Best attractions in Karlovy Vary: Top 30

If you are interested in the best sights in Karlovy Vary, take a close look at this review. We will tell you what every tourist should see in Karlovy Vary.

What to see in Karlovy Vary first

In compiling our “where to go in Karlovy Vary” rating, we took into account traveler reviews and recommendations from experienced guides. In our general opinion, the following attractions and excursions in Karlovy Vary deserve your attention:

1. The springs of Karlovy Vary

Most tourists travel to Karlovy Vary to treat themselves to the local mineral waters. The curative water has been flowing here for thousands of years, passing through the rocks and is 100% ecological. It helps solve the problems of mineral deficiency in the body, promotes rejuvenation and revitalization of the person. Currently, the resort has 13 free and available to everyone geysers and springs (some of them are open 24 hours a day). Whatever attractions of the Czech Republic you are primarily interested in, you should definitely visit Karlovy Vary’s mineral waters.

2. Goethe’s lookout tower

A building from which you can enjoy an incredibly beautiful view of the entire city. The 42-meter tower is about 640 meters above sea level and is surrounded by an endless forest. In order to climb to the highest point, where the main observation deck is located, it is necessary to overcome 165 steps.

3. Diana Lookout Tower and the House of Butterflies

You can visit sights in Karlovy Vary, such as the Diana Tower, completely free of charge. It is possible to reach the top site by elevator or by climbing the 150 stairs. There is a small restaurant next to the tower. Once here, it is also worth going to the House with its tropical garden and its butterflies collected from around the world. On an area of a hundred square meters you will learn and watch how a caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly. Photos and videos are allowed.

Official website: https://dianakv.cz/ru

4. Castle Tower

Not sure what to visit in Karlovy Vary, but fascinated by architecture? We recommend this hunting castle from the time of Charles the Fourth. At the beginning of the 17th century, the building was almost entirely destroyed by a massive fire. But the entire complex was restored and is now open to tourists. Inside the local tower is a restaurant with a Medieval atmosphere.

5. Mill Colonnade

The largest colonnade in the spa, with a width of 13 meters and a length of 132 meters. The front part of the “ancient building” is decorated with sandstone figures. The vaults of the building are supported by a hundred columns. In good seasons there are unforgettable symphonic concerts. But, of course, our list of the Karlovy Vary Best Sights includes five hot springs (water temperature up to 65 degrees Celsius). Admission is free.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvary

6. Market Colonnade

The colonnade under the Castle Tower dates back to the 19th century. The wooden building is decorated with carvings. The complex includes three free springs of mineral water. Guides in Karlovy Vary advise to visit each of them necessarily.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvary

7. Hot Spring Colonnade

A unique geyser spring of healing water rises to a height of 12 meters. Walking around the territory, you can drink free cool mineral water from the fountains (you pay only for the cups themselves). There are organized excursions.

Official site: https://www.karlovyvary.cz

8. Castle Colonnade

What to see in Karlsbad in 1 day in the center of the spa? This water spa of the 21st century. The main attraction of the colonnade itself is the sculptural composition “Spirit of the Springs” made of aragonite.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvary.cz/ru

9. Garden Colonnade

A beautiful sight, the view of which adorns the local souvenir products. The colonnade includes only one and the coldest spring of the spa, Snake Spring (the temperature of the healing water is about 30 degrees Celsius).

Official site: https://www.karlovyvary

10. City theater

A beautiful building in neo-baroque architectural style with chic interiors. The key highlight of the theater is the stage curtain, which was painted by the greatest artists in Bohemia.

11. Picture Gallery

A spacious art complex, included in all lists of “places of interest in Karlovy Vary”. The exhibits of the museum are paintings of masters of the second half of the 20th century. Entrance is for a fee.

12. Karlovy Vary Museum

Like any other city, Carlsbad has a traditional museum with archaeological sites, antiques and archival photographs. If you want to learn more about the life, traditions and culture of the spa, your trip should include a visit to this museum.

Official website: http://en.kvmuz.

13. St. Luke’s Anglican Church

The church was originally intended for the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the city. The date of construction of this one-nave brick church with a Gothic English tower is 19th century. As well as many other sights of Karlovy Vary, photos with names and descriptions of which you see in this review, this object has a very rich history. Currently, the Anglican Church is not active, but there is a Wax Museum.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvary

14. St. Mary Magdalene Church

A UNESCO-listed Roman Catholic church that is a valuable monument of the country. The building, built in the Baroque style, is located in the central part of the resort.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvar

15. Church of St. Peter and Paul

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Russian aristocrats enjoyed coming to Carlsbad. It was thanks to them that it was decided to erect this architectural monument at the spa. The church is incredibly imposing, with unique bells and stained-glass windows depicting the faces of saints. Emperor Nicholas II presented the church with cassocks for priests, crosses and valuable icons. During the Second World War, the church stopped working and was practically destroyed. However, it was subsequently restored, and now services are still held here.

Official website: https://www.karlovyvary.cz

16. House of the Nativity

An entire building filled with colorful Christmas trees, Christmas decorations and toys for every taste. The magical interiors of the house are decorated with balloons, snowmen, candles and angels. In the patio, you can see a scene depicting the birth of the baby Jesus. If you come to Karlovy Vary on Christmas Eve, you should definitely visit this wonderful place with the whole family.

Official website: http://www.vanocnidum

17. The Becherovka Liquor Museum

Anyone vacationing in the spa knows about its traditional herbal liqueur called Becherovka. The drink with an original flavor and aroma has been prepared according to a secret recipe since the early 19th century. In the museum complex guests are offered not only to visit the store and the bar, but also a showroom with rare exhibits, somehow related to the famous liquor. During the tour you can watch a documentary about the drink.

Official website: https://becherovka.com

18. Cafe “Elephant”

The most famous and oldest café in the spa, opened back in the 18th century. There used to be a boarding house with the same name, which was later demolished, leaving only the name. On the second level there is a gilded elephant. In addition to it, the legendary guests such as Beethoven and Goethe brought fame to the place. A scene from the film Seventeen Moments of Spring was also filmed here.

19. Moser Glass Museum

Museum complex with a collection of two thousand antique and modern crystal specimens. The tour program includes a tour of the exhibits, a visit to the glassblowing shop and watching a film about the history of the Moser factory.

Official site: https://www.moser-glass.com/

20. Imperial Hotel

Not all hotels in Karlovy Vary are as renowned as the Imperial. The hotel offers high quality treatment using innovative technologies and traditional achievements. The guests are offered diet food, therapeutic physical training, physiotherapy, and visits to natural springs of all types. The hotel building itself is of interest - it reminds of a huge knight’s castle surrounded by a forest.

Official site: https://www.spa-hotel-imperial

Karlovy Vary sights: what else to see in Karlovy Vary?

We have told you about the main sights of Karlovy Vary in brief. If you have some free time, spend it on seeing such significant places as:

21. Grand Hotel Pupp

It is impossible to call the building a mere hotel. It is an example of architectural art. At one time its guests were Wagner, Bach, Goethe, Kafka, Tolstoy, Peter the Great and many other historical figures. The hotel is open to tourists - if you have the appropriate financial means, you can book any room.

Official website: https://www.pupp.cz/ru/

22. The outdoor pool of the Hotel Termal

The number of pools in the spa is large, why did this one attract our attention? For example, because it is located on the roof of the most high-rise sanatorium of the city, and the water in the bowl is fed from a geyser. Access to the pool is paid. You can get to the sanatorium on foot or by a special escalator. The water in the pool is not mineral, however, still useful for health.

Official site: https://www.thermal.cz/ru/

23. Loket Castle

Medieval castle, towering on top of a cliff and surrounded by river waters. Climbing up to the upper level of the castle, you can see the Ohře Valley and the whole panorama of Loket. If you are interested in rarities, the local museum offers a tour of archaeological finds, weapons, and porcelain. For those who prefer a thrill, you can go down to the torture chamber located in the castle underground - figures made of wax simulate the death penalty. Mythical heroes and funny gnomes will meet you all over the square of Loket. Under the building there is a natural amphitheater, on the stage of which musical performances and theatrical performances are organized. Fans of beer should visit the local family brewery.

Official website: https://www.hradloket

24. Becov Chateau nad Tepla

Castle from the 13th century, built on a rock near the river Teplá. The Baroque building belonged to various families. But in 1945 it became the property of the state and was opened to tourists. In the 17th-19th centuries, recent restoration work was carried out, which gave the architectural masterpiece its present appearance.

Official website: https://www.zamek-becov.

25. Valet Castle

A building from the 16th century, which also changed hands several times (the last owner was Count Larish-Mennich). Valech is surrounded by a marvelously beautiful Italian-style garden. Another thing about this place is the church of the 18th century. Now the “owner” of the castle is the Czech state, so you can see it without any problems.

Official website: https://www.zamek-valec

26. Film Festival

Every year in mid-summer, the resort hosts a film festival at the Thermal Hotel. The event was first organized back in 1946 and introduced guests to films from 7 countries. Traditionally, the festival involves Russia. If you are going to come to Karlovy Vary in July, be sure to find out about the opportunity to become a participant in the film festival.

Official website: https://www.kviff.com

27. Dvorakovy Gardens

A cozy park area in the center of the resort. The main attractions: bicentennial plane trees, statue with a thermometer, monuments to Bezruc and Dvořák, an artificial pond with a “mermaid”. In the park you can organize picnics and even walk on the lawns.

28. Smetanovy Gardens

The object received its name thanks to the Czech pianist and composer B. Smetana. At the entrance to the park there is a flower garden, whose plants show the current date every day. The best place for leisurely walks and enjoying the views of nature. The territory is decorated with various sculptures, recreational complex and fountain. Regularly organized entertainment events.

29. Svatosske skaly

The cliffs in the Ohře River valley are a national treasure of the Czech Republic. Many romantic tales and legends are associated with them. The stone pyramids and broken columns are up to 50 meters high. In their time, such creators as Freud, Goethe and the Grimm brothers loved to work here and look for inspiration. You can go hiking and biking along the rocks. The length of the eco-trail is 13 kilometers, it can be overcome in 4-6 hours.

30. The rock “Deer Skok”

In 1851 a sculpture in the shape of a chamois was placed on the top of a small rock. The figure was created from metal to the design of A. Kiss. A hundred years later the statue was destroyed by vandals. But in 1986 it was recreated in bronze, and the hill was topped by it again. In addition to the sculpture, there is a beautiful observation deck at the top.

We hope that the sights of Karlovy Vary that we have just told you about you want to see with your own eyes. Many of them you can see for free. Read also about sights in Prague and be inspired for your further trip to the Czech Republic.

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• Karlovy Vary
• Czech Republic