Interesting places near Karlovy Vary. #1. Mill colonnade. Hotel Imperial in Karlovy Vary
Location map of attractions in Karlovy Vary
Describing the sights of Karlovy Vary, one cannot but mention the thermal springs - the main feature of the resort, founded in the XIV century by Charles IV. Water from Karlovy Vary mineral springs is used for medicinal drinking and bathing. There are many other attractions in the city that are included in the tourist map of Karlovy Vary. The Japanese Rock Garden, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the city theater, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the Old Castle and other local attractions will be great photo opportunities.
Like the mineral water of the famous Vrzhidlo spring, the tourist life of the city is a fountain, the soul of which are colonnades - a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of travelers. It is rare that anyone will deny themselves the pleasure of visiting the main attraction of Karlovy Vary - the Mill Colonnade, dating back to 1881. This is the largest colonnade in the Neo-Renaissance style, which includes a network of thermal springs, the list of which includes: Mill Spring, Libushin, Prince Wenceslas Spring, Rocky Spring, Mermaid Spring. The colonnade itself evokes associations with an old temple, rich in sculptures dedicated to scenes from Czech mythology. An interesting sculptural composition “12 months” deserves close attention.
It is impossible to lose sight of the church buildings of Karlovy Vary: the Church of St. Mary Magdalene - an example of high baroque, erected in 1737, the Greek Catholic Church of St. Andrew, which acquired its current appearance in 1841, the Anglican Church of St. Bows in the style of pseudo-Gothic, built in 1877 on the Castle Hill, the ruins of the church of St. Lengart, dating back to the 13th century, the church of St. Urbana, second half of the 13th century. The architectural dominant of the city, which was born in 1897, is considered to be the religious landmark of Karlovy Vary - Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, made in the Russian-Byzantine style and rebuilt at the expense of Russians who come to the fertile land for recreational purposes. Under its vaults, there are a lot of paintings and icons brought by guests from Russia, and two icons donated by Nicholas II are carefully stored.
The sights of Karlovy Vary are generous with interesting monuments: the so-called "Plague Pillar" or the Pillar of the Holy Trinity, built in honor of the victory over a terrible epidemic, mountain of three crosses, erected in memory of brothers-advocates of the Catholic faith, monuments to Ludwig van Beethoven, Adam Mickiewicz. to the local architectural masterpieces it is quite possible to attribute the building of the Post Office (1791), as well as the city theater, designed at the end of the 19th century.
The castles of Karlovy Vary allow you to find yourself in history. So, the Middle Ages blows from the picturesque castle Loket, the former administrative center the area of the same name and the hunting residence of the Luxembourg kings. Severe interiors, narrow streets, a torture chamber with sophisticated gizmos, a lot of beliefs associated with the dungeon - everything has a historical stamp. Traveling back hundreds of years, seeing unique collections of porcelain, weapons and rare books, feeling the place that Goethe loved so much is worth a lot. The fortified city of Bechov, founded in the 13th century, has a rich past. The most valuable here are the chapel of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary, decorated with frescoes of the biblical theme of the XIV century, and the casket with the relics of St. Mark.
Admire the city and its surroundings will help lookout towers- peculiar sights of Karlovy Vary: the observation tower "Diana" - the most famous, surrounded by the landscape of the Ore Mountains; Doubskaya Gora Tower with the Aberg Hotel; Observation deck named after Goethe, offering to overcome 165 steps; tower named after Charles IV, located at an altitude of 514 m above sea level; the observation platform "Deer Jump" with an unexpected angle on the city and another attraction of Karlovy Vary - a statue of a chamois looking at the city. You can climb the observation towers by funicular or walk along the forest paths.
Connoisseurs of Czech crystal have a direct road to the famous Moser glassworks- Birthplace of Bohemian glass. An interesting Moser Museum operates on the territory of the plant, demonstrating rare exhibits, shedding light on the history of the enterprise, involving in the process of blowing glasses. In the souvenir shop you can always buy unsurpassed crystal products. The Jan Becher Museum is also quite curious, especially for connoisseurs of fine liqueurs, because it is dedicated to the famous Becherovka herbal liqueur, which is produced only in Karlovy Vary. This wonderful drink with the aroma of lemon balm and cinnamon is jokingly called the thirteenth healing spring. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch a documentary film about the liquor, learn about the prerequisites for its production, taste the liquor from special porcelain glasses, and, if desired, buy a bottle or two at the manufacturer's price.
Of the natural attractions of Karlovy Vary, organically woven into the face of the city, parks, alleys and palisades, beautiful at any time of the year, are especially fascinating. Locals and tourists choose Smetana Gardens for walking, a park with a lake - Small Versailles, Dvorak Gardens, Charles IV Gardens, a Rock Garden, the latter is literally created for meditation.
Karlovy Vary is attractive not only for tourists who want to improve their health. Here it is so easy to get close to Czech art in the local art gallery, to look into the cafe "Elephant", not to resist the temptation to see the waffle platter in the Oplatky confectionery shop. Sights of Karlovy Vary - a step to the heart atmospheric city- the pride of not only the Czech Republic, but the whole of Europe.
An amazing part of the provincial Czech Republic, attractive natural and cultural attractions. Karlovy Vary. I want to come back here endlessly.
The popular Czech spa, world famous for its 13 mineral springs, which have no analogues in the world, can also have a beneficial effect on your health. What to see in Karlovy Vary? What to do besides "treatment on the waters" and healing the body?
About spa colonnades
Works daily. May-September: 10.00-19.00. Cost: adults - 80 kroons, children - 40 kroons. Family: 2 adults, 2-3 children - 220 CZK.
mini zoo. Ponies, Cameroon goats, Chinese pigs. Each animal has its own name and character. Peacocks roam the paths. Animals are allowed to stroke and even feed. The entrance is free.
Observation tower Goethe with scenic city views. It is located on a hill (638 m) with the poetic name "Peak of Eternal Youth". The oldest and first observation structure. Around the tower is a forest. 165 steps lead to the upper observation deck, the height is 42 m.
The best option to get there is as part of a survey bus tour around town. On your own - by bus number 8 to the village of Gurki and along the Gogol trail 1.2 km up on foot to the tower. Open daily except Monday: April-September - from 11.00 to 20.00; October-March - from 11.00 to 16.00.
Gardens, parks...
Japanese rock garden. For the Czech Republic and Karlovy Vary, the attraction is “non-standard” and mysterious. It is located at the very end of the "geyser line" on the southern outskirts of the city. The author is Japanese landscape architect Kinji Nomura.
The garden was originally created for meditation. It also resembles a circle in shape with a curved line in the middle, a symbol of Yin-Yang, male and female. Good Stone and Ship Stone. Sculptural stone lantern of Buddha, white gravel throughout the garden, large vertical "menhirs". Each element of the landscape composition has its own symbolism and meaning.
Start your walk from the Geyser, past the Grand Hotel, along the Goethe trail to the rock garden. Distance 1.5 km, time - about half an hour. Go from the Rynok stop by bus No. 2 or No. 7 to the Richmond Hotel stop and walk 150 m to the garden.
Dvorak Gardens. cozy park in the central part of the city, which you can see on your own in Karlovy Vary. Attract the attention of tourists:
- lake with a sculpture of a mermaid;
- monuments to composer A. Dvorak and poet P. Bezruch;
- national monument of the Czech Republic - a pedestal with a thermometer in the Art Nouveau style (1913);
- 200-year-old plane trees-giants.
It is allowed to walk and have picnics on the lawns of the Dvořakovy Gardens. Free admission. Walk on foot from the Geyser, along the embankment of the left bank of the Tepla, past the Mill Colonnade, through the military sanatorium, exit to the gardens.
Why don't we go to the museum?
Fans of historical rarities and unusual exhibits are waiting for the following attractions of Karlovy Vary.
Crystal Museum "Moser". More than 2,000 items of unique exposition: antiques and elite newfangled crystal. A short film tells about the history of the enterprise. You can visit the museum and go to the glassblowing workshop to get acquainted with the tools and technologies of "light" production.
Photos and videos are allowed. Glass factory tours every half an hour. There is a company store where real works of glass art are put up for sale: costume jewelry, jewelry, dishes, souvenirs.
Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 17.00. Entrance fee to the museum - 80 kroons (adults), 40 kroons - children. Go by city bus No. 1, 2, 22 from the Rynok stop to Sklarzhska.
Jan Becher Museum. Traditional with a specific taste and aroma is the highlight of the resort. Its recipe is shrouded in mystery and has been passed down from father to son since the early 19th century. The thematic exposition of the museum is historical rarities associated with the drink. The tour includes watching a documentary. The cost is 120 CZK with a tasting of 3 products. The museum has a bar and a shop. Open daily from 9.00 to 17.00.
Where to go for an aesthete
Rest in the Czech Republic is not only an exciting "excursion" in Karlovy Vary, there is something to see for connoisseurs cultural traditions and theatergoers.
art gallery(Art Gallery). Introduces the collection of paintings and sculptures of contemporary fine art of the Czech Republic (XIX-XX centuries). The main building is located on the embankment; branches - in the Becherov Villa and in Summer Palace town Ostrov near Karlovy Vary.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9.30-12.00 and 13.00-17.00. The first Wednesday of the month is free admission. The ticket price depends on the program and thematic exposition.
City theater. The building is in neo-baroque style. Gorgeous and luxurious interior decoration. An architectural and artistic pearl of the Karlovy Vary resort and its attraction. The stage is decorated with a curtain - a work of art and artistic value of the city, painted by great artists.
The box office is open daily from 10.00 to 17.30 and for an hour before the start of the performance. The ticket price, depending on the category of seats, is from 100 to 490 CZK.
Beauty around: interesting places
What to see in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary or near the resort? There are plenty of options.
It "grew" on a rock and is surrounded on all sides by a river. The "Key of the Czech Kingdom" is located 14 km from the center of Karlovy Vary. The town of the same name is located here - in the reserve "Slavkovsky forest". From the upper gallery of the tower, a panorama of Loket and the Ohře river valley opens up.
For lovers of educational tourism, the fortress museum presents a unique exposition of porcelain, a museum of weapons, and archaeological rarities. Thrill seekers will be interested in a dungeon, a torture chamber with wax figures; performance/imitation of the death penalty.
Cheerful gnomes and mythical characters are everywhere on the territory of the castle. Under the fortress there is a natural amphitheater with a stage where theatrical performances and concerts are held. July is the month of the annual opera festival. The family brewery Svatý Florián also attracts gourmets.
There is a bus from Karlovy Vary to Loket. Departs from the Lower Station. By car, take the R6 road in the direction of Cheb, turn off at the Loučki sign onto road No. 209. It will lead to the town. Tour (in Russian) around the castle - 170 CZK, for children - 140 CZK. Family - 420 kroons. Additional payment for photo and video is 20 CZK.
Svatosh rocks. National monument of the Czech Republic near Karlovy Vary, an interesting attraction. It is called the "petrified wedding" in the Ohře valley. Romantic legends, whimsical granite columns and 50-meter-high pyramids that excite the imagination, a picturesque canyon. Here the brothers Grimm, Goethe, Freud, Kerner drew inspiration for their works.
The valley is accessible to cyclists, walkers and water sportsmen. The 13 km long eco-trail between Karlovy Vary's Doubi and Loket Fortress is often chosen by hikers. Travel time - 3-6 hours. By bike - 1-3 hours. Buses run from the settlements of Loket and Doubi.
Town of Angel Mountain. An attraction 12 km from Karlovy Vary, where you can see several interesting things at once:
- ruins of a 14th-century Gothic fortress on a rocky spur;
- panoramas of the Slavkovsky forest and the Doupov mountains;
- parish church of st. Michael the Archangel (rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries);
- Church of the Holy Trinity (XVIII century);
- Šemnicka rock in the Ohře valley with picturesque panoramic views.
walks shuttle bus from the Lower Station. Walking tour along the green tourist route (9.6 km) passes through the reserve "Slavkovsky forest" and takes 3.5-4 hours. The R6 road towards Prague will lead the car to the Angel Mountain.
Reliquary of St. Maurus in Bečov nad Teplá. Old castle and the fortress (XIV century) are located 25 km from Karlovy Vary. The reliquary is a rectangular sarcophagus dating back to the 13th century. discovered in 1985. Height 65 cm, length 140 cm. Decorated with filigree carvings, embossing and ornaments embedded in them. precious stones and gems. Bas-reliefs in gilded silver, unique gems (carved miniatures) in antique style.
There is a direct bus from Karlovy Vary to Bečov nad Teplou.
As you can see, Karlovy Vary is rich in sights; there is something to see here for both independent tourists and families with children. Health-improving holidays in the bosom of nature, cognitive and ecotourism… The resort will give you unforgettable impressions and… spectacular photos.
For many hundreds of years, the Czech city of Karlovy Vary, which is famous for medical resorts. Everything here favors a delightful vacation, which will be remembered for a long time as an unusually exciting wonderful adventure.
Guests of the city can always find interesting places that deserve attention. The sights of Karlovy Vary will amaze lovers of historical monuments and admirers interesting buildings erected by contemporaries. The city also impresses with amazing landscapes.
According to local legend, it was they who impressed the Roman king Charles IV, who saw the valley while hunting, and decided to found a city in it. The first settlement on the site of Karlovy Vary actually appeared during the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. Over the centuries, it has expanded and turned into a wonderful city.
One of the main attractions of Karlovy Vary is the castle tower. This is one of ancient buildings in the city. The tower was part of a castle built by order of King Charles IV. The Gothic palace, built over the Tepla River, was destroyed by a severe fire at the beginning of the 17th century.
The reconstruction of the entire castle required huge funds, which the almost completely destroyed city did not have. But still, they decided to rebuild the tower, since it was used to monitor the approaches to the settlement. The building was recreated, maintaining it in the Baroque style. From the observation deck from the top tier of the tower, you can admire the beauty of Karlovy Vary from a bird's eye view.
Guests of Karlovy Vary do not miss the opportunity to visit Petra Peak, shrouded in many legends. As they say locals, the Russian emperor liked to climb this hill, who even carved his initials on a wooden cross that towered here. Tourists today are offered to walk up the hill along the path that Peter I liked to walk.
At the Top, you can visit the observation deck, from which you can see the whole city, and admire the statue of a deer frozen in a jump. Givings say that it was this animal that led Charles IV to healing springs. The statue of the animal, which is a symbol of the city, was created by the German sculptor August Kiss, commissioned by Baron Lützev.
Not a single tourist who arrives in Karlovy Vary misses the opportunity to visit the city's most famous healing spring - the Geyser. It strikes with its beauty and demonstrates the powerful force of nature - water, the temperature of which reaches + 73 ° C, rises from a two-kilometer depth. The first cover was erected over the Geyser in the second half of the 18th century. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. In 1975, a modern colonnade was erected over the spring. It was crowned with a glass dome created by the sculptor Jan Fischer, which is a symbol of the pulsating heart of the city.
One of most popular places among guests and residents of the city, where you can take a pleasant walk and try healing water of the five springs, is the Mlynska Colonnade. This beautiful building, built in the second half of the 19th century, was designed by the architect Josef Zitek. Here you can admire the Corinthian columns holding the roof, the bas-reliefs decorating the wall, and the statues of the months of the year towering above the colonnade. The building was reconstructed in 1893. It was completed and expanded, thanks to which it fit perfectly into the general view of the city.
One of the most beautiful sights of the city is the Market Colonnade. It was built in 1883 over two springs: Market and Charles IV. Austrian architects were invited to build this delightful building. Although the colonnade is made of wood, it has survived to this day in excellent condition. It was restored several times, but a large-scale reconstruction, as planned local authorities, however, was not required.
Another place where you can take a walk and taste the waters from the healing springs is the Garden Colonnade. This beautiful building, which seems light and weightless, was built in 1880 according to the design of the Austrian architects Felner and Gelmer. It began at the Blaninsk pavilion, which was dismantled in the 20th century. It was decided to leave the garden colonnade. In it, in 2002, they carried out a reconstruction, thanks to which the building still fascinates with its amazing view today. In the gazebo, which ends the colonnade, there is one of the healing springs, and the other two are located nearby.
Among the main attractions of Karlovy Vary is the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. It was erected on the site of a Gothic temple that was badly damaged by fire. The current church is designed in the high baroque style. Its construction was entrusted to the Czech architect Kalian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. The temple was built in the first half of the 18th century. Services are held daily, allowing tourists to admire the impressive interior decoration. In the basement you can see the tomb. It contains the remains that were previously located in a closed cemetery on the territory of the church.
Karlovy Vary was very popular with English aristocrats. So that tourists who arrived from Foggy Albion could feel at home in the city, the Church of St. Luke was erected for them. The temple was designed by the German architect Oskar Moter. He managed to create a church that bore a striking resemblance to English chapels. This austere building, built in the second half of the 19th century from red brick, still amazes the guests of the city with its majestic and beautiful view. Services are not currently held in the temple. Within the walls of the building there is a museum of wax figures.
Notable people from Russia also liked to relax in Karlovy Vary. It was for them that the Peter and Paul Cathedral was erected in the city at the end of the 19th century. The building was designed by the architect Ukhtomsky. Some additions to the original plan were made by the architect Gustav Wiebermann. Funds for the construction of the shrine were collected by Russian aristocrats. The consecration of the church was timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Emperor Peter I's stay in the city. The temple was reconstructed several times. The last restoration work was carried out here in the 1980s. Today the church is open to parishioners and visitors.
At the beginning of the 16th century, the late Gothic church of St. Andrew was built in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary. The temple has been outside for a long time. resort town. In the 18th century a cemetery was founded around it. At that time, the city was suffering from the plague, and a lot of space was required for the burial places of people who died from a terrible disease. In the middle of the 19th century the church was rebuilt. At the beginning of the 20th century, the cemetery located around it was closed. Today, a park has been created in its place, in which the tombstones of famous citizens have been preserved.
The temple was closed in the 1940s. For many years of desolation, it fell into disrepair and required immediate reconstruction. Restoration work in it began to be carried out in 2005, when the church was transferred to the Greek Catholic Church. Today the church is in excellent condition.
The first secular building in Karlovy Vary is the Lützev villa built in the middle of the 19th century. The initiator of the construction of a wonderful mansion was Baron August von Lutzow. The construction of the building was entrusted to the builder from Karlovy Vary, Johann Knoll. The wonderful villa is surrounded by romantic gardens in which mysterious caves and bastions, beautiful pavilions and promenades. The baron also embellished the garden with numerous statues created by the sculptor August Kiss. At present, tourists can only admire appearance villas. The building is privately owned and is closed to the general public.
The house "Felix Zawojski" is one of the wonderful sights of Karlovy Vary. This building, charming with wonderful facades, was built in the center of the historical part of the city at the beginning of the 20th century. The master tailor Felix Zavoisky was the customer for the construction of the building. The creation of the project of the house was entrusted to the architect from Vienna, Karl Haybek. For a long time, the building housed the most popular fashion salon in the city, in which noble persons ordered outfits. Since 2008, the house has been equipped with an elite hotel. The last reconstruction of the beautiful building was carried out in 2006.
Another attraction of the city is striking in its beauty - the house "At the Three Moors". The first owners of the building were members of the Galingetter family. After a fire in 1759, the building was rebuilt. A hotel was opened in it, in which the famous poet Goethe from Germany stayed several times at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1910 the building was reconstructed. The work was carried out under the supervision of the architect Friedrich Ohmann, who designed the house in the Art Nouveau style. At the present time, an elite hotel operates in the building.
In the list of the most interesting places in Karlovy Vary is the beautiful house "Peter", built at the beginning of the 18th century. The building has been renovated quite often. The house received its current appearance, decorated in the Baroque style, during the reconstruction, which was carried out at the end of the 19th century. The new building was designed by the architect Johann Matusz. The house was reconstructed again in the 1920s. It housed a restaurant, and after a while a movie cafe. The last restoration in the building was carried out at the end of the 20th century. On the facade of the house you can see a memorial plaque on which the profile of the Russian Emperor Peter I is carved.
Beautiful architecture, designed in the Art Nouveau style, amazes the guests of the city people's house. It was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. The customer for the construction of the new hotel, which for a long time was the cultural and social center of the city, was the Karlovy Vary Rifle Corps. The construction of the building was carried out according to the project of the Austrian architects Felner and Gelmer. The People's House was famous far beyond the city for its performances of the Orpheum variety show. The building was empty in the 1990s. Due to the protracted litigation considering the possibility of privatization, the house began to collapse. A few years ago, the building was reconstructed, and now it houses a luxury hotel.
It is difficult for guests of Karlovy Vary to ignore the neo-Baroque building of the Municipal Theatre. The foundation of this delightful landmark dates back to 1886. The construction of the building was carried out according to the project of the Viennese masters Felner and Gelmer. In the theater itself, you can admire the wonderful paintings and frescoes created by Austrian artists. The foyer and facade of the building are richly decorated with statues created by the Austrian sculptor Theodor Friedl. In the theater you can enjoy performances of works by Czech and foreign authors.
At the beginning of the 20th century, by decision of the Board of Directors of the City Savings Bank, a new representative building was erected in the historical part of Karlovy Vary. The creation of the project was entrusted to the young city architect Otto Steinl, who did an excellent job. In 1906, the grand opening of the new Sberbank building took place. In 1924, the building was expanded, retaining the architecture in the Art Nouveau style. In the 1990s, the City Savings Bank was moved to a new building, and the old building, which is historical monument city, passed into private ownership. Visitors today can only admire the exterior of the building.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city authorities faced the question of creating a large market that could replace the numerous shops scattered around the city. In 1912, the architect Franz Fractional presented a project, according to which a new reinforced concrete building was erected. It was equipped with many stalls where the townspeople could stock up on provisions. Laboratories were also equipped here, in which the quality of the goods offered was checked. At present, there is a supermarket in the building of the city market.
The building of the main post office, built in the city at the beginning of the 20th century, attracts the attention of tourists with its pleasing terracotta hue and delightful architecture. The architect from Austria, Friedrich Zetz, is the creator of the project of this building. The bright colorful building, designed in the Art Nouveau style, stands out from the background of other buildings. It is decorated with sculptures and other beautiful decorative elements. The main post office is still used to provide communications. Its building is a historical monument protected by the government of the country.
The first sanatorium built in Karlovy Vary is a military spa hospital. The massive building was erected in the middle of the 19th century according to the design of Wenzel Hagenauer. A great contribution to the construction of the hospital was made by Dr. Hochberger, who sold all his property in order to complete the construction of the sanatorium as soon as possible. In honor of him, his bust was erected in the courtyard of the building. In 1920, due to the large influx of people in need of treatment, the sanatorium was expanded by building on the top floor. Today, the hospital serves the military personnel of the Czech Republic. Visitors can admire the facades of the building and view its interior.
Heated disputes accompanied the construction of a modern hotel complex Thermal. To clear the area for the construction of a massive building, it was necessary to demolish an entire street with buildings of the 19th century. The project of the new building was created by Czech architects Vera and Vladimir Makhonin. The hotel welcomed its first guests in 1977. Today, when the debate about the feasibility of its construction has subsided, it is very popular with tourists. The hotel is famous for its well-equipped open-air swimming pool, the water in which rises directly from the healing spring.
In Karlovy Vary, they tried to create the best conditions for the guests who arrived. To be convinced of this, it is enough to visit the Tsysarzhske Lazne sanatorium, which is now recognized as a historical monument of the country. This beautiful building, whose architecture harmoniously combines Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, was built at the end of the 19th century. The authors of the sanatorium project are architects from Vienna. Tsesarske Lazne even had a gym, which was a rarity at that time. IN last years The resort has been renovated. He was returned the status of one of the best hospitals in Europe.
Another wonderful sanatorium Lazne III, built in Karlovy Vary in the second half of the 18th century, deserves the attention of the guests of the city. People resting in the sanatorium could not only undergo a course of treatment, but also enjoy music and performances in concert hall them. Antonin Dvorak. In 2002, the building was badly damaged by a fire that broke out in it. A lot of money was spent on the reconstruction, which lasted about 2 years, but the building was recreated in its original form. Today Lazne III is one of the best sanatoriums in the city.
The largest hospital in the city, Alžbetiny Lazne, deserves the attention of the guests of the city. This beautiful spa complex appeared in Karlovy Vary at the beginning of the 20th century. The pseudo-baroque building of the spa was built according to the design of the Karlovy Vary architect Franz Fractional. In a huge sanatorium, about 2 thousand medical procedures were performed daily. In 1963, the interior of the complex was modernized. Major renovation of the building last time carried out in the 2000s. Today the sanatorium offers various sanatorium-and-spa procedures to the guests of the city to improve their health.
Guests and residents of Karlovy Vary like to spend time relaxing in a small beautiful park Dvorak. These beautiful gardens were founded in the second half of the 19th century. The city gardener Jan Gaman worked on their creation. In the gardens, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out under the supervision of the architect A. Peter in 1974. The park area was named after the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. The pride of the gardens are perennial huge trees, whose age exceeds 200 years.
The favorite places of rest in Karlovy Vary are Smetanny Sady. At the end of the 19th century, a seedling school was located in their place. Soon, Emperor Franz Joseph issued a decree in which he ordered to equip large area park area. Paths were laid out here, and beautiful flower beds, benches were installed on which it was pleasant to relax during a walk, and a delightful fountain. Many visitors to the gardens try to see a huge voluminous flower bed, on which the current date is laid out every day with fresh flowers. The flower bed is updated at any time of the year.
To learn more about the history of Karlovy Vary and its surroundings, tourists should visit the local history museum. Its rich expositions are located in three buildings. Here you can learn a lot of interesting things about the development of the city, about the disasters that overtook it, and about the miraculous revival. In the museum you can get acquainted with the history of healing springs discovered on the territory of Karlovy Vary, and about the methods of treatment used in local clinics. Various exhibitions are also often held here, which will also be interesting for tourists to visit.
Tourists can see the works of many talented Czech artists in the Karlovy Vary art gallery, which is located in a beautiful snow-white building built in 1912. Here you can admire not only amazing canvases painted in various styles, but also see sculptures created by famous sculptors of the city and the whole country. Only 150 works by artists are constantly exhibited in the art gallery. The rest of the paintings are constantly changing, which allows you to admire new canvases every time you visit the Museum of Art.
An enchanting view of the city immersed in greenery can be observed from the observation tower "Diana", towering on the hill "Friendship". All tourists who visit Karlovy Vary flock here. You can climb to the top of the hill along paths surrounded by amazing scenery, or by funicular, opened in 1909. To make it convenient for visitors to admire the beauty of the surrounding area, a 25 m high tower was erected on the top of the hill in 1912. An elevator delivers everyone to the observation deck, equipped on the upper tier of the building.
Wonderful sights abound in the surroundings of Karlovy Vary. Not far from the city, tourists can visit the ancient Romanesque castle of Loket, which was built in the 12th century. In a few years, a settlement was formed around the majestic palace, which was often visited by the royal couple. The castle has expanded significantly over the centuries.
In the first half of the 18th century, it was burned down as a punishment for the owners for rebelling against the king. Residents of Loket managed to restore the city landmark. The reconstructed castle was used as a prison for a long time. Only in the middle of the 20th century it was restored and opened to visitors.
Karlovy Vary will long remain in the memory of every tourist who visited this a beautiful city. The local numerous attractions will allow you to have an exciting time getting acquainted with rich history this fabulous land. The main interesting places of the city, the description and photos of which are placed in the article, can be visited in one day. But the city has a huge number of other attractions that are worth spending much more time to visit.
Attractions of Karlovy Vary on the map
Video - Sights of Karlovy Vary
A piece of the Czech Republic, beloved by the Russian heart, saturated with cultural and natural attractions, can also have the most beneficial effect on shaky health.
Karlovy Vary is one of those places where you want to return endlessly or, simply, not to leave. Let's take a closer look at why these places are so good, and at the same time see where you can go from Karlovy Vary on your own in case you learn everything here.
A bit of history
The capital of the Czech province of Bohemia, Karlovy Vary, in the old days called Karlsbad, initially became popular due to the thermal springs discovered in these places. According to legend, almost a thousand years ago, King Charles IV, while hunting, rescuing his dog from hot water, suddenly felt relief from the pains that had long tormented him, and ordered to build a castle here. Subsequently, the Karlsbad springs served as a place of pilgrimage for all kinds of nobility and bohemia, also striving for healing and royal pastime in amazingly beautiful places.
Such popularity, especially in the 19th century, contributed to the development of the city as an international resort.
Bus and walking tour to Karlovy Vary with a visit to the Krusovice brewery.
Graceful colonnades covering the outlets of thermal springs with mineral water, beautiful landscapes green resort from the observation tower - you will enjoy the local atmosphere.
Cost: €30 per person. Duration: 10 hours.
Schedule: daily - start at 8:30.
Springs - the main attraction of Karlovy Vary
The main highlight and attraction of Karlovy Vary, of course, are thermal springs. The water in them has a healing effect on all systems of the body system, improves digestion and metabolism. Moreover, they have such a powerful reputation that even the feeling of being involved in the resort process in these places creates a medicinal effect. People, exhausted by civilization, come to life in these places literally before our eyes.
“Of course, the main thing in Karlovy Vary is water! On the first day of our visit, we had an appointment with Dr. Somewhere I read that everyone who comes at least once to Karlovy Vary becomes addicted to this place forever! Now I am convinced that this is indeed the case! Everyone probably has their own reason for this. As for me, I will answer with a hackneyed phrase that sounds from the TV screen: “To live without digestive problems is a pleasure!” If you do not break the diet, then remission after visiting Karlovy Vary comes for a long time. I also felt a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular, my blood pressure now does not rise above 140/90.
Geyser colonnade
Currently, there are only twelve springs in Karlovy Vary, but their performance is enough for everyone. The largest and hottest (its temperature is 72 ° C) - Geyser, or Vřídlo in Czech, is able to independently provide all the existing Karlovy Vary baths with healing water, and also has uniquely beneficial drinking properties. In the middle of the last century, a special colonnade was built for him - the Geysernaya, where daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. you can observe eruptions of hot water to a height of 12 meters, as well as drink it, cooled to 40 degrees, from the pump rooms. The geyser is located opposite the Castle Tower, admission is free.
The geyser colonnade designed by Professor J. Votruba was built in 1975. A powerful geyser beats inside the building, the twelve-meter jet of which evokes violent emotions of tourists. There are also several fountains and five pump rooms, from which you can draw water for drinking at different temperatures. Shops with Karlovy Vary souvenirs - here - you can't do without them.
The same twelve-meter fountain of mineral water. Everyone who has been to Karlovy Vary should have a photo against its background.
mill colonnade
The colonnade of amazing elegance - the Mill (Mlýnská kolonáda) - was built two centuries ago for five springs at once: the Mill itself with very useful radon water, the Mermaid, the Rocky, Libuse and Prince Vaclav's springs. The colonnade was designed for comfortable walks in any weather. It is equipped with an orchestra pit for a symphony orchestra and with a length of 132 meters it seems endless.
From the reviews of tourists:
“You have to walk in this city. Silently. The colonnade is no exception, a meditative walking place. It seems to be nothing special, but you come back to it and come back. ”
You can drink life-giving water at any time of the day or night.
The mill colonnade was designed by the architect Josef Zítek. Two floors. One hundred twenty-four columns. Twelve statues on the roof. And immediately five mineral springs under the roof.
Market Colonnade
A visit to the Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) pavilion will leave a pleasant impression - under it there are two sources at once - the Market and Charles IV, which is named after you know who. With its beauty and unique acoustics, the colonnade has been delighting guests of the city even in its wooden form since 1883. Subsequently, they were rebuilt, but even now it completely copies the historical original. The source of Charles is decorated with a bas-relief depicting an episode of the king's hunt, dedicated to the discovery of these places. Free admission.
Tržní kolonáda in all its glory - all so carved…
She is in a painting by an unknown artist.
Pramen of Charles the Fourth - somewhere not far from him, the Czech king found an unexpected cure.
Thermal outdoor pool
healing hot water You can not only drink, it is also useful to bathe in it. The most convenient way to do this is in the open-air mineral water pool near the Termal Hotel. This pool is filled by a third with water from the Vřídlo spring and has a year-round temperature of about 30 °C. Entrance is available - the cost of visiting an adult is 100 kroons, family passes are sold at a discount. By the way, you can also swim in the numerous pools at boarding houses.
To correctly find the way to this pool, you need to perform a few simple steps. 1. Dial warm mineral water into a disposable cup. 2. Follow the blue arrows marked "Bazén" slightly uphill. 3. Every thirty-five steps, stop and drink some water in small sips. 4. Follow the arrows again. So you will come directly to the pool. Be careful - there is a strict aunt in the locker room of the pool!
This is the pool with geyser water near the Thermal Hotel. Who swims here? - you ask. - Of course, for the most part, Russians, and every tenth is famous and well-known, and every fifth is simply famous. Well, maybe not all Russians, there are also Jews, what is there ... They take care of their health, as they say ...
Museums in Karlovy Vary
Becherovka is both a museum and a source too
A story about Karlovy Vary springs would not be complete without mentioning how the most famous Czech national product, Becherovka liqueur, is called here. Invented at the beginning of the 19th century by the pharmacist Jan Becher, herbal tincture turned out to be so tasty and healthy that its existence gained worldwide fame, and its production became industrial scale.
Now you can get acquainted with this history in the rather interesting Jan Becher Museum, on T. G. Masaryka Street, as well as with the conditions of modern production of this strong drink, taste and buy liquor at the lowest price in the Czech Republic. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the ticket price is 100 kroons.
It is impossible not to pay attention to another famous local product - obtained by evaporating mineral water and retaining all the beneficial properties. In the event that there is a desire to take the healing properties of Karlovy Vary with you, then it is Karlovy Vary salt dissolved in water that will allow you to plunge into your favorite environment even after returning from the resort. She, by the way, helps to lose weight and is the most popular and useful here.
Karlovy Vary Regional Museum
In addition to the Becher Museum, the Karlovy Vary Museum is of considerable interest, dedicated to the history of the founding of these places, which very thoroughly allows you to compare ancient architecture with real modern views cities. The exposition of the museum contains rare objects of labor of local artisans, as well as vintage photo, thanks to which it is possible to maintain the amazing old flavor of the city. The museum is open until five o'clock in the evening, from Wednesday to Sunday, entrance - 60 crowns.
Museum of Bohemian glass "Moser"
But even more interesting for many is the Moser Museum of Bohemian Glass, located next to the factory of the same name.
From the reviews of tourists:
“I don't like glass and products made from it. But the museum realized that my beliefs may well be wrong. Moser products are beauty incarnate, a real inspiration from glass.”
The program of the visit includes a demonstration of photographs and documentaries about Czech glassmakers and their art. A visit to this museum is a great opportunity to discover the impossible. It also works until 5 pm, entrance - 80 kroons. Together with a visit to the factory - 180.
Architectural monuments
The city itself, in fact, is a museum of architecture under open sky and it would be very appropriate to devote time free from procedures to excursions or just walks. Neat buildings will remind lovers of fairy tales bast gingerbread, all the colors of the rainbow putting together a fantastic mosaic of these places.
Among the most impressive are castle tower, the only surviving from the fire-destroyed palace of King Charles, which is the most old building cities. From the height of the tower it is nice to look around the surroundings, as well as visit a restaurant soaked in the Middle Ages. Near the tower are the main sources that we told you about, the Geyser and Market colonnades.
Church of Peter and Paul. Orthodox. Be sure to visit - it shines not only with domes, inside - rich decoration and a bas-relief of Peter the Great.
It will also be interesting to visit two functioning Karlovy Vary churches: Peter and Paul Church And Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Both temples are bright classic examples of Orthodox and Catholic religious construction, the church is much older than the Peter and Paul Cathedral and is a more significant cultural value.
From the reviews:
“I like to visit the church, especially when organ concerts. Just take warm clothes with you, as it can be chilly to sit and listen.”
Entrance to both temples is free.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Beautiful. In front of him, by the way, is the top of the Geyser Colonnade.
On a high hill above the city is another lookout tower- "Diana", which can be reached using funicular departing from the Grandhotel, or on foot along the forest paths.
Observation tower "Diana" - first you need to climb the hill of Friendship, and then 150 steps to the top of the structure (there is an elevator for the lazy). And that's where you'll be fine...
Built a hundred years ago, the tower allows you to admire the magnificent panorama from a height of 547 meters above sea level.
From the reviews of tourists:
“Mountains and crystal air are also clearly visible from there. The air is so delicious that you want to cut it and eat it! I didn't want to leave…”
Entrance to the tower is free. The funicular ride costs 40 CZK one way.
Nearby attractions or places to go from Karlovy Vary
If all the attractions of the resort have been carefully studied during previous visits, then you can organize an independent tour of the attractive surroundings by renting a car.
All this architectural complex- and a Gothic castle in the background, and a Renaissance building in the foreground - and is called Bechov nad Teplou.
Heading south, worth a visit Bečov nad Teplou, ancient defensive castle. It has remarkable frescoes. east tower And Chapel of the Virgin Mary where is stored Reliquary of St. Mark. It was recently found again, almost by accident, hidden during the retreat of the Nazis in the wine cellar of the dungeon, and it is better to listen to the amazing story associated with this on an excursion.
In the north, in the bend the Ohře river, located Loket castle. The majestic gray colossus in ancient times was the residence of kings, later, literally until recently, served as a prison. On the territory of the castle, you can visit several interesting museums and dine in medieval interiors.
From the reviews of tourists:
“We went to the torture chamber. Very naturalistic, with the screams of those being tortured, with “live” figures of executioners, with severed heads, with victims buried up to their chests, with torture instruments ... "
If time permits, then it is worth organizing a longer trip for the whole day - to or to - really worth it.
instead of output. There is clearly no reason to come to Karlovy Vary for two days. In this short time, it will not be possible to heal well, and this land cannot be seen and understood. With an abundance of sights and simply pleasant places to visit, this resort deserves close study and a long productive stay, and our ancestors appreciated this a long time ago and fell in love with Karlovy Vary. We wish you the same, the most enthusiastic impressions.
At the same time, they are also so well located that within the radius of a day trip there is a huge selection of interesting places, and diverse ones, from natural wonders to ancient cities, castles, museums. How many times have we visited Vary, but there are always a couple of interesting places where we have not been yet.
What is the best way to go on an excursion from Karlovy Vary - organized, with a guide, or on your own? I recommend starting with a group tour, such tours are offered literally at every turn, and all information is given in Russian, and prices for the most part available. You can get out on your own hiking in the immediate vicinity, and then, when you are well oriented in the area, learn how to use Czech buses, learn a few basic phrases in Czech (outside of Karlovy Vary, Russian is far from being spoken everywhere), then you can already go on an independent voyage.
What excursions can you go on?
So, it’s worth starting with an overview walking tour from Karlovy Vary around the city and the immediate surroundings, you can easily do it yourself, you just have to stock up on a map. I also advise you to pay attention to the 91 overview bus route around the city, this is the best option for the first acquaintance with Vary.
If you are interested in the guide's story and transfer, you can order a city tour, it costs about 5-10 euros. This usually includes a walk through the streets, Japanese garden stones, visiting the main viewing platforms, sometimes the Moser glass factory.
Then slowly increase the radius and explore the surroundings. If you are very scared, take a tour, they are inexpensive, and the choice is huge.
You will be able to see the most interesting sights near Karlovy Vary. The most popular tour- resort triangle Frantiskovy Lazne + Cheb + Marianske Lazne. The latter are the famous rival of Karlovy Vary in the field of balneology, and, by the way, they can be visited separately, capturing the nearby Chodovar brewery. The cost of such excursions is within 10-25 euros, for about 5-7 hours.
Often the excursion includes the Svatosh rocks, do not miss the chance to see them, these are rock formations of a very unusual, bizarre shape.
Local pride - medieval castle Loket, one of interesting places in the area, but I advise you to watch it not in the composition combined tour, and separately, there are such excursions.
Loket Castle
There are many options for the “castle + brewery” excursion, for example, the Manetin castle and the Hische brewery (it will cost 20-30 euros, 5 hours).
So, what else is in the vicinity… Just 20 km from Karlovy Vary you can visit pretty town Jachymov, and in general the nearby towns are very nice: Becov nad Teplou, Neydek, mountain village New Gamry, Bozhi Dar with his unusual walk through the peat bog.
Yachymov
Path through the peat bog
But castles without beer (fortunately, it’s not a problem to find excellent beer in the Czech Republic): a curious medieval Křivoklát, 90 km away (it’s convenient to visit the stunning karst Konepruska caves together), as well as Orlik Castle with the Zvikov fortress, located in a very picturesque bend of the Vltava River ( about 200 km from Kvarlovy Vary). Such excursions take a whole day and cost from 50 euros.
Křivoklát Castle
Orlik
Quite tiring (240 km), but, honestly, one of the most amazing excursions is the charming castle of Hluboka nad Vltavou and, perhaps, the most precious pearl of Czech cities. Standard excursion costs about 55 euros and lasts 12 hours, but it is advisable to stay in Krumlov for the night to see the bewitching sight of its streets illuminated by evening lights.
Castle Hluboka nad Vltavou
Cesky Krumlov
A little over 200 km to the old Czech city Kutna Hora with a gloomy ossuary (the trip will take 11 hours and cost 55 euros).
Ossuary
How without Prague
And, of course, the darkness of various options for excursions to Prague, which is 130 km away: classical, evening, historical Prague, by boat. The cost of excursions is 25-50 euros, and the duration is about 10 hours. Such excursions are popular, but I heartily recommend spending at least a few days in Prague, really, it deserves it.
Visiting neighbors
It’s a sin not to take advantage of the favorable location of Karlovy Vary and not to visit the nearest neighbors of the Czech Republic, there are countless excursion options here.
In our experience, the most convenient option for such a trip is a car, but you need to know at least a little of the language. "Yellow buses" are also convenient, but you need to adjust to the schedule. If there is no experience of independent travel at all, it is better to take a tour.
Germany
Perhaps, here is the widest choice of inexpensive (35-50 euros) and interesting one-day tours.
This is Bamberg, one of the most beautiful Bavarian cities (however, we have not seen ugly cities in Bavaria). Its highlight is the fishermen's quarters reminiscent of Venice, standing on the water, as well as a very original local beer "rauchbier".
This is the famous Bavarian, and - the city of porcelain and painting, and the fabulous Rottenburg (if you are in the pre-Christmas time, be sure to visit it, the festive atmosphere here is simply magical).
There are also overnight excursions: the castles of Bavaria, including the legendary Neuschwanstein, and
