Karlovy Vary is the largest and most renowned spa town in the Czech Republic. Thanks to its healing springs, the fame of Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) has spread around the world. The town was founded by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, in the mid-14th century. The popularity of the spa grew and the wealthy nobility soon began to visit. The most prominent Carlsbad patient of the 18th century was the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great, who has stayed at the inn later replaced by what is now called as Salvator Hotel.
In addition to the aristocracy, Carlsbad became a popular destination amongst European cultural and political elite. The city offers a wide range of options for calm relaxation and also active pursuits, including spa treatments, wellness, sports, sightseeing trips and also a rich cultural life.
Every year a number of important events are held in the city: the prestigious International
Film Festival attended by movie stars from all over the world, the International Jazz Festival,
and Tourfilm – the film festival with a focus on tourism.
Carlsbad also plays host the Dvořák Autumn Festival and nearby Mariánské Lázně holds the Chopin Festival,
both events frequented by classical music lovers. We also recommend a visit to the Gallery of Art and the Civic Theatre,
where you can wonder at the decorations by the famous Art Nouveau painters, Gustav and Ernst Klimt and Franz Match.
Carlsbad lies in a picturesque valley where the River Teplá meets the River Ohře.
It is surrounded by forests and woods that are ideal for bracing countryside walks in the fresh air, making them an essential part of therapeutic stays here. Numerous beautiful destinations for excursions and historical monuments can be found in the surrounding areas, e.g. Mariánské Lázně with the nearby chateau of Kynžvart and the Premonstratensian Monastery in Teplá, the castle in Loket and Bečov nad Teplou Chateau.
If you like active relaxation, you can take advantage of a range of sports options in the close vicinity of the town.
Sport, mainly golf and tennis, has a long tradition in Karlovy Vary. In addition to these sports, there is a range of places
near the town that offer thrills to riding, hunting, fishing, and winter sports enthusiasts.