CZ, Karlovy Vary – Discover More than the Famous Spa – VIDEO

We start the tour on the promenade along the river Teplá. At the very beginning, the Hotel Thermal is interesting, in the summer the main venue of the International Film Festival. It is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction, but I still recommend looking at the reception area, where you can at least appreciate its unique architecture.

Just a short walk away, stop at the beautiful Garden Colonnade, where you can taste the Snake and Garden Spring. This is followed by the Svoboda pavilion with the spring of the same name and then the most famous Mill Colonnade. Even it is currently undergoing careful reconstruction, but it is still partially accessible. If possible, be sure to climb to its second floor with a nice view.

The wooden Market Colonnade is no less beautiful, and the Castle Colonnade with the Castle Tower is just above it. The most famous Karlovy Vary spring Vřídlo then hides a much newer Vřídelní colonnade in a similar style as the Thermal hotel.

But I promised to introduce Karlovy Vary to you from a slightly different angle. First of all, leave time for a trip to the Slavkov Forest, which is adjacent to the city and part of it belongs directly to the city. You are guaranteed to fall in love with its beech forests and wonderful views. Start, for example, at the Diana lookout tower, where a cable car will take you directly from the promenade around Teplá.

On the other side, climb up the Otto and Goethe lookout towers, or you can walk along the red road along the Ohře to the former Kyselka Spa, Mattoni Waterfall and the museum of this world-famous mineral water.

Visit the nearby town with Loket Castle, where we will go in another video. If you have enough time, walk to Lokte along the scenic path upstream of the Ohře River, or at least walk along it to the unique Svatošské rocks. Their shapes resemble wedding processions and they got names accordingly - you will find the Bridegroom, the Bride, Musicians, Witnesses and more.

As a final tip, I will add the Jan Becher Museum, where you will learn almost everything about the production of the famous bitter liqueur. Of course, apart from his detailed recipe, which only a few people in the world know and keep in top secret.

As you can see, Karlovy Vary definitely deserves attention, even if you are not heading to the spa. Now is the perfect opportunity to go!

GPS: rozhledna Diana 50°13'09.7"N 12°52'21.6"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš