: The Christmas House & Teddy Bear Museum: This makes for a fun side trip. You will need a short bus or taxi ride to reach it. Visit the Vánoční dům (Christmas House) and its amazing Museum of Teddy Bears. This is the largest collection in the Czech Republic. The attraction is open all year long. It is full of photo-ready Christmas decorations and unique gifts.
Recommended Day Trip (Karlovy Vary is a start point)
This excursion is best treated as a half- or full-day trip outside the city.
- Loket Castle (Hrad Loket): Take a short 15 km trip to this magnificent, well-preserved Gothic fortress perched on a cliff above the Ohře River.
Local Cuisine: Wafers, Beer, and the 13th Spring
Beyond the spa waters, Karlovy Vary is famous for two essential local delicacies:
- Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers (Karlovarské oplatky): These round, large, and very thin crispy wafers are a compulsory souvenir. They are produced with the local thermal spring water and come in various sweet fillings like hazelnut, vanilla, or cocoa. They were originally baked for spa guests as early as the 18th century.
- Becherovka: Often referred to as the “13th Spring,” this 38% ABV herbal bitter is made from a secret blend of herbs. Originally sold as a medicinal “stomach settler,” it is now enjoyed chilled as a digestif or in the popular “Beton” cocktail (Becherovka and tonic).
How to Get from Prague to Karlovy Vary
The easiest and fastest way to travel the 125 km (78 miles) is by express bus (approx. 2 hours).
| Feature | Details |
| Main Operators | RegioJet and FlixBus |
| Prague Departure | ÚAN Florenc (Central Bus Station) |
| Karlovy Vary Stop | Karlovy Vary Tržnice (Recommended for the city center) |
| Travel Duration | 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (Direct) |
| Typical Cost | €6 to €12 (150–300 CZK) |
💰 Traveler Tip: Bus operators use dynamic pricing. To avoid higher costs, book ahead and avoid peak travel times: Friday and Sunday afternoons/evenings.
🎉 Key Annual Events
While Karlovy Vary is a spa town year-round, these two events drastically change the city’s atmosphere:
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF): Annually, in the first half of July. This is one of the most prestigious “A-list” film festivals in Europe, transforming the city into a crowded, lively hub for celebrities and film fans.
- Opening of the Spa Season: Traditionally held on the first weekend of May. This marks the official start of the main spa season with a festive parade led by Charles IV, the city’s founder, and traditional blessings of the springs.
Suggested Walking Route (The Karlovy Vary Core)
| Stop | Location | Notes |
| 1 | Karlovy Vary Tržnice (Start) | Central bus stop. Head toward the river and the spa zone. |
| 2 | Jan Becher Museum | A quick stop to learn about the city’s famous herbal liqueur. |
| 3 | Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) | The largest colonnade, marking the start of the drinking cure walk. |
| 4 | Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) | Admire the wooden, “Swiss-style” architecture. |
| 5 | Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) | See the Vřídlo geyser and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene next door. |
| 6 | The Imperial Spa (Lázně I) | See the recently reconstructed building and the modern Concert Hall inside. |
| 7 | Grandhotel Pupp | The magnificent historic hotel marks the end of the main colonnade path. |
| 8 | Karlovy Vary Art Gallery | Enjoy the pleasant walk through the park to this cultural stop. |
| 9 | Diana Funicular Railway | Enter the funicular station (near Pupp) for the ascent. |
| 10 | Diana Observation Tower | Panoramic views and the start of the nature walks. |
| 11 | Wildlife Enclosures (Svatý Linhart) |
What’s Next: More Day Trips from Prague
Visiting Karlovy Vary is an excellent idea for a one-day trip from Prague. It is one of the most popular places to go. The trip is easy and fast by bus. It is a rewarding break from the city.
If you enjoyed the Czech spa town, you should see other great day trips. They show the full history and beauty of the country:
