Exploring the Best of Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a beautiful Czech spa town situated on the border near Germany. This town in the Northern Czech Republic has become world-famous for its incredible spas and wellness retreats. Karlovy Vary has even gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status and was dubbed one of the “great spa towns of Europe.”
Karlovy Vary river view
The Karlovy Vary festival, officially known as the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, is an iconic yearly event. This unique film festival showcases the cultural importance of Karlovy Vary in Central and Eastern Europe as it attracts visitors from all over the world.
These are just a few features of the town’s incredible sights and activities. Join us as we explore all the amazing things to do in Karlovy Vary!
The Historic Centre of Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary lies at the meeting point of the Ohře and Teplá rivers. These waterways connect and run through the town's historic center, complementing the already beautiful medieval architecture. The Slavkov Forest covers the hillsides with lush green forestry and small nature paths that wind up and down the town of Karlovy Vary. Its traditional architecture and beautiful nature create a unique atmosphere, which makes the historic center a fascinating place to explore.
Historic Centre of Karlovy Vary
The Karlovy Vary historic center is also filled with small cafes, traditional Czech restaurants, excellent shops, and, of course, many spa hotels. Walking the streets, admiring the surrounding nature, tasting Czech food, and shopping for souvenirs are all part of the experience in the historic centre. Exploring the historic centre is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Karlovy Vary and should not be missed.
The Karlovy Vary Hot Spring Experience
One of the most fascinating characteristics of Karlovy Vary is its hot springs. Water flows through multiple taps and fountains throughout the town, and both travelers and locals will drink from these spring water taps.
Drinking from these taps and fountains is completely free of charge, and all you need is your own cup. Don't worry if you forget to bring your own cup there, as there are plenty of souvenir shops around the town that sell decorative cups and mugs specifically for using at the taps.
Karlovy Vary indoor hot spring for display in a museum
You can buy a cup at one of these shops and use it to enjoy the hot spring drinking water from the taps and fountains. These cups make a great souvenir too, as they are decorated in traditional Czech designs.
The taps and fountains around the town have different temperatures, some are very hot while others are just warm. This means you should be careful when using the taps and filling up your cup. Using the fountains and taps is that simple, just grab a cup and enjoy!
Hotel Thermal
Hotel Thermal is the most popular spa hotel located in the city center of Karlovy Vary, and while there are many spa hotels, this one is special in its own right. It has a huge spring-water swimming pool, saunas, and the full spa experience with all the amenities of a modern hotel.
Hotel Thermal swimming pool in Karlovy Vary
The only downside of staying at Hotel Thermal is the premium price that comes along with the premium experience. However, this doesn't mean travelers on a budget can't enjoy the spa and facilities of the hotel. Hotel Thermal offers spa packages that allow visitors to use the sauna and swimming pools.
It's also possible to book massages and spa treatments without staying at the hotel. Hotel Thermal is a great option if you would like the whole spa experience without even leaving your hotel. But just because it's the most famous spa hotel in Karlovy Vary doesn't mean it is the best. Be sure to check out the next section for some alternative options.
Staying at a Spa Hotel
Staying at a spa hotel is one of the most unique things to do in Karlovy Vary. These hotels usually have a swimming pool filled with spring water and other facilities like saunas and steam rooms. Hotel Thermal is one of the most popular spa hotels, but there are many other incredible hotels located around the town. Here are some of the best spa hotels in Karlovy Vary:
Hotel Romance
Parkhotel Richmond
Astoria Hotel & Medical Spa
Grandhotel Pupp
St. Joseph Royal Regent
Spa Resort Sanssouci
These are just a few of the best spa hotels where visitors can enjoy a wellness retreat. If you don't want to stay overnight at one of these hotels, it is also possible to gain access to their spa facilities by buying a ticket. However, if you would like to stay, then I highly recommend booking in advance, as they can get busy, especially during peak season.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is Central and Eastern Europe’s most prestigious film festival. It showcases the best of world cinema and was first established in 1946. Featuring various competition categories, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has had a significant impact on the film industry.
It’s a festival with a successful track record dating back all the way to 1946 with its first official showing international film competition in 1948. Since then, it has become a leading event in the international film industry. It also highlights cinema from the former Soviet Union as part of its focus on Central and Eastern European films. The festival awards the Crystal Globe, a prestigious accolade symbolizing excellence in filmmaking. An international jury evaluates films across various competitive sections and awards prizes to recognize outstanding films within the festival's programming.
The festival is held annually in July in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, and attracts a large audience of film enthusiasts and industry professionals. It is even classified as a Category A festival by FIAPF, recognizing its importance in the global film industry. The event is organized and promoted by Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary, which plays a crucial role in its management.
The festival usually takes place in July and lasts for 5 days, which means this festival is in high demand. Tickets are available to be pre-purchased in June, but pre-purchase of tickets has a limited time and availability. Only the first 2 days of the festival will be available for pre-purchasing. Visitors are able to access a certain number of films per day depending on which ticket they choose to buy. For more information on purchasing tickets and specific festival times, check out the KVIFF website.
Festival Experience and Highlights
The festival presents over 200 new films from around the world, including feature films, documentary films, and short films.
The festival program includes competitive and non-competitive sections, focuses, retrospectives, and tributes, showcasing the diversity and creativity of international filmmaking. It also plays a significant role in showcasing films that have not been presented at other international festivals.
The festival features a range of categories, including feature films, short films, documentaries, and animated films, with awards given for outstanding films in each category.
The festival’s unique atmosphere is enhanced by its location in the historic city centre of Karlovy Vary, with many screenings and events taking place in the Thermal Hotel and other iconic venues.
The festival also includes press conferences, KVIFF Talks, and other industry events, providing opportunities for networking and professional development.
Diana Viewpoint
For the best views of Karlovy Vary, hike up to Diana Viewpoint, a scenic hilltop that offers panoramic views of the town. There are many different routes that can be walked to get to Diana Viewpoint, but for travelers who would like an easier option, the funicular can take you straight up without the extra walking. The first stop leaves from Mariánská Street near the Grandhotel Pupp, and as the funicular ascends, it will have a few more stops before it reaches the top, terminating at Diana Viewpoint.
If you have time and enjoy hiking, then taking one of the many routes available is the best way to visit, as you will get to experience the nature of the Czech outdoors and the unique scenic views. This is also a nice leisure activity if you have already seen everything in the main town and are looking for unique things to do in Karlovy Vary.
Upon arriving at Diana Viewpoint, you will find the Diana Observation Tower, which sits at 562 meters above sea level, looking over the town of Karlovy Vary. The admission at the Diana Observation Tower is free, so there is no need to buy any tickets. Whether you choose to hike up or take the funicular to the Diana Viewpoint, you will certainly witness some incredible views of Karlovy Vary and its surrounding mountains.
Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival takes place in the first half of July, with the exact dates varying from year to year. Visitors can plan their trip to Karlovy Vary by booking accommodations at the Thermal Hotel or other nearby hotels and guesthouses.
River view of Karlovy Vary in the historic centre
The city is easily accessible by car, bus, or train, with regular connections from Prague and other major cities in the Czech Republic. If you are situated in Prague, then taking a bus is very easy, and Karlovy Vary can be reached within 2 hours from Prague City centre.
Visiting during the summer months will likely provide a better experience, as you can enjoy the hilly landscape of the Diana Viewpoint as well as the outdoor spas like the Thermal Hotel.
Summary
Karlovy Vary offers something for all, whether you're a movie buff visiting the international film festival, on a wellness retreat in a local spa, or hiking the great outdoors in the hills above the town. This intriguing Czech town has incredible architecture, great natural surroundings, and a multitude of tranquil locations.
There is nothing missing from this fairytale atmosphere, and I believe it is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, just after Cesky Krumlov. For all these reasons, Karlovy Vary is one of my top picks for travel destinations in the Czech Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Karlovy Vary known for?
Karlovy Vary is known for its hot springs, wellness retreats, and International Film Festival.
Is Karlovy Vary worth visiting?
Yes, Karlovy Vary is absolutely worth visiting, it has a number of great attractions, including hot springs and spa hotels.
What language do they speak in Karlovy Vary?
Although Karlovy Vary is located near the border of Germany, the Czech language is spoken as the city is in the Czech Republic.
Does Karlovy Vary go by other names?
Yes, Karlovy Vary is also known as Karlsbad or Carlsbad in Germany.