Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a popular spa resort town located in the west of the Czech Republic. The town full of natural hot springs is only a 2-hour bus from central Prague (Florenc station) and offers a nice escape to relax and rejuvenate. It hosts the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and is one of the most popular destinations in the Czech Republic.
Day 1: Colonnades
The most iconic and characteristic aspects of the town are the collonades spread across the city offering the opportunity to enjoy hot drinking water from the thermal springs through specially designed taps. On your first day, we recommend purchasing a cup from one of the many stands around town and going for a stroll from Collonade to Collande enjoying tasting the mineral-rich water as you go.
Some notable colonnades to ensure you visit include the Mill Colonnade, Park Colonnade, Market Colonnade, Castle Collonade, Hot Spring Collonade, Freedom Spring Arbour, and the Alois Klein Arbour.
Day 2: Diana Tower – Museum of Glass Moser
Depending on your preference you can either choose to take one of the relaxing 30-minute + walking routes up to the tower from the city centre or for 150kc return per adult catch the 3-minute funicular located at Grandhotel Pupp up to the Diana Observation Tower.
Built in 1912-14 the tower is 562 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views of the mountains and of the city itself. You can choose to take the lift to the top of the tower or climb the 150 stairs to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. Located at the base of the tower there is also a mini-zoo, a butterfly house and a restaurant that offers Czech food and a good place to take a rest.
Upon returning to Karlovy Vary you can either spend the rest of the day walking around and relaxing at the many cafes or make the journey to the Moser Museum of Glass. At the museum, you will gain insight into the history of hand-crafted glass at the glassworks, visit the museum and see how glasswork has changed over time. Keep in mind you must pre-book these tours and the museum is located a little out of the city.
Tickets
Diana Tower Finicular and Walking Routes
https://dianakv.cz/en/contact-and-practical-information
Museum of Glass Moser 350kc
Day 3: Jan Becher Museum (Bechorovka)
In the heart of Karlovy Vary, you can visit the Becherovka museum where you will learn about the Czech spirit Becherovka in the original building built by Jan Becher in 1867 and was the factory for more than 100 years. Since 1805 the secret recipe of Bechorovka has been produced resulting in a national Czech spirit made up of 20 different herbs and spices made up from not only Karlovy Vary but all continents around the world.
Throughout the guided tour you will learn about the history, manufacturing and storage of Becherovka, see and smell different herbs, taste the water used in production, and taste different types of Becherovka.
Tickets
Becherovka Tour 280kc – 550kc