Tourist Attractions in Karlovy Vary

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Karlovy Vary

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Karlovy Vary

A trip to quiet and peaceful Karlovy Vary is a real holiday for the soul and a healing balm for the body. For Russian tourists, this Czech resort has been a “native” since tsarist times. From time immemorial, aristocrats and intellectuals flocked here for treatment.

Today Karlovy Vary is a worthy balneological tradition, excellent service of well-appointed hotels and, of course, numerous hot springs that can strengthen health and cure numerous ailments. Local sanatoriums offer various recovery programmes for every taste.

Also, the city surroundings are of great interest. There are medieval castles, picturesque canyons on wooded river slopes and numerous organised trails to contemplate all this splendour.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Karlovy Vary

Spring №9 Libuše

 4.5/5

19 reviews

There are about 70 mineral springs in Karlovy Vary, but only 12 are considered to have healing qualities. Each one is intended for the treatment and prevention of a specific group of diseases. The water temperature ranges from 30°C to 70°C. In the 19th and 20th centuries, picturesque colonnades were built around the thermal springs to protect them from the external environment.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Diana Observation Tower

 4.7/5

9428 reviews

The tower is located at the top of Druzhba Hill. Tourists can get there by funicular railway or spend half an hour and walk along the footpath. The tower’s observation deck offers a panoramic view of the wooded green hills that surround Karlovy Vary. In addition to the tower itself, there is a café, a restaurant, and benches and comfortable seating on the hill.

Open time

Monday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Tuesday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Thursday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Friday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Saturday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM
Sunday: 9:15 AM – 6:45 PM

Goethe's Lookout Tower

 4.8/5

1347 reviews

It was built at the end of the 19th century and is the oldest lookout in Karlovy Vary. Interestingly, in 1945 the tower was named in honour of Stalin, but it was renamed in the 1960s. The tower was named in honour of Stalin in 1945, but it was renamed in the 1960s. A staircase of 165 steps (42 metres high) leads to the top of the building. Many objects of the Goethe Tower were restored only in 2002 with the active participation of F. Gaspra, who wanted to make the appearance of Karlovy Vary more attractive.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Castle Tower

 4.5/5

33 reviews

An elegant castle built under the reign of Charles IV. Initially the building was supposed to be used as a hunting lodge, but after the construction was completed, the local aristocracy began to organise festivals, balls and lavish receptions here. In 1604 the castle was destroyed by fire, but a new tower was soon erected. The construction of the XVII century has survived to our days. There is now a restaurant on the territory of the Castle Tower.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Castle Colonnade

 4.7/5

168 reviews

Glass building erected in the 70s of the XX century according to the project of Ya. Otrub. The colonnade is located near the Vřídlo spring, which bursts out of the ground with a powerful hot jet (2 thousand litres of water/min.) Due to the high temperature, it is impossible to stay near the geyser for a long time. In addition to the hall with the spring, the colonnade has a large hall where souvenirs, crockery and Bohemian glass are sold.

Open time

Mill Colonnade

 4.7/5

11765 reviews

A picturesque colonnade built in the 19th century in the Neo-Renaissance style with elements of elegant Empire. It consists of 124 monumental columns supporting the facade with bas-reliefs by W. Lokwenz. Inside the Mill Colonnade there are mineral springs “Knez Wenceslas”, “Mělníchny”, “Rusalka”, “Libuše” and “Skalní”. The water temperature in the springs varies from 45°C to 64°C.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Market Colonnade

 4.7/5

1285 reviews

The structure was erected in 1883 out of wood and was only supposed to last a few years before something more imposing was built. But it lasted more than 100 years. At the end of the 20th century, the city authorities decided on a complete reconstruction, and now tourists have the opportunity to admire the restored landmark. Inside there are two springs – “Market” and “Charles IV”. Just behind the Market Colonnade is the Castle Tower.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Mill Colonnade

 4.7/5

11765 reviews

The Colonnade was built in 1880 according to the design of H. Helmer and F. Fellner. These two architects made a great contribution to the appearance of Karlovy Vary. In the middle of the 20th century, the pavilion was dismantled and only the frame with columns remained. However, in 2002, the historical appearance was restored. Now the Garden Colonnade is a real jewel of the town. Inside there are “Snake” and “Sadovy” springs.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Castle Colonnade

 4.7/5

168 reviews

An Art Nouveau architectural structure built in the early 20th century according to the project of Viennese architect F. Oman. At the beginning of the 21st century, the colonnade was renovated with the funds of the Castle Lázně health centre, which made many of the facilities available only to the clients of this institution. Everyone can drink the healing water from the spring, but only tourists staying in the Castle Lázně can admire the magnificent interior decoration of the Castle Colonnade.

Open time

St Mary Magdalene's Church

 4.6/5

356 reviews

The church of the 18th and 19th century, built according to the project of K. Dinzenhofer. The first church in the Gothic style appeared on this site in the 15th century, it belonged to the Crusader Order. Later the building was rebuilt in the more fashionable and progressive at that time Renaissance style. Subsequently, the temple was repeatedly destroyed by wars and fires, and eventually by the 18th century the building was almost destroyed. The reconstruction was completed by 1861.

Open time

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral

 4.7/5

3616 reviews

A functioning Orthodox church built in the 19th century according to the project of D. Ukhtomsky. It was the first Orthodox church on the territory of the Austrian Empire. Because of the war the church was closed in 1916, services were resumed only in the middle of the XX century. A complete reconstruction was carried out in the 1980s. Since then the building has been maintained in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the local authorities.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Jan Becher Museum

 4.6/5

4750 reviews

The famous Becherovka drink is revered and loved in the Czech Republic, sometimes even referred to as the “thirteenth spring” of Karlovy Vary. It is used as a medicine and as an ingredient in many cocktails. The Becherovka company was founded by local pharmacist Jan Becher. A museum named after him was opened in Karlovy Vary in 1992. During the tour, visitors can taste the drink in different flavours, learn about its history and buy souvenirs.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 – 5:00 PM

Krajské muzeum Karlovarského kraje - Karlovarské muzeum

 4.7/5

499 reviews

The museum complex comprises three buildings, as the smaller number was not enough to accommodate the extensive exposition. Archaeological finds, art and everyday objects, documents, and geological exhibits related to the history of Karlovy Vary are displayed here. The museum was founded in 1865 on the initiative of J.W. von Löschner, an Austrian physician and expert in the field of balneology.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Museum of Glass MOSER

 4.5/5

1634 reviews

The Moser Glassworks was built in Karlovy Vary in 1875. It produces Bohemian glass, a famous brand renowned worldwide for its high quality. In the factory museum you can see an exposition made up of the most valuable and rare pieces produced at different times at Moser. You can also familiarise yourself with all stages of glass production.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Art Gallery Karlovy Vary

 4.4/5

305 reviews

The museum exhibits contemporary works of art created by Czech sculptors and artists in the second half of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition contains about 150 works in the styles of Cubism, Expressionism and Fauvism. The gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as plays and concerts. The building was built in 1912 in neoclassical style.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Karlovy Vary City Theatre

 4.7/5

1054 reviews

The theatre building was built in the 19th century to a design by G. Helmer and F. Fellner. Earlier there was a wooden building, which collapsed in a fire in 1787. One of the founders of balneology in Karlovy Vary, D. Becher, was the inspiration for raising funds for the construction of the theatre. The premiere production was the wonderful extravaganza of W. A. Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 – 11:30 AM, 12:00 – 5:30 PM

Spa Hotel Thermal

 3.9/5

2791 reviews

A heated swimming pool, open at any time of the year, which is located on the territory of the Thermal Hotel. The water in it is not therapeutic, but the most ordinary, so everyone can swim. The pool has a fitness club, sauna, solarium and massage room. The length of the pool from side to side is 50 metres, with a depth of up to 4.5 metres. The pool offers a magnificent view of the surrounding hotel buildings and the surrounding hills. The pool is currently not in operation.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Grandhotel Pupp

 4.5/5

4621 reviews

The sanatorium is located in a building dating back to the early 18th century, which is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Karlovy Vary. Famous musicians, royalty, aristocratic families, cultural figures and other famous people have been guests of the Pupp Hotel. Every year, the hotel hosts an international film festival, which attracts international stars.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Hotel Imperial

 4.5/5

1653 reviews

Four-star hotel built in classical style at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel is surrounded by a magnificent park with its own theatre stage. The interior of the Imperial is dominated by restrained luxury and calm Art Nouveau notes. There is also a cinema, a concert hall and spacious seminar rooms. The resort’s restaurant serves national and international cuisine and offers a choice of 9 dietary menus.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Loket Castle

 4.7/5

16642 reviews

The castle is located near Karlovy Vary. The date of its foundation is disputed, but experts point to the 13th century. The structure is an austere medieval fortress with thick walls and narrow loopholes. Presumably, Loket was built as a border fort that demarcated the Germanic and Czech possessions. The castle stands on the bank of the Ohře River.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Castle Tower

 4.5/5

33 reviews

An architectural structure of the 16th century, built during the reign of Vladislav II. The castle changed owners many times. The greatest prosperity was between 1695 and 1733. The castle park was created under the influence of Italian landscape design traditions. The church, built in the XVIII century according to the project of Giovanni Rossa, deserves special attention. The last owner of Valeča was Count Larisch-Mennich, then the property passed to the state.

Open time

Bečov nad Teplou

 0/5

A Czech Baroque castle located on the rocky bank of the Teplá River. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century. Over the next two centuries, the castle was owned by various families until it was captured by the Swedes during the Thirty Years’ War. Major reconstructions were carried out in the second half of the 17th century and in the 19th century. Bečov nad Teplou was taken over by the state in 1945.

Dvořákovy sady

 4.6/5

707 reviews

A picturesque city park that was created at the end of the 19th century. There are trees more than 200 years old on its territory. The gardens were named in honour of the Czech composer A. Dvořák, and a monument to the maestro adorns one of the park’s alleys. It should be noted that visitors are not only allowed to stroll along the paths and sit on the benches, but also to walk on the lawns, which makes the park attractive to most residents and guests of Karlovy Vary.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Svatoš rocks

 4.7/5

3291 reviews

A picturesque canyon in the valley of the Ohře River, where you can admire the natural beauty of the surroundings of Karlovy Vary. This natural site is included in the list of specially protected sites in the Czech Republic. Many legends are associated with the Svatošky Rocks. In their time, they inspired the brothers Grimm, Goethe, Koerner and Spiess to create poetic literary works.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Deer Jump Lookout

 4.6/5

798 reviews

A low rock on the top of which a statue of a chamois was placed in 1851. The metal sculpture was created by August Kiss. Unfortunately, in 1984 the figure was defaced by vandals. Two years later, sculptor J. Kotek created a bronze copy, which now crowns the hilltop. The “Deer Skok” is one of the symbols of Karlovy Vary. There is a viewing platform near the statue, which is very popular with tourists.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours