Karlovy Vary Region: A Spa Paradise in the Heart of Europe
Healing springs, enchanting architecture and picturesque nature – discover the beauty of the Karlovy Vary Region
Soak in a hot thermal bath, stroll along charming arcades while sipping freshly drawn mineral water straight from the spring, nibble on a warm spa wafer scented with vanilla, and simply let yourself be carried away by the beauty of historical architecture… Welcome to the kingdom of spa towns, crowned by the golden spa triangle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the Famous Spa Towns!!
The highest concentration of healing hot springs in the world, the oldest radon spa on the planet, and the unique West Bohemian Spa Triangle, which together with eight other European spa towns is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – all of this can be found in the Karlovy Vary Region!
The highest concentration of healing hot springs in the world, the oldest radon spa on the planet, and the unique West Bohemian Spa Triangle, which together with eight other European spa towns is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – all of this can be found in the Karlovy Vary Region!
Our tip: An essential part of any visit to the region is the traditional treat – spa wafers – delicate, crispy, and filled with a variety of flavours.
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Karlovy Vary – The Spa Jewel of Europe
Karlovy Vary, nestled in the deep valley of the Teplá River and surrounded by cliffs and forested hills, is a symbol of elegance, healing thermal springs and cultural richness. A stroll along the local arcades – the Mill, Market, Chateau, Park or Hot Spring Arcade – will lead you to springs with unique healing properties. Only here can you see the geyser of hot mineral water known as Vřídlo, shooting up to a height of 12 metres. An unforgettable view of the town awaits from the Diana Lookout Tower, which can be comfortably reached by funicular. The town is also home to the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which attracts film stars and fans from all over the world each year.
Our tip: Try the local herbal liqueur Becherovka, made from a secret recipe and known as the “thirteenth spring” of Karlovy Vary.
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Sights and Natural Wonders: Discover the Gems of the Karlovy Vary Region!
In addition to its spa towns, the Karlovy Vary Region offers a wealth of historical and natural landmarks. Among the most notable is the town of Loket with its medieval castle rising above the Ohře River, the castle and chateau of Bečov nad Teplou with the unique Reliquary of St. Maurus, or the picturesque town of Cheb with its colourful half-timbered houses. A popular curiosity is the Boheminium miniature park in Mariánské Lázně, featuring models of dozens of landmarks from across Czechia.
Nature lovers can visit the educational trail through the Kladská peat bogs or the SOOS Nature Reserve, reminiscent of the northern tundra and known for its unique mofettas – vents releasing volcanic gases. Slavkov Forest is ideal for hiking and cycling trips. If you enjoy active experiences, try canoeing on the Ohře River or cycling to the Svatoš Rocks near Loket. Golf enthusiasts can choose from nine golf courses in the region. Why not play a round in Mariánské Lázně, home to the only course in Central Europe with the Royal Golf Club designation?
Nature lovers can visit the educational trail through the Kladská peat bogs or the SOOS Nature Reserve, reminiscent of the northern tundra and known for its unique mofettas – vents releasing volcanic gases. Slavkov Forest is ideal for hiking and cycling trips. If you enjoy active experiences, try canoeing on the Ohře River or cycling to the Svatoš Rocks near Loket. Golf enthusiasts can choose from nine golf courses in the region. Why not play a round in Mariánské Lázně, home to the only course in Central Europe with the Royal Golf Club designation?
Glass and Porcelain: A Tradition That Fascinates the World
The Karlovy Vary Region boasts a long tradition of glass and porcelain production. Luxury Moser glass, made since 1857, is among the most highly regarded in the world and graces royal courts and prestigious salons alike. Equally iconic is the porcelain produced in Nová Role near Karlovy Vary, where elegant tea and coffee sets are crafted and prized for their exceptional quality.
How to get there?
The Karlovy Vary Region is easily accessible both within Czechia and internationally. From Prague, you can reach Karlovy Vary comfortably by train or bus in around 2 hours. From Plzeň, the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, and from Ústí nad Labem just under 2 hours. International visitors can fly into Frankfurt am Main or Munich airports, from where Karlovy Vary is reachable by train, bus or car. Frankfurt also serves as a major airport with direct flights from Japan, making travel easier for visitors from Asia.
- Bus from Prague – 2 h (online booking Flixbus, Regiojet)
- Train from Prague – 3:20 h (online booking České dráhy)
- Train from Ústí nad Labem – 2 h (online booking České dráhy)
- By car from Plzeň – 1:20 h
- By car from Ústí nad Labem – 1:40 h