Karlovy Vary
Ideal: Ideal for calm travel, spa atmosphere, architecture, and day-trip city routes.
The spa town was founded by Charles IV in the 14th century; legend says a hunting dog fell into hot water and the spring was discovered. Today there are 13 main thermal springs, and the Vřídlo geyser shoots water up to 12 metres at temperatures reaching 73°C. The flat porcelain cups carried along the colonnades have hollow handles: water is sipped through that channel so it cools on the way. Herbal liqueur Becherovka has been made in the same town since 1807.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1350
- Area
- 59.1 km²
- Elevation
- 447 m
- Heritage status
- part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why do the spa cups have that odd shape?
The handle of the porcelain cup is a hollow drinking spout. The hot, heavily mineralised water erodes teeth, so the design keeps contact with enamel to a minimum — and cools the water slightly on the way.
How hot is the spring water?
The strongest spring, the Vřídlo, shoots water at 73 °C up to 12 metres high. The town has around 15 drinking springs with differing temperatures and mineral compositions.
What happens to objects left in the water?
The high mineral content gradually petrifies roses and small objects placed in the springs. These "spa roses" are the region's traditional souvenir.
Why go?
- To see the Czech Republic's best-known thermal spa city
- To walk among colonnades, historic hotels, and colorful façades
- To add spa atmosphere and a slower pace to a city trip
Travel tip
You can buy the special cups sold in town to try the thermal springs.
