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Choose from Top 10 most important reasons to visit Karlovy Vary. These ten most popular activities and locations are checked every year by (number) visitors.
01 Colonnade
The most famous photographs of Karlovy Vary come from the very heart of the city around the colonnades. Discover the beauty of spa architecture and taste one of the 15 healing springs.
Park Colonnade
The richly decorated Sadová kolonáda (Park Colonnade) assembled from cast-iron is the last remnant of the former concert and restaurant hall known as Blanenský Pavilion. It was built according to the design of renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer between the years 1880 and 1881. The Snake Spring has been brought to the premises of the Park Colonnade in 2001 and the seep of Sadový pramen (Park Spring) is also accessible from the Park Colonnade, namely in the underground premises of Vojenský lázeňský ústav (Army Spa Institution). More history Facts about the Park Colonnade Structure type: Cast-iron colonnadeLocation: On the left bank of the Teplá River in the spa centre of Karlovy VaryPeriod of construction: 1881Architect: Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann HelmerOfficial opening: 5 June 1881Springs: Hadí pramen (Snake Spring)Accessibility: Freely accessible How to get there Route 1: You may reach the Park Colonnade in Dvořákovy sady (Dvořák's Park) if you walk from the Hot Spring in the spa centre along the left bank of the Teplá River, walk past Mlýnská kolonáda (Mill Colonnade) and Vojenský lázeňský ústav (Army Spa Institution). This route, which offers a pleasant walk through the city centre, is approximately 800 metres long and it will take you about 15 minutes. Route 2: The second alternative is to travel by Bus No. 1 or Bus No. 4 from the "Tržnice" (Market) city bus terminal to the "Lázně III" (Spa III) terminal stop. From there, walk about 150 metres across Lázeňský most (Spa Bridge) over the Teplá River and continue along the Army Spa Institution to the Park Colonnade.
Hot Spring Colonnade
The modern glass and reinforced concrete Vřídelní kolonáda (Hot Spring Colonnade) built in Functionalistic style in 1975 arches over the most popular spring in Karlovy Vary. The geyser of the Hot Spring is in a separate pavilion and it gushes to a height of up to 12 metres. The current building is already the third colonnade structure built on the site.
Mill Colonnade
The stone Mlýnská kolonáda (Mill Colonnade) was built in Pseudo-Renaissance style according to the design of distinguished Czech architect Josef Zítek between the years 1871 and 1881. The colonnade attic gable is decorated with 12 sandstone allegorical statues representing the months of the year. Inside the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary, you may find the seeps of five mineral springs: the Mill Spring, the Rusalka Spring, the Prince Wenceslas Spring, the Libuše Spring, and the Rock Spring. More history Facts about the Mill Colonnade Structure type: Stone colonnade built in Pseudo-Renaissance styleLocation: On the left bank of the Teplá River in the spa centre of Karlovy VaryPeriod of construction: Between 1871 and 1881Architect: Josef ZítekOfficial opening: 5 June 1881Springs: Mlýnský pramen (Mill Spring), pramen Rusalka (Rusalka Spring), Pramen knížete Václava (Prince Wenceslas Spring), pramen Libuše (Libuše Spring) and Skalní pramen (Rock Spring)Accessibility: Freely accessible How to get there Route 1: You may reach the Mill Colonnade if you walk from the Hot Spring in the city centre across Tržiště (Market) Street and up Lázeňská Street along Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) on the left bank of the Teplá River. The spring seeps are located inside the promenade hall of the Mill Colonnade. The short walk through the spa centre is approximately 500 metres long and takes about 10 minutes. Route 2:The second alternative is to travel by Bus No. 1 or Bus No. 4 from the "Tržnice" (Market) city bus terminal to the "Lázně III" (Spa III) terminal stop. From there, walk about 200 metres across Lázeňský most (Spa Bridge) over the Teplá River and continue along Mlýnské nábřeží (Mill Embankment) directly to the Mill Colonnade.
Market Colonnade
The richly carved wooden Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) was built in Swiss style according to the design of highly reputed Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer between the years 1882 and 1883. The colonnade underwent an extensive reconstruction in the early 1990s. Inside the Market Colonnade, you may find the seeps of three mineral springs: the Charles IV Spring, the Lower Castle Spring, and the Market Spring.More historyFacts about the Market ColonnadeStructure type: Wooden colonnade built in Swiss styleLocation: On the left bank of the Teplá River in the historical centre of Karlovy VaryPeriod of construction: Between 1882 and 1883Architect: Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann HelmerOfficial opening: 1883Springs: Pramen Karlav IV. (Charles IV Spring), Dolní zámecký pramen (Lower Castle Spring) and Tržní pramen (Market Spring)Accessibility: Freely accessibleHow to get thereRoute 1: You may reach the Market Colonnade if you walk from the Hot Spring in the spa centre across Jánský most (Jánský Bridge) to Tržiště (Market) Street. The spring seeps are located inside the promenade hall of the Market Colonnade. This short walk is approximately 200 metres long and takes about 5 minutes.Route 2: If you decide for the second route, travel by Bus No. 2 from the "Tržnice" (Market) city bus terminal to the "Divadelní náměstí" (Theatre Square) terminal stop. From there, follow Route 1 to Tržiště (Market) Street and to the colonnade.
02 Spa Forests
Karlovy Vary are not just a showcase of beautiful architecture for tourists. Do you know where the locals go? To the spa forests. Reflect amidst the beauty of nature – on your own, with friends, or with family.
03 Moser Glassworks
Experience the extraordinary craft of Moser glassmakers right in the glassworks. Follow in the footsteps of master glassmakers at the largest Czech glass factory, in operation since 1893. Careful – it’s hot!
04 KVIFF
Hundreds of actors and directors, an endless variety of fascinating films you’ll never see in a multiplex, and dozens of world premieres. But most of all: the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of viewers who flock every year to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. If you haven’t experienced it, you can’t truly understand it…
05 Spa Treatment
Every drop of water you taste here fell from rain clouds thousands of years ago. Over that time, the healing minerals have truly worked their magic. Discover the effects of the local mineral water, proven since 1350.
06 Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra / Karlovy Vary Town Theatre
Karlovy Vary are known in the Czech Republic as an important cultural center. Listen to the melodies of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra or attend a performance at the Municipal Theatre.
Town Theatre
The variegated repertoire suits all age and social groups. The theatre stages the best pieces from the production of the Czech theatre scene and concurrently presents successful Czech and international authors, often as country premieres.The Karlovy Vary Theatre was built according to the design of acclaimed architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer in the years 1884 and 1886.The grand opening took place on 15 May 1886 with the performance of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. THE INTERIOR OF THE KARLOVY VARY MUNICIPAL THEATREThe painting decorations were entrusted to renowned Viennese artists, brothers Gustav and Ernest Klimt along with Franz Matsch. The trio of young artists (aged between 22 and 25 years) left behind a permanent hallmark in the form of a monumental masterpiece – a hand-painted curtain with a motif celebrating the art of poetry. The magnificent work of art is complemented by a fresco above the forestage and paintings on the vaulted ceiling.The sculptural decorations, which particularly stand out in the foyer, are the work of yet another Viennese, Theodor Friedl. His signature is also apparent on the group of statues depicting the Muses on the forefront, as well as on the Antique griffins guarding the entrance.All lighting fittings, the chandelier,and especially the charming Rococo lamps on the staircase were designed by architects Fellner and Helmer.
Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra
The Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra has, for decades, enriched the stay not only of spa guests but also of the city’s residents. The orchestra regularly performs in the historic building of the Imperial Spa. During the summer season, you can also attend KSO concerts at the Mill Colonnade, Market Colonnade, or Park Colonnade, which are among the main landmarks of the local spa tradition.The orchestra performs not only on concert stages in the Czech Republic (including the Prague Spring Festival), but also abroad, especially in Germany and other European countries. Its activities include symphonic programs as well as opera festivals (Oviedo), ballet evenings (Bregenz), international competitions (Zaragoza), and cantata concerts (Antwerp, Bonn, Karlsruhe, and more).Repertoire of KSOThe repertoire of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra includes classical works of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as music by contemporary composers. A prominent feature of KSO’s programming is the presentation of Czech music. Its dramaturgy is enriched by cross-genre projects combining symphonic music with jazz and rock.An important part of the summer season is the mini-festival Beethoven Days. These concerts have been held in Karlovy Vary since 1992 as a reminder of the composer’s stay in the spa town in 1812.A bit of historyThe Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1835 as a seasonal spa ensemble by Josef Labitzký. In 1875, Josef’s son August transformed it into a permanent symphony orchestra. Under August Labitzký’s baton, the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra became the first ensemble in Europe to perform Antonín Dvořák’s "New World Symphony".Another important conductor was Robert Manzer (1911–1941), who raised the orchestra both artistically and through contacts with leading figures of European music. After World War II, the orchestra resumed its activity in 1945 under Josef Bartl. Other notable figures who shaped the orchestra in the post-war era included Václav Neumann, Vladimír Matěj, Josef Hercl, and Radomil Eliška.
Imperial Spa
The stately Pseudo-Renaissance building of Císařské lázně (Emperor Spa) was built between 1893 and 1895 according to the design of distinguished Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer in the southern part of Karlovy Vary. The Imperial Spa was considered a prestigious spa institution with the most state-of-the-art balneological facilities in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The spa complex was closed down in the mid 1990s and it ultimately fell into disrepair. In recent years, however, the building of the Imperial Spa is undergoing gradual renovation as it has been declared a National Cultural Monument.
07 The Hot Spring Underground
Almost everyone knows the colonnades in the heart of Karlovy Vary, but what about joining an excursion into the very underground where the hot spring water rises? During your spa stay, take the time to visit this truly extraordinary place.
08 Saunia Thermal Resort
Year-round thermal pool with a sauna world and restaurant. An ideal spot for family fun or a romantic escape for two. Its visit will captivate you in any season, regardless of the weather.
09 Day Trips near Karlovy Vary
Are you drawn to castles and chateaux, ruins or monasteries, or perhaps natural beauty? We have prepared an overview of the 20 best trips in the surroundings of Karlovy Vary. Choose the ones that interest you most.
10 Museums & Galleries
Do you want to set out in search of artistic beauty or knowledge? Are you eager to learn more about technology, nature, or are you an art lover? Karlovy Vary offers you a dozen galleries and museums to explore. Which exhibition is the right one for you?
Gallery of art
The gallery is a professional institution that, since 1953 in the spa setting of Karlovy Vary and its region, preserves, enriches, and presents Czech 20th-century art in permanent exhibitions, temporary shows, publications, and cultural-educational programs.Over the course of its existence, the gallery has assembled an extensive collection of Czech art, with the most important and valuable works permanently displayed in a selection of about one hundred and fifty paintings and sculptures. The beginnings of modern visual art are illustrated by the atmospheric, symbolist, and realist works of Jakub Schikaneder, Jan Preisler, and Antonín Slavíček.The changing and striking character of early-century artistic efforts—drawing on European movements such as Expressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism—is reflected in the paintings of Josef Čapek, Emil Filla, Bohumil Kubišta, František Muzika, Antonín Procházka, and Václav Špála. In the 1930s this was followed by a Surrealist expression, evident in the works of Jindřich Štyrský, Toyen, and František Janoušek.Complete history: https://www.galeriekvary.cz/historie-galerie-umeni/
Becher's villa
The interactive gallery and cultural-educational centre, a branch of the Karlovy Vary Art Gallery, was opened in the newly reconstructed Becher’s Villa in 2011. Its main activities include exhibitions presenting the works of young and middle generation authors. Some exhibitions are interactive and allow visitors to become a part of them.Concurrently, the gallery organises traditional exhibitions with associated and independent workshops, as well as cultural events, concerts or discussions. A permanent exposition provides insight into the life of the Becher family and the history of the villa.
Becherovka visitor’s center
The newly renovated Becherovka visitor’s center is located in Karlovy Vary, the home town of our traditional herbal liqueur. The historical building “Steinberky” was built by Jan Becher in 1867 and served as the original factory for more than 100 years. In our visitor’s center you have a chance to see historical Becherovka bottles and unique items that belonged to the Becher family including their recipe book, awards from exhibitions, accounting books and many other artefacts.Our interactive part of the exposition allows you to see and smell selected herbs and spices that make a base of our liqueur; taste the water from Karlovy Vary that is used in Becherovka production and with VR headset you will find yourself in our bottling line!Get a full brand experience in our new visitor’s center, from Becherovka’s remarkable history and legacy, its unique production process, the secrets surrounding the famous recipe to actual product tastings.Book your visit in advance | https://becherovka.com/en/museumOpening hours: TU - SU 9:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00Language of the tour: Czech, English, German, RussianEntrance fee with tasting BasicBecherovka, Lemond, KV14, CordialExtendedBecherovka, Lemond, KV14, Cordial, BETONExclusiveBecherovka, Lemond, KV14, Cordial, BETON, Becher's 57**Adult250 CZK350 CZK490 CZKStudents, disabled people190 CZK290 CZK430 CZKKids up to 18 years old*60 CZK Family package (2+2)500 CZK700 CZK980 CZK* Children without degustation** Mix of Becherovka, Cordial, KV14 in an original bottle
Museum Karlovy Vary
The exhibition History and Wildlife of the Karlovy Vary Region will show you round the history of the town.It starts at the Sprudel, a unique natural phenomenon, and continues to the foundation of the spa and the development of spa treatment up to the transformations of the architecture of Karlovy Vary, the social and cultural life of the spa town and the history of the international film festival.Then the wildlife and history of the spa town follow reaching from the earliest days to the famous period of ore mining and the equally famous tradition of pewtery and glass and porcelain production.The final part of the exhibition is dedicated to the dramatic 20th century. The exhibits are complemented with audio-visual elements – short film shows, recordings, presentations on touch screens or with quizzes, you can examine the exhibits with your hands or enjoy a simple version of history in the pictures by Dalibor Nesnídal.Opening hoursJanuary - DecemberTue - Sun09:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 17:00Admission feesBasic admission: 110 CZKGroup admission: 80 CZKReduced admission: 70 CZK (Retirees over 65 y.o. / Students from 15 to 26 y.o. / Children from 6 to 15 y.o.)Free admission: 0 CZK (Children up to 6 y.o., holders of ZTP, ZTP/P (severe health disability card) etc.)Family ticket: 260 CZK (1-2 adults and 1-4 children up to 15 y.o.)
