Source: Živý kraj
Town of Karlovy Vary
The famous spa town was founded in the 14th century, but it was most significantly influenced by the Belle Époque period at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Karlovy Vary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of healing springs, charming architecture in the form of colonnades, parks, and hidden corners, as well as beautiful nature. In addition to healing waters, Karlovy Vary also offers a glimpse into history. You can visit the Karlovy Vary Museum, which documents spa culture and arts and crafts, including traditional glass and porcelain production, the Thun porcelain factory, the Moser glassworks and the Becherovka Museum.
Source: Živý kraj
Balneology
The greatest gift that Karlovy Vary has been given is undoubtedly its unique natural resources in the form of healing mineral springs. The largest and warmest of these is Vřídlo (Geyser, Hot Spring), gushing from the depths of the earth near the Hot Spring Colonnade. There are a total of five architectural gems in the form of colonnades in Karlovy Vary. In addition to the Hot Spring Colonnade, the attentive eye should not miss the Mill Colonnade with allegorical statues designed by Josef Zítek, the Market Colonnade with a painting of the founding of the town by Charles IV, the Park Colonnade, and the Chateau Colonnade.
Source: Živý kraj
Imperial Spa
The Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary is the largest spa house in Karlovy Vary and perhaps even in the entire Czech Republic, boasting the richest architectural and artistic features. The city council decided to build it on April 27, 1893. It is one of the most beautiful buildings designed by the Austro-Hungarian company Fellner & Helmer. Since the end of the 19th century, this company shaped the face of the city – it was also responsible for the design of the Grandhotel Pupp, the Municipal Theater, and the Market Colonnade. After years of dilapidation, the building was renovated, and since 2023, visitors can take one of the guided tours or enjoy cultural events in the newly created multifunctional hall.
Source: Vertical images s.r.o.
Goethe´s Lookout, bike trail
One of Karlovy Vary's lookout towers, built about two kilometers east of the city. The lookout tower stands in the middle of Karlovy Vary's spa forests. Several marked trails lead to it, and it is also accessible by road. The neo-Gothic brick building resembles a small chateau or fortress with a cylindrical tower. There is a café on the ground floor. To enjoy the view of the countryside, simply climb the spiral staircase to the viewing terrace at a height of 39 meters.
GOEtrail is a 2 km long downhill trail for mountain bikes. Several route variants and passages through individual obstacles ensure adequate enjoyment for all categories of riders, from recreational to experienced. If you are looking for another adrenaline experience, you can use the zipline, which also starts at Goethe's Lookout.
Source: www.geotrips.eu_cs_pruvodce_vodacka-ohre
Hubertus
Hubertus consists of several artificial stone dams with tongues and bends. It is a training rapids at 169.6 km of the Ohře River. There are slalom gates suspended here and it is possible to practice exits into the current, approaches to eddies, tilts, etc. On the left bank of the river (where the cycle route runs), you will find the extensive Hubertus campsite with seasonal refreshments available at the kiosk, dry toilets, and a training climbing wall. On the right bank, accessible by road, there is the Hubertus hotel and restaurant and a children's playground.
Source: collection of Ladislav Adalbert Sýkora
Former Spa of Kyselka
Kyselka is located about 11 kilometers northeast of Karlovy Vary in the beautiful wooded valley of the Ohře River. The town is famous for its municipal spa and, above all, for the famous Mattoni mineral water that springs here. Heinrich Mattoni had a modern mineral water bottling plant built here in the second half of the 19th century. After World War II, the spa fell to the state and served as a children's sanatorium for some time, but gradually fell into disrepair. Although the former glory of the Kyselka Spa is long gone, the location still has not only active mineral springs, but also its own unique charm. You can visit the Mattoni Museum, an educational trail, or a park with a waterfall.