Karlovy Vary

The most prestigious of the Bohemian spas, Karlovy Vary straddles the Ohře River valley in a dramatic setting with grand 19th-century colonnades and thermal springs. The town is famous for its healing waters, Becherovka herbal liqueur, and as a glamorous film festival destination.

Things to do

• Colonnade Walk — Stroll through the five main colonnades (Mill, Market, Forest, Spring, and Sadová) that frame the town's thermal springs and showcase stunning 19th-century architecture.
• Vridlo Hot Spring — Visit the most powerful thermal spring in Europe, shooting water up to 12 meters high and measuring 72°C, housed in a striking modern colonnade.
• Becherovka Distillery Tour — Learn the secrets of Karlovy Vary's famous herbal digestif liqueur at the historic Jan Becher distillery, including tastings of this 200-year-old spirit.
• Thermal Spa Bathing — Immerse yourself in naturally heated mineral waters at traditional spa complexes like Sanssouci or Thermal Hotel Palace, believed to treat various ailments.
• Karlovy Vary International Film Festival — Attend Central Europe's largest film festival held every July, attracting celebrities and cinephiles to glamorous screenings and parties throughout town.
• Diana Lookout Tower Hike — Climb the historic 1886 wrought-iron tower nestled in the surrounding forests for panoramic views of the town and Ohře River valley.

Food to try

• Oplatky (Spa Wafers) — Crispy, paper-thin wafers filled with cream, chocolate, or hazelnut, traditionally eaten while sipping thermal water and sold fresh at every colonnade.
• Trdelník (Spiral Pastry) — A sweet rolled pastry baked on a spit until caramelized, often dusted with cinnamon sugar or filled with walnuts, ubiquitous street food in the spa district.
• Becherovka Herbal Liqueur — The town's signature 38% proof digestif made from 20 herbs and spices, traditionally served as a shot after meals or as a warming spa drink.
• Czech Spa Menu (Lehká Kuchyně) — Light, health-conscious spa cuisine featuring fresh vegetables, lean meats, and mineral-spring-infused broths designed to complement the therapeutic water treatments.
• Becherovka Küchle — Deep-fried pastry squares soaked in Becherovka liqueur and dusted with powdered sugar, a boozy dessert unique to Karlovy Vary's cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Spa Culture and Kurortní Lístek — Purchase a spa guest card (Kurortní Lístek) upon arrival to access colonnade water dispensers and thermal facilities, and respect the quiet, dignified atmosphere—this is a healing destination, not a party town.
• Drinking the Springs Correctly — Use the small ceramic or porcelain cups provided at colonnades to sip mineral water slowly while walking, following the traditional 'kurort ritual' that locals have practiced for centuries.
• Dress Code and Formality — Karlovy Vary maintains an elegant, somewhat formal atmosphere; avoid beachwear outside spa zones and dress modestly—the town attracts older, well-heeled spa guests who appreciate decorum.
• Peak vs. Off-Season Visits — Visit May–June or September–October to avoid the crowded July film festival and winter tour-bus rush; spring and fall offer better access to spas, colonnades, and a more authentic local experience.

Nearby

• Loket — 12 km
• Bor — 29 km
• Mariánské Lázně — 32 km
• Cheb — 40 km