Karlovy Vary is a spa town in the west of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most famous and traditional spa towns in the world and “you go to the spa” to Karlovy Vary.
The healing effects of the thermal springs in Karlovy Vary have been known since the 14th century. At first, people bathed only in the water, later drinking cures were added. Today, Karlovy Vary is still the destination of spa guests and day tourists who want to experience the flair of Karlovy Vary.
The town is situated at the confluence of the Teplá and the Cheb rivers in a valley. The area is suitable for beautiful walks in the mountains, cycling along the river and relaxation from everyday life.
Karlovy Vary – tips from us
We have compiled our impressions of Karlovy Vary here.
Worth seeing in Karlovy Vary
Discover places worth seeing in Karlovy Vary. We present our discoveries here.
Health and Wellness in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is famous for its spa facilities. We have taken a closer look at a small part of the offer.
Hiking around Karlovy Vary
Movement is a part of relaxation and cure. There are many signposted hiking routes in the region. There is a tour for every fitness level. During our stay in Karlovy Vary we have taken some walks.
Food and Drink
A healthy body needs good food and drink. We present our tips for a good meal and a good beer.
Trips to the region
From Karlovy Vary you can take a nice city trip to Prague. It takes about 2 hours by car, but there are also good connections by bus or train.
After a good 80 kilometres you reach Pilsen. We spent a week in Pilsen and a visit is really recommended. In Bečov nad Teplou you can stop and visit a castle on the way to Pilsen.
If you don’t want to go quite so far, you can reach Loket by bike in about an hour. A beautifully situated village with a great castle.
Travel information about Karlovy Vary
Journey to
by plane
Karlovy Vary has a small international airport. From here there are several scheduled flights to Moscow.
The nearest international airport is in Prague.
by train
From Germany, trains from Nuremberg will arrive in Karlovy Vary in a good 2.5 hours. From Berlin it takes about 5.5 hours. Those coming from Prague can reach Karlovy Vary in about 3 hours without changing trains. The fare is about 10€.
by bus
There are several possibilities if you want to go to Karlovy Vary by bus. Regional and national bus lines stop at the bus station. From Prague-Florenc the trip takes about 2 hours.
by bike
Karlovy Vary is located on the Euregio Egrensis long-distance cycle route and on the Karlsroute.
by car
Karlovy Vary is easily accessible by car from many directions. From the border town of Oberwiesenthal, for example, you can take the E442, from Prague you take the E48/R6. Please note that many roads in the Czech Republic require vignettes.
Parking
The inner city area of Karlovy Vary may be entered by car only with special permits. Parking is also very limited. However, there is a possibility to park your car in numerous parking lots or garages.
Hotel guests are allowed to drive into the center on their arrival and departure days for unloading and inviting. During controls it must be possible to prove that one has a hotel reservation.
During our stay we had the opportunity to use a parking space that the lessor of our apartment had rented. We also found a few free parking spaces in the outer areas of the city.
Public transport
In Karlovy Vary, there are several bus lines that run mainly to the outer districts. However, if you are good on foot, you can actually do without the bus, especially in the center, and discover everything on foot.
There are two funiculars in the city. One goes up to the Hotel Imperial, the other on the other side of the valley to the Diana Tower.
Fiaker tours through the city center are also offered to tourists.
Tourist tax
The tourist tax (tsch. pobytová taxa, lázeňská taxa) is 15,- CZK/person/day and is usually not included in the hotel and travel prices.