Impressive Places to Visit and Things to Do in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)

October 24, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2125 Views

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is a city in Czech Republic, situated within a district of the same name. The city at the confluence of Ohre and Tepla rivers. It is famous as one of the best spa towns in Europe and majority of the places to visit in Karlovy Vary have spas, natural springs and geysers. It has also been included among UNESCO World Heritage sites under “Great Spa Towns of Europe” category. It has been a popular destination for several centuries with a guest list featuring numerous famous personalities like Beethoven, Goethe, Karl Marx, Peter the Great, Chopin, Schiller, Mustafa Ataturk, and many more. The entire city is like a grand spa resort with a variety of Karlovy Vary tourist attractions sprinkled about.

Many people still refer to the city by its old German name Karlsbad (Carlsbad). The current version of the city was founded by and named after Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia after he came across the natural springs in 1325. You can learn about the story of his first encounter with the region and subsequent development of the city under him at many of the Karlovy Vary attractions. The city was founded by him in 1358. Though the history of human settlement int he region goes back to the Bronze age, the city got fame as a Spa Town after its development under Charles IV. You can still find remnants of the cultures living here before 12th century during Karlovy Vary sightseeing at museums and certain parts of the city and a few places around it.

Besides the spas, there are numerous things to do in Karlovy Vary. The city has a rich history and a vibrant culture. It is also known for its architecture, especially the colonnades. Owing to its association with leisure and fun, the city has also developed a happening nightlife. There are beautiful natural reserves and mountains to explore around the city which you can explore when you visit Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad).

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Table of Contents

The Top 16 Tourist Attractions to Visit in Karlovy Vary

1. Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda)

This colonnade was built in 1881 with 124 columns designed in corinthian style. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Karlovy Vary. The building complex has several amazing sculptures to explore and 5 natural springs. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

2. Hot Springs Colonnade

The natural hot springs of this colonnade have existed for ages, but the structure was built in 1960s. The hot geysers shoot about 2000 liters of water and it is a wonderful sight among things to see in Karlovy Vary. You would need half an hour or so to explore this venue.

3. Market Colonnade (Marktkolonade)

The market colonnade is not only a great place for shopping but also one of the most prominent Karlovy Vary attractions. It was built in 1883 and designed in Swiss style with lace motifs. You would need about an hour to explore the colonnade designs and the market when you visit Karlovy Vary.

4. Castle / Chateau Colonnade

Chateau or Castle Colonnade was first build near the castle in 1797, though the current structure was built between 1910 and 1912. It exhibits art nouveau style of architecture. This colonnade has two sets of springs, both featuring wonderful artwork around them. They are amazing Karlovy Vary tourist attractions, though parts of it are reserved for Hotel Castle guests only. You will need about an hour for this place.

5. Museum of Glass Moser

The museum is part of Moser Glassworks, one of the oldest glassmaking establishments in the city. The museum explores the history of the company as well as the history of glassmaking in the region. It is a significant aspect of Karlovy Vary sightseeing and gives you an insight one the city’s well known export. You will need about an hour for this museum.

6. Church of St. Mary Magdalene

This church was built in 1737 and is among the most beautiful Karlovy Vary attractions to visit. It is known for its intricately desinged altarpiece as well as some of the finest artworks and sculptures in the city. You will need 30 minutes or so to explore this church.

7. Diana Lookout Tower

Also known as Dianaturm, this 35 meters tall tower was built in 1914 and is one of the best places for Karlovy Vary sightseeing. The tower gives you a clear view of the city’s skyline for upto 70 kms. You will need 30 to 45 minutes at this tower during Karlovy Vary travel.

8. Spa Resorts

Among top things to do in Karlovy Vary is enjoying a good spa treatment, being a popular destination for natural springs and spas, there are numerous places to go in Karlovy Vary to relax and rejuvenate. Many of the spa facilities have been designed like palaces and several of them offer a variety of medical therapies as well. Some of the most well known spas in the city include Elizabeth Spa, Grandhotel Pupp, Spa III, Hotel Imperial Spa, Hotel Thermal and so on. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying at any of the spa facilities in the city.

9. Jan Becher Museum

This museum is dedicated to Joseph and Johann Becher, the father and son duo behind Becherovka, the most famous beverage originating from the region. You can see the origin of this drink as well as the process of its brewing. You will need about an hour to explore it.

10. Orthodox Church of St. Peter & St. Paul

This church was built in 1898 with a design inspired by the byzantine churches of Moscow. It is known for its opulent design features and artworks including reliefs, murals, sculptures and paintings. The interior is designed in shape of a Greek Cross and is among the most beautiful things to see in Karlovy Vary. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

11. Vridelni Colonnade

This colonnade contains the Vridlo geyser, which has among the hottest and strongest bursts of all the natural springs in the city. It is among Karlovy Vary attractions where you can explore the inner working of the springs and the spa via an underground tour. You would need about 2 hours of time at Vridelni Colonnade.

12. Museum of Karlovy Vary

This museum talks about the city’s history and is one of the very first places to visit in Karlovy Vary. It highlights both natural, political and cultural history of the region. You will need about an hour for this museum.

13. Karlovy Vary Art Gallery

This art gallery exhibits several artworks created by Czech artists from different periods in history. The gallery also features cultural events including concerts and performances. You will need an hour to explore this gallery when you visit Karlovy Vary.

14. Loket Castle (Hrad Loket)

Also known as Hrad Loket, this castle was built in the 12th century A.D. by Loket nad Ohri community and is the top among historical Karlovy Vary tourist attractions. The castle has several venues to explore within it including the Castle Museum, Church of St. Wenceslas, White House Inn, Town Hall, St. Anne’s Chappel and so on. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

15. Bečov nad Teplou

This small village is about an hours drive away and a popular destination among places to visit near Karlovy Vary. The village has several interesting attractions including museums for historical motorcycles, toys, cutlery and weapons. The village also has several old buildings to enjoy as an extension to Karlovy Vary sightseeing. You will need 2 to 3 hours to enjoy this village.

16. St. Linhart Game Reserve

If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Karlovy Vary like hiking, camping, nature exploration or wildlife exploration; this is the place to visit. The reserve holds several wild animals including boars and deers. The reserve has several walkways and suspension bridges to observe animals from a distance. You would need about half a days time to explore this wonderful natural expanse during Karlovy Vary travel.

If you are looking for more attractions to include in Karlovy Vary sightseeing, check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of all the places you can explore and activities in and around the city in the section below.

Things to do in Karlovy Vary

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Karlovy Vary

Mill Colonnade
Diana Observation Tower
Museum of Glass Moser
Jan Becher Museum
Karlovy Vary Art Gallery
Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church
Christmas House
Karlovy Vary Museum
Goethe’s Lookout Tower
Male Versailles
Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
View of Charles IV Tower
Chateau Colonnade
St. Luke Wax Museum
Goethes Lookout Tower
Motorcycle Museum
Krajske Museum
Yuri Gagrin Monument
Zamecek Doubi
Andelska Hora Castle Ruins
Vila Lutzow
Cat Memorial
Chamois Statue
Socha Cisare Karla IV Statue
Loket Castle
Socha Karl Marxe Statue
Ludwig Won Beethoven Statue
Letohradek Art Museum
Bucina Lookout Tower
Matoni Museum
Chateau Ostrov nad Ohri
Mattoniho Villa
Palac Princu
Depoltovice Cheateau Ruins
Museum of Bookbinding
Museum Tynych Spolku

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Karlovy Vary

Hochbruke Wildpark
Aussichtspunkt Drei Kreuze
Mount Doubska Hora
Linhart Nature Reserve
Svatos Rocks
Ein Weg Voller Geister
Talspere Brezova Reservoir
Doupov Mountains
Slavkov Forest
Mattoniho Waterfall
Skalky Skritku Nature Reserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Karlovy Vary

Park Colonnade
Kaiserbad Spa
Diana Butterfly House
Dvorak Park
Natur Hochseilgarten St. Leonhard
Grandhotel Casino Club
Japanese Zen Garden
Smetana Orchards
Diana Minizoo
Meandr Ohre
Mozartuv Park
Zahrada Dalovice Botanical Garden

Shopping in Karlovy Vary

Market Colonnade
Trziste Street

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Karlovy Vary

Diana Funicular Railway
Hiking
Trekking
Mountain Climbing

Sightseeing in Karlovy Vary

Columnata Termal
Deer Jump Lookout
Peter the Great Lookout

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Karlovy Vary

Medite
Pizzeria Palermo
Sklipek
Freedom Cafe
Embassy
Charleston
Velkopopovicka
Promenada
Ceska Hospudka
Tandoor
Diana
Orion
Richmond
Vertigo
Club Imperial
Le Marche
Cafe Vienna
Panoptikum
Tearoom Dobra Cajovna
Sweet Orient
Cafe Pupp

Where to Stay in Karlovy Vary?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Karlovy Vary. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Karlovy Vary.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Karlovy Vary

How to Reach Karlovy Vary?

By Air

Karlovy Vary airport is located about 3 kms from the city. The second closest international airport is that of Prague which is 116 kms away. You can get direct flights to visit Karlovy Vary from several cities including London, Amsterdam, Rome and more. You can get bus and cabs to get to various destinations in the city from the airport.

By Road

There are several bus services which connect cities and towns in Czech Republic for Karlovy Vary travel. The train network connects to major cities in the country like Prague, Loket and Cheb.

If you plan to get to Karlovy Vary by road, you should pick between routes E48, E49 or E442.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are not direct water routes to reach Karlovy Vary.

Image Reference

Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) – Ralf Gervink / PixaBay
Hot Springs Colonnade – Sek Keung Lo / Flickr
Market Colonnade (Marktkolonade) – Franzfoto / Wikimedia Commons
Castle / Chateau Colonnade – R Boed / Flickr
Museum of Glass Moser – Michael-Ann Cerniglia / Flickr
Church of St. Mary Magdalene – ccdoh1 / Flickr
Diana Lookout Tower – Lubor Ferenc / Wikimedia Commons
Spa Resorts – Lubor Ferenc / Wikimedia Commons
Jan Becher Museum – Mister No / Wikimedia Commons
Orthodox Church of St. Peter & St. Paul – Lubor Ferenc / Wikimedia Commons
Vridelni Colonnade – cs:ŠJů / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Karlovy Vary – Palickap / Wikimedia Commons
Karlovy Vary Art Gallery – Mister No / Wikimedia Commons
Loket Castle – klikovam / PixaBay
Bečov nad Teplou – Makalu / PixaBay
St. Linhart Game Reserve – Lubor Ferenc / Wikimedia Commons