Carlsbad

Karlovy Vary: Europe's Largest Spa Resort in the Teplá River Valley

Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is the largest and most visited spa resort in the Czech Republic, situated in a picturesque gorge in the west of the country. This balneological center specializes in treating gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. The geographical coordinates of the resort are 50.2305° North latitude and 12.8725° East longitude, with an altitude of approximately 380 meters above sea level. The city stretches along the narrow valley of the Teplá River, which divides it into two parts and creates a unique mild microclimate. The total area of the resort reaches 59.1 square kilometers, with a permanent population of about 48,000 people. For tourists planning health treatments, it's important to know that the local currency is the Czech crown, although euros are accepted in major hotels and tourist centers.

The History of Karlovy Vary's Foundation: The Legend of King Charles IV and the Healing Spring

The exact founding date of the spa is unknown, but historians place it around the mid-14th century. According to legend, in 1358, Emperor Charles IV was hunting in these parts. His hunting dog pursued game and accidentally fell into a hot spring, its yelps echoing through the forest due to the scalding water. Court physicians summoned to the site examined the thermal water and confirmed its healing properties. The emperor, known for his foresight, ordered the establishment of a settlement here, which centuries later grew into the famous European spa. Over the years, Karlovy Vary has been visited by Peter the Great, who introduced the fashion of water cures among the Russian nobility, as well as Beethoven, Bach, Goethe, Turgenev, and even the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

Mineral Springs of Karlovy Vary: Composition, Temperature, and Healing Properties

On the resort's territory, 79 natural mineral water outlets have been recorded, of which 13 are developed for drinking cures. The chemical composition of the water is classified as bicarbonate-sulphate-sodium, with a high content of carbon dioxide. The most powerful spring is the Vřídlo geyser, reaching a temperature of 72 degrees Celsius and a jet height of up to 12 meters. Its output is approximately 2,000 liters per minute. Other important springs include Kníže Václav (65°C), Tržní (Market) Spring (62°C), Mlýnský (Mill) Spring (56°C), and Svoboda (Freedom) Spring (60°C). Cooler springs, such as Hadí (Snake) Spring (30°C), have a mild laxative effect, while hotter ones slow down gastric juice secretion and bile discharge.

Indications and Contraindications for Treatment: Who the Resort is Recommended For

Karlovy Vary specializes in treating a wide range of diseases. Primary indications include chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, colitis, cholecystitis, and biliary dyskinesia. The second key area is metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, gout, obesity, and hyperlipoproteinemia. The resort also successfully rehabilitates patients with musculoskeletal system diseases and those recovering from gastrointestinal surgeries. However, there are strict contraindications: active phase oncological diseases, pregnancy, epilepsy, tuberculosis, complicated liver cirrhosis, and mental disorders. Consultation with your attending physician and a spa doctor before arrival is mandatory.

Architecture, Colonnades, and Rules of the Drinking Cure

Colonnades of Karlovy Vary: Architectural Dominants and Places of Power

The entire life of the spa revolves around its famous colonnades, which not only protect the springs from the weather but are also outstanding architectural monuments. The Vřídelní Colonnade was built in 1975 to a design by Professor Votruba. Its glass walls allow observation of the resort's most powerful geyser. The Mlýnská (Mill) Colonnade, created by architect Josef Zítek in 1881, is a Neo-Renaissance structure 132 meters long, housing five springs under its roof. The Tržní (Market) Colonnade, built in the Swiss style from carved wood, shelters the Market Spring and the Spring of Charles IV. The Zámecká (Castle) Colonnade, consisting of two parts, was reopened to the public after reconstruction in 2001 and contains the Upper and Lower Castle Springs.

Rules of the Karlovy Vary Drinking Cure: How to Properly Take the Mineral Water

The drinking cure requires adherence to strict rules, as Karlovy Vary water is a highly concentrated therapeutic agent. The water temperature for consumption must match the doctor's prescription — cold water stimulates peristalsis, hot water relaxes smooth muscles. Water should be drunk directly from the spring cups, using traditional porcelain or glass mugs available at souvenir shops. It's important to combine water intake with slow walking, avoiding sudden movements and haste. The treatment course is incompatible with alcohol and smoking, including passive smoke inhalation. When drawing water from the spring vessel, do not touch the spout with your cup for hygienic reasons. Mineral water must not be poured onto the colonnade floors or used for watering plants.

Hotels and Sanatoriums in Karlovy Vary: Where to Stay for Treatment

The choice of accommodation directly affects the treatment's effectiveness. The most prestigious are first-line hotels located directly by the colonnades — for example, the Spa Hotel Angliský Dvůr, offering a full range of balneological procedures using innovative equipment. More budget-friendly options are within walking distance of the springs, a 10-15 minute walk from the center. The average cost of staying in a sanatorium with treatment in 2026 varies from 80 to 250 euros per day, depending on the room category and the range of procedures. Expensive areas include the city center around the colonnades and the Teplá riverbank, while cheaper accommodation can be found in the Dvory and Stará Role districts, from which public transport runs to the springs.

Tourism, Culture, Excursions, and Practical Information

Sights of Karlovy Vary: What to See for Tourists

Besides the springs, Karlovy Vary offers a rich cultural program. The Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul with its golden domes is one of the symbols of Russian presence at the spa. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is an 18th-century Baroque structure with a unique interior. A funicular takes guests up to Friendship Hill (formerly Catherine's Hill), offering panoramic views of the valley and surroundings. The Becherovka Museum tells the story of the famous liqueur and offers tastings. The Moser Glass Museum displays a collection of the world-renowned glass produced in Karlovy Vary since 1857.

Cultural Life and Festivals in Karlovy Vary in 2026

The main event of the year remains the International Film Festival, held in July and second in importance only to Cannes. In 2026, organizers promise an expanded program with the participation of world stars. In May, the opening of the spa season is accompanied by the ritual of blessing the springs and a costumed procession. August is rich in musical events: the Mozart Festival, Beethoven Days, and the Festival of Early Music on historical instruments. September is marked by Dvořák's Karlovy Vary Autumn and the International Folklore Festival. October hosts the TOURFILM film festival, dedicated to tourism cinema, and the International Jazz Festival.

Excursions Around Karlovy Vary: Castles and Nature

Within a 20-30 kilometer radius of the resort are unique historical sites. Loket Castle, founded in the 12th century, picturesquely towers over the Ohře River and houses a collection of medieval weapons and porcelain. The town of Bečov nad Teplou is famous for its Gothic fortress and Baroque Lower Castle. The spa town of Jáchymov, known since the 16th century, is renowned not only for its radon springs but also for the history of uranium mining — it was here that Marie Skłodowska-Curie discovered polonium and radium. Active leisure enthusiasts can take a chairlift to Mount Klínovec (1,244 meters), the highest peak of the Ore Mountains.

How to Get to Karlovy Vary: Transport Accessibility in 2026

The nearest airport is Karlovy Vary International Airport (KLV), receiving regular flights from Moscow (Pobeda airline) and seasonal charters from St. Petersburg. An alternative is Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), from which direct buses by RegioJet and Leo Express operate every two hours. Travel time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Karlovy Vary's railway station has direct train connections with Prague, Pilsen, and the German city of Cheb. For motorists, the D6 highway connects Prague with the resort directly, a distance of 120 kilometers.

What to Bring from Karlovy Vary: Souvenirs and Shopping

The number one traditional souvenir is Becherovka liqueur, produced according to a secret recipe since 1807. It is recommended to buy original Becherovka Original or limited series in specialized stores. Karlovy Vary wafers (oplatky) are thin layered wafers with various fillings, baked here since the 18th century. Moser crystal represents a luxury item and a good investment; the price of a single vase can reach several thousand euros. Also popular are cosmetic products based on geyser salt and souvenirs made from travertine, the local stone formed by spring deposits.