Official Name

Karlovy Vary. The German name can be found quite often as well: Karlsbad (Charles' spa). 'Var' means 'simmer', 'Vary' sounds like the plural form. According to legends, the name derives from the discoverer of the springs - King Charles (in German Karl) the IV. There are many spas in Western Bohemia (most of them characterised by the word -lázně in the place name), but Karlovy Vary is the number one by all means.

Location

	Karlovy Vary

The town is kocated around 120 km west of →Prague, in West Bohemia at the confluence of Ohře (Eger) river and the smaller Teplá. Parts of the city stretch out across the up to 700 m high mountains.

Population

Around 55,000 people live in Karlovy Vary, which is hard to believe when you walk trough the city centre (i.e. tourist related part) - it looks much less.

Orientation

Most of the sources concentrate along the small river Teplá, which is flowing from south to the north. Here, all the famous colonnades, places where people can drink the mineral water, some hotels and other tourism related facilities line up. Additionally there are some churches. This stretch is simply elegant - only a few modern buildings disturb the chic centre. Many colonnades and hotels were built during the 19th century and are well preserved.

Karlovy Vary has two train stations. The dolní nádraží (lower station) is for local trains, running to Mariánské Lázně (Maria's spa) and other less famous places. More important is the horní nádraží (upper station) for long-distance distance trains, e.g. to →Prague and →Cheb. The lower station faces the right bank of the Ohře (Eger) river, adjacent to the bus terminal. From there it's less than 5 minutes to the city centre. The upper train station is atop a hill on the other side of the river. From there, it takes around 15 minutes to walk to the centre. The suburbs mainly spread to the east and north-west. However, as a visitor to the mineral sources one won't notice the suburbs at all.

History

As far as the legends go, king Charles the Fourth discovered the first hot springs in the year 1350 coincidentally while he was hunting. In 1358, he built the first hunting lodge. The real boom didn't start before the 19th century, when Karlovy Vary, at that time better known as 'Karlsbad', started to be a chic spa. Doctors understood that the mineral water coming from deep in the earth has healing powers, and so Karlovy Vary's water became very famous. Hotels and colonnades mushroomed, and many famous people from all over Europe relaxed in Karlovy Vary - from Goethe to Tolstoy, from Bismarck to Marx - everyone was there. It's claim to faim was not just limited to the mineral water. In 1857, Ludvík Moser started to produce high-quality glass in Karlsbad. Today, the glass is known as Bohemian crystal and as famous as the springs themselves.

Even in socialist times Karlovy Vary could preserve its image as an exclusive and popular spot. After 1990, the number of visitors started increasing steadily. There is almost no need at all for advertising the place. Nice restaurants and exchange booths (don't use them! rather stick to your credit car!!!) as well as souvenir shops mushroomed all over the place.

Getting there / transportation

There are several express trains to Karlovy Vary, although 'express' is slightly exaggerated. International connections are limited to some direct trains (mostly night trains with sleeper berths) to →Slovakian cities, e.g. →Košice. It's not very easy to get to Germany by train - most connections are via →Cheb, which is one hour away. If you're heading for places in the south, for example Plzeň or →České Budějovice (Budweis), it would be better to take the bus. The same can be said about →Prague - although only 120 km away, it takes 3 to 4 hours to get there.

There are around 100 hot springs in and around Karlovy Vary, but only 12 are used commercially. Most of the springs were put into so-called colonnades (usually the name for a row of columns, but in Karlovy Vary the name for all buildings around springs). All springs are accessible to the public and the water is free of charge. You can drink it from beakers, for free, or stylish from lázeňský póharek - tiny white and blue china pots, which can be bought as a souvenir or rented for a few crowns. The springs deliver mostly sodium-bicarbonate-sulphuric acidulous waters, the water temperatur ranges between 30 and 72 degrees Celsius. The water includes around 40 different mineral substances. Detailed analyze reports are usually on display near the springs. One important question remains - does it taste good? Not really. As has been proved, drinking cures can be used to ease digestive tract problems, metabolic disorder (incl. diabetes) and circulatory disturbances as well as several problems with the limbs. Additionally, the invigorating mountain air is good for the lungs.

	The baroque Maria Magdalena church

If you do not believe in drinking tepid salt water, you may stick to the so-called 13th spring - the (in)famous Becherovka (Karlsbader Becher) - an odd-tasting, light herb liquor.

If you are in Karlovary Vary just for one day, simply walk along the small Teplá river and enjoy the parks and colonnades. You can enjoy a view over the valley from the Rozhledna Diana (Diana observation tower), accessible on foot and via ropeway. In the Vřídelní (Sprudel) colonnade you can admire the hottest spring (72 degrees Celsius). Every minute, some 2000 liters come out from a layer 2500 meters deep with a fountain that shoots up 12 meters. The building housing the spring is comparatively new. Inside the hall you can pull a cup of water by yourself from different taps with different temperatures. Among the most impressive colonnades, the Tržní (market) colonnade and the Mlýnská (miller) colonnade should be mentioned - both are quite old and charming.

BTW: I visited Karlovy Vary three times or so but mostly without my camera. Thus only one, not very nice picture - more will follow after another visit....

	Grand Pupp Hotel
	Rating: 5 Price: from US$146 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, internet access (wireless), in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, complimentary bottled water, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Grand Pupp Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. This 5-star property offers travelers a choice of 112 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in its class. Room amenities include non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Karlovy Vary hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, casino, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. For your reservation at the Grand Pupp Hotel Karlovy Vary, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Richmond Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$86 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Richmond Hotel is located in the heart of the beautiful Karlovy Vary with many of attractions within easy reach. The hotel is a low-rise building with 76 fully equipped rooms. In-room facilities include hair dryer, television, mini bar. Hotel facilities offered at this Karlovy Vary accommodation include laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, salon, tours, babysitting. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: pool indoor, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts. Along with its convenient location in Karlovy Vary, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. For your reservation at the Richmond Hotel Karlovy Vary, please select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Ruze Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$53 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Ruze Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. The Ruze Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Hotel facilities offered at this Karlovy Vary accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, restaurant. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, golf course (on site), spa. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Karlovy Vary, making it a distinct accommodation. To reserve a room at the Ruze Hotel, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Parkhotel Richmond
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$81 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: bathrobes, daily newspaper, hair dryer, in room safe, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Karlovy Vary has to offer with Parkhotel Richmond as a base. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers bathrobes, daily newspaper, hair dryer, in room safe, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. The basic amenities provided at this Karlovy Vary accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, pool indoor, golf course (on site), sauna, spa. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Parkhotel Richmond, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	euroagentur apart hotel labuznik
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: n >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, euroagentur apart hotel labuznik is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Karlovy Vary. The euroagentur apart hotel labuznik boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms. This Karlovy Vary accommodation features on-site facilities such as room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, business center, pets allowed. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Karlovy Vary. For your reservation at the euroagentur apart hotel labuznik Karlovy Vary, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Jean De Carro Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$58 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Jean De Carro Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. The Jean De Carro Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe. Services and amenities available for guests at this Karlovy Vary accommodation consist of room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, golf course (on site), sauna, spa. Along with its convenient location in Karlovy Vary, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. To book a room at the Jean De Carro Hotel, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.

	Aura Palace Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$88 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, bathrobes, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Aura Palace Hotel is located in Karlovy Vary making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, bathrobes, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar. Services and amenities available for guests at this Karlovy Vary accommodation consist of room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities, sauna. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Karlovy Vary. To make your reservation at the Aura Palace Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	A.Dalia
	Rating: 2 Price: from US$38 Price: from US$3 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, shower >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Karlovy Vary has to offer with A.Dalia as a base. The A.Dalia boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, television, shower. The amenities and services offered at this Karlovy Vary accommodation include room service 24hr, laundry service/dry cleaning, room service, business center, pets allowed. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including golf course (on site), garden. Being one of the good quality hotels in Karlovy Vary, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. For your reservation at the A.Dalia Karlovy Vary, please enter your preferred visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Best Western Avita
	Rating: 4 Room amenities: television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Best Western Avita is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. The Best Western Avita boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Karlovy Vary hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes, hotel/airport transfer. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including sauna, spa. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. For your reservation at the Best Western Avita, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Boutique Spa Hotel Aqua Marina
	Rating: 4 Room amenities: bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Boutique Spa Hotel Aqua Marina is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Karlovy Vary. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer. Services and amenities available for guests at this Karlovy Vary accommodation consist of room service 24hr, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, pool indoor, sauna, spa. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Karlovy Vary, making it a distinct accommodation. To book a room at the Boutique Spa Hotel Aqua Marina, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.



I've never stayed inside the city, therefore no recommendation. One thing is for sure - to stay in Karlovy Vary is more expensive than staying in other cities. One of the reasons is a health resort tax of 15 Kč per night and person. There seems to be no pension or hotel charging less than 350 Kč. Especially during the summer months it's better to book in advance since the city might get crowded.

• www.karlovyvary.cz Official website of Karlovy Vary. Well done - and comes in six languages.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Karlovy Vary? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.