Spa Towns

Karlovy Vary, known around the world as Carlsbad, is a famous and charming west Bohemian spa town.

Karlovy Vary is not only the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, it is also the largest - and full of interesting attractive sights. Close to the Teplá River and the Ohře River, Karlovy Vary is approx. 120 km from the capital city of Prague, making it a popular weekend destination for visitors and Praguers alike. Karlovy Vary dates back to the 14th century – at the request of Charles IV a spa town was built after his entourage accidentally discovered thermal springs during a royal hunt. The rest as they say is history, and Karlovy Vary has had a varied one including many a visitor from aristocratic houses from the 16th century on. The current look of the town, which boasts typical spa town architecture - attractive intricately adorned houses from the 18th and 19th centuries – is due to natural disasters that destroyed the older original buildings. Today you can see these beautiful structures that include houses, churches and colonnades, plus you can enjoy world class spa treatments at a variety of healing spas and wellness centers, and you can taste the curative spring waters. It's also of interest to note that the world-known International Karlovy Vary Film Festival takes place in this whimsical spa town every July. Visit this famous town today and experience a real European spa town.