Visit Karlovy Vary from Prague

Visit Karlovy Vary from Prague: an ideal day trip for lovers of spa, relaxation, architecture and history.

Located a two-hour bus ride from Prague, Karlovy Vary is a scenic resort in the northeast of Bohemia. This city is recognized throughout Central and Eastern Europe for its mineral hot water sources. Many visitors have visited Karlovy Vary for centuries to enjoy the tranquillity of the place and relax in its thermal waters.

The story of Karlovy Vary

First founded in 1370 by the Germanic Roman emperor and king of Bohemia Charles IV, Karlovy Vary suffered floods and fires that destroyed the city. It was reborn in 1707 thanks to Emperor Joseph 1st.

This renaissance marks the creation and expansion of thermal bath activities. The healing virtues of the baths are scientifically proven by the work of Dr. David Becher, author of a treaty on the institution of the baths of Karlovy Vary where he showed the interest of the mineral salts in the thermal water.

At the end of the 19th century until the First World War, the city became a European world-wide place, and great personalities of the time went to Karlovy Vary, like Clémenceau. Most of the main buildings in the city date from this golden period, like the so-called "mill source" colonnade designed by architect Josef Zítek (the Prague National Theatre). This golden period went off with world wars.

The city finds its effervescence only after the war. « Carlsbad » in French and « Karlsbad » in German – the “baths of Charles” then return to a resort, first for the communist nomenklatura, then for all tourists and spa lovers in Central Europe. It is also here that since 1968 the famous Karlovy Vary Czech Film Festival .

What to do in Karlovy Vary?

Many come for his baths with healing virtues, but Karlovy Vary offers much more. Losing yourself in the paved streets of the city to discover its buildings, going on hikes in the surroundings to offer magnificent views, or to visit the famous glassries of the city, are all activities that offer you.

If you have planned to visit Karlovy Vary, here are all the activities and discoveries we recommend:

• Spread in town and admire its colorful architecture.
• Take the funicular to access the Diana Tower and thus get a magnificent view of Karlovy Vary.
• From the Diana Tower, go to another point of view: Jelení skok (Deer Leap) Lookout. A short walk of fifteen minutes allows you to access this place, accessible at any age.
• Relax and drink in the Dvořák Park, where you can also admire the beautiful Viennese colonnades
• Visit the Moser Museum and the glass factory: accessible by the city’s buses, just take bus 1, 2 or 22 from the Tržnice stop to the Sklářská Glassworks stop. The trip lasts 12 minutes.
• Drink a glass of mineral water from the hot springs of the city.
• Admire the magnificent Mlýnská kolonáda colonnades.
• Go to one of the many baths and spas in the city, such as the Elizabeth V Baths spa, to enjoy the healing virtues of the waters of Karlovy Vary and especially to relax.
• Tasting Becherovka at the Jan Becher Museum – Czech national liqueur!
• Hiking around the city and discovering the best views: many paths leave the city, do not hesitate to inform you at the tourist office once you arrive.

How to visit Karlovy Vary from Prague? Prices

Visiting Karlovy Vary from Prague is not very complicated. To get there, we recommend using the bus, especially Czech company Regiojet – the famous yellow StudentAgency buses.

Buses are very comfortable, and affordable rates. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, tablets with English movies, free earphones for the trip, free drinks and coffee.

The company Regiojet offers buses to go and return all day from 6:30 until 20:30. A ticket will come back between 5 and 8€, so you have a maximum of 16€ for a return trip. A trip Prague – Karlovy Vary lasts 2H15.

You can also book a day trip from Prague with transport and visits included on site.

Main photo credit: Flickr – Pilaco