In July 2021, UNESCO enteredWestern Czech Healing Triangleon the World Heritage List. Three cities —Karlovy Vary, Mariánské LázněandFrantiškovy Lázně— form the largest spa complex in Europe. They were visited by 250 years of elite: Beethoven, Goethe, Chopin, Kafka, the last Tsars of Russia.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
The largest and oldest spa in the Czech Republic, founded by Charles IV in 1350 after discovery13 hot springs(temperature 30–72°C, the largest Vřídlo squirts at 12 m).
What to drink
Carlovar water containssodium sulphate- cures digestion, liver, metabolic diseases. It's traditional.cups with beak(koupelové pohárky, 250–450 Kč) — the beak cools the water by several degrees.
Columns to tour
- Vřídelní kolonáda(1975) — concrete modernism with Vřídlo geyser
- Mlýnská kolonáda(1881, arch. Zítek — creator of the Prague Národního divadla) — oldest, 132 columns, 5 sources
- Sadová kolonáda(1881, cast iron, secession)
- Zámecká kolonáda(1913, secession)
Grandhotel Pupp
Since 1701, 228 rooms, the film location of Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson. Daily from 4500 Kč. The Grand Restaurant serves dishes from 850 Kč. Even if you do not live, coffee at Café Pupp is a duty.
Caraway wafers
Karlovarské oplatky— round, thin, sweet waffles (diameter 20 cm), tradition since 1867 Brands: “Kolonada”, “Original 1867”. 45–80 Kč/6 pieces. Do not be confused with “lázeňské oplatky” (healing, smaller).
Becherovka
Karlovarian herbal liqueur 38%, produced from 1807, according to a secret recipe of 20 herbs (only 2 people know it). Becherovka Museum (170 Kč, tasting included).
Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad)
Green spa surrounded by a park of 20,000 hectares. 100 cold sources (carbon dioxide + magnesium sulphate). He treats circulation, hormone management, kidney disease.
Singing Fountain
Built 1986, dancing waters synchronized with classical music (Smetana, Chopin) and light. Shows every 7:00–22:00, approx. 10 min. FREE INTRODUCTION.
Traditional hotels
- Hotel Nové Lázně(1896) — Tsaric taste, day from 6000 Kč
- Hotel Esplanade(1911, secession) — from 4200 Kč
- Kolonáda Hotel— directly at the main column, from 3500 Kč
Františkovy Lázně
The smallest and calmest of the three, founded 1793 by Emperor Francis II. Classicist architecture, yellow facades, an English-style park.24 Sourcescold mineral water. He treats infertility, heart disease, movement.
Franz — A Symbolic Boy
Naked sculpture of a boy holding a fish (heal park) — women touch her “behind children”. The 1923 tradition.
Museum SPA
Císařské lázně(Cesary Baths) — opened after the 2023 renovation, authentic secession 1912, treatments 890–2400 Kč.
Practical information
- Directions from Prague:Karlovy Vary 2 hours bus RegioJet (170 Kč), by train 3 hours.
- Spa ticket:mandatory, 25 Kč/day/person, paid in the hotel
- Season:May–October + KV International Film Festival (every year the first week of July)
- Cost of treatment stay:7 nights with treatments — from 25,000 Kč/person.