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$137 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 located in Karlovy Vary making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The hotel provides all the amenities that today's travelers desire in all of its 112 rooms. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, internet access (wireless). Guests staying at this Karlovy Vary accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as room service 24hr, casino, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , room service, safety deposit boxes. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including jacuzzi, gym, 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 Grand Pupp Hotel quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Richmond Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$105 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Richmond Hotel is located in Karlovy Vary making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. This 3-star hotel was established in 1925 and offers 76 guestrooms. Room amenities include hair dryer, television, mini bar. This Karlovy Vary accommodation features on-site facilities such as laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, room service, salon, tours, babysitting. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including indoor pool , gym, 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. To book a room easily at the Richmond Hotel, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Lh Imperial Hotel
	Rating: 4 Room amenities: >>Check availability

>>Description

The Lh Imperial Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. This Karlovy Vary accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including indoor pool , jacuzzi, golf course (on site), garden. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.

	Dvorak Hotel
	Rating: 4 Room amenities: air conditioning, inhouse movies, hair dryer, internet access, in room safe, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Dvorak 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 of the hotel's guestrooms offers air conditioning, inhouse movies, hair dryer, internet access, in room safe, separate shower and tub, mini bar. The basic amenities provided at this Karlovy Vary accommodation comprise shops, coffee shop, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, indoor pool , golf course (on site), gym, sauna. Along with its convenient location in Karlovy Vary, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. For your reservation at the Dvorak Hotel Karlovy Vary, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Sanssouci Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$57 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: hair dryer, internet access (wireless), internet access, in room safe, television, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, coffee/tea maker >>Check availability

>>Description

The Sanssouci 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 features amenities such as hair dryer, internet access (wireless), internet access, in room safe, television, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV. Services and amenities available for guests at this Karlovy Vary accommodation consist of elevator, coffee shop, bar/pub, meeting facilities , restaurant. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, jacuzzi, sauna, tennis courts, spa, outdoor pool . Along with its convenient location in Karlovy Vary, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. Make your reservation at the Sanssouci Hotel Karlovy Vary now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Ruze Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$94 Price: from US$9 Room amenities: air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Karlovy Vary has to offer with Ruze Hotel as a base. The Ruze Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, separate shower and tub. The basic amenities provided at this Karlovy Vary accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, restaurant, safety deposit boxes. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including massage, golf course (on site), spa. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. To proceed with this reservation at the Ruze Hotel, please enter your visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Parkhotel Richmond
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$100 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: bathrobes, daily newspaper, hair dryer, in room safe, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Parkhotel Richmond is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Karlovy Vary. The Parkhotel Richmond boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom has bathrobes, daily newspaper, hair dryer, in room safe, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. This beautiful Karlovy Vary accommodation provides room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, safety deposit boxes to suit all guests' utmost convenience. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, indoor pool , golf course (on site), sauna, spa. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. Make your reservation at the Parkhotel Richmond Karlovy Vary now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Apart Labuznik
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: n >>Check availability

>>Description

The Apart Labuznik is located in Karlovy Vary making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Apart Labuznik boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms. Services and amenities available for guests at this Karlovy Vary accommodation consist of room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, business center, pets allowed. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. For your reservation at the Apart Labuznik Karlovy Vary, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Wellness Jean De Carro Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$54 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

Discover all that Karlovy Vary has to offer with Wellness Jean De Carro Hotel as a base. The Wellness Jean De Carro Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom has non smoking rooms, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television. To suit guests' convenience, this Karlovy Vary accommodation offers room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, safety deposit boxes, disabled facilities. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, golf course (on site), sauna, spa. Being one of the good quality hotels in Karlovy Vary, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. To proceed with your reservation at the Wellness Jean De Carro Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Euroagentur Esplanade Hotel
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, internet access, in room safe, television, mini bar, kitchenette, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Euroagentur Esplanade Hotel is located in Karlovy Vary making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Euroagentur Esplanade Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, internet access. Hotel facilities offered at this Karlovy Vary accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, safety deposit boxes. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: indoor pool , golf course (on site), gym, tennis courts, spa. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. For your reservation at the Euroagentur Esplanade Hotel Karlovy Vary, please select your dates of stay and fill in 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.