Region of Karlovy Vary - Czech republic

It is situated on the West of the country. It is famous especially by its balneology.

Hot and cold  springs are welling up from the earth for thousand of years. Let´s name three well-known and biggest spas – there are Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad) and Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad).

No doubt, it has no sense to present this world known Czech spa. Despite this fact, Karlovy Vary has, especially its balneology zone along Teplá-river, its magic during any season of the year. When you visit this town after couple of years, so unpleasant cold February weather makes no trouble to you. Visiting known places, taking some warm at several springs, bringing the health (not only thermal ones), marching on colonnades (where the stars of world film were walking) or, eventually, not forgetting to taste traditional sweets in coffee with gold elephant on frontal facade. At each step, you meet something new and unknown to you.

So, some unusual contrast of past and nearly deserted buildings in the neighbourhood (with decorated portals of reconstructed hotels) would surprise you, but mainly Russian language is surrounding you everywhere - in inscriptions and on posters (billboards) as well as in shops could address the clients with their „broken“ Czech - Russian version, or with Czech language, including expressive Russian accent.

And, as far as the most pleasant experience is concerned? Military barracks, where I lost some months of my young days, do not exist any more.

Text/photo: Jiří Výborný

Over sixty scaled models of castles, chateaus and other famous sights in 1:25 ratio. Models are set in a wavy park. The park is the northwest part of Marianske Lazne . It is a nice place full of pleasant rest for the whole family.

Text and photo: Monika Babická

Preserved Gothic castle compound is the main landmark in the town. It sits on a rock which will get closer once you are on your way. Becov, a castle and chateau at once, has seen vast renovation works since 2002. In 2018, the last stage will be finished. St Maurus Reliquary, one of the most precious gems in Czech Republic is stored in a chamber adjusted to have constant temperature. An hour-long lecture tells on its history and discovery. Regarding architecture, there is a fabulous garden to the chateau internally separated into six terraces. The garden is joined with the castle garden.

Text and photo: Monika Babická

The village of Valeč with Baroque buildings by an important Czech sculptor can be found near the Doupov Mountains in the Karlovy Vary Region. The dominant feature of the village is the castle and the church of the Holy Trinity. In the castle park full of mature trees, there are adjacent buildings, Braun's statues and a unique cellar. The main castle hall is also named after the Czech sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun, who left a mark on every step.

Text and photos: Monika Babická

Written history of this town is documented since 1061. Just in Middle Ages, this city belonged to renowned localities among Bohemia and Germany. The town was prosperous not only for merchants but also handycraftsmen. The beginnigs of construction are dated to 12th and 13th centuries, when important buildings of Cheb-city were created.

Photo: Monika Babická

This town of West Bohemia is full of parks, colonnades and historical buildings (of 17th century), including cafffees and small shops. It is looked for as a spa place with more than twenty mineral sources, destined for baths as well as for drinking medical treatment.

Františkovy Lázně is specialized for treatment of gynecological, vein and heart diseases. Surrounding forest parks offer sporting and relax activities by means of walking, cycling or on-line skating.

Text/photo: Monika Babická

In the valley of the town Lázně Kynžvart, there was put originally a castle in Renaissance style. Its actual face will snatch each visitor. At the beginning of 19th century, there was suggested by Viennese gardener a castle park, around representative seat of our ancestors. The area is crossed with walking routes with stops at nature or artistic wonderful objects. West park section, including exclusive green, is reserved for golf players.

Text/photo: Monika Babická

Related articles:

Kynžvart castle

Kynžvart spa