Home page » Surroundings & Leisure time » Walk in Karlovy Vary
Walk in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
„Sights and other attractions“
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is the biggest and the most important spa city in the Czech Republic. The city’s history goes back to the 14th century. No wonder Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is full of historical landmarks and other must-see attractions. We offer you a few of the most interesting ones. Our Pentalog Tour Travel Agency can take you on a stroll through the city with an excursion to the Moser Glassworks and Jan Becher Museum.
Visit the Karlovy Vary’s (Carlsbad’s):
Colonnades
Hardly anybody misses Karlovy Vary’s (Carlsbad’s) colonnades during a visit. If you are here for a treatment, you will stroll here daily on your way to the curative thermal water prescribed by the spa physician within the drinking cure.
| Colonnade | Springs | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Sadová kolonáda (The Orchard Colonnade) (1880) |
Hadí (Snake) Sadový (Orchard) Svoboda (Freedom) |
The original colonnade was created in 1880; it served as a promenade of the now extinguished Blanenský pavilon. Recently, it went through a global reconstruction. |
| Mlýnská kolonáda (The Mill Colonnade) (1881) |
Skalní (Rock) Libuše (Libuše) kníže Václav I. a II. (Prince Wenceslas I. and II.) Mlýnský (Mill) Rusalka (Water Nymph) |
This neo-renaissance colonnade is a work of the famous architect Zítek. It measures 132 m, the roof is supported by 124 Corinth-style columns, and it is decorated with many statues and plastics. It is the most popular Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad’s) colonnade. |
| Tržní kolonáda (The Market Colonnade) (1883) |
Tržní (Market) Karel IV. (Charles IV.) |
It was created in 1883 as a wooden temporary structure. However, due to a complete reconstruction, the colonnade in Swiss style is still here. |
| Zámecká kolonáda (The Chateau Colonnade) (1913) |
Zámecký horní (Upper Chateau) Zámecký dolní (Lower Chateau) |
It was built in 1913 by the architect Ohmann. It has two parts - lower and upper. Recently, it went through a global reconstruction. |
| Vřídelní kolonáda (The Thermal Spring Colonnade) (1975) |
Vřídlo (Thermal) | This 5th colonnade surrounds the warmest and most potent spring of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) - Vřídlo (the Thermal Spring) Its underground contains a vast technical area and interesting excursion route. |
Churches
Not only are the spa buildings interesting in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), but many churches and other ecclesiastical buildings also belong to architectural treasures of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad).
| Church | Information |
|---|---|
| Kostel sv. Máří Magdaleny (St. Mary Magdalene Church) (1737) |
This baroque church is located above the Thermal Spring Colonnade. You can visit it daily, during a mass or after it. It is also worth visiting the church’s underground with its unique burial chapel. |
| Kostel sv. Petra a Pavla (St. Peter and Paul Church) (1898) |
The architect was inspired by a church near Moscow when building this orthodox church. Its construction was supported by generous gifts from Russian spa patients. The church is located at the Krále Jiřího Street. |
| Hřbitovní kostel sv. Ondřeje (Cemetery Church of St. Andrew) (1500) |
The church is located on the ground of a former cemetery, nowadays in the Mozart Park. The spa physicians J. de Carro, D. Becher and other important personalities of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) were buried here. |
| Kostel sv. Lukáše (St. Luke Church) (1877) |
Anglican church in pseudo-gothic style was built under patronage of English spa patients. |
| Kostel sv. Petra a Pavla (St. Peter and Paul Church) (1856) |
This evangelic church built in the Neo-Romanesque style is located near the Císařské lázně (The Emperor’s Spa). |
Spa buildings
The buildings were built in order to provide spa care. Some of them are serving into the present, but some are unfortunately no longer in use.. However, their architectural solution is worthwhile noticing regardless of what purpose they serve nowadays.
| Building | Information |
|---|---|
| Císařské lázně - Lázně I (The Emperor’s Spa - Spa I) |
A breathtaking building from the dawn of the 19th century has not been serving its original purpose for many years and is slowly deteriorating. You can find it across the Grand Hotel Pupp. |
| Lázně III (Spa III) | You will find it just before arriving at the Mill Colonnade. It is a neo-gothic building from the year 1867. |
| Alžbětiny lázně - Lázně V (Elisabeth’s Spa - Spa V) |
Located in Smetana Park, close to the Thermal Hotel. They were opened in the year 1906 to celebrate the Empress Elisabeth, who was called “Sissi”. |
| Vojenský lázeňský ústav (The Military Spa Institute) |
Located right next to the Orchard Colonnade. It serves to treat soldiers since its opening in the year 1855. |
Galleries and museums
The museums and galleries of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) offer both the permanent and short-term exhibitions. More information about the current events can be obtained in the info center by Mlýnská kolonáda (the Mill Colonnade).
| Gallery/Museum | Information |
|---|---|
| Galerie umění (Art Gallery) (Tue - Sun) |
This exhibition houses precious art pieces. From time to time, they also organize concerts and theater performances. |
| Muzeum Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad Museum) (Wed - Sun) |
It is located in the Zlatý klíč (the Golden Key) baroque building and in the former Marshal office at Nová louka. The permanent exhibition documents the history of the region, trades, balneology, etc. |
| Jan Becher muzeum (Jan Becher Museum) (Mon - Sun) |
Its cellars show the production of the traditional Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) liquor. The exhibition also consists of a screening of a short film and liquor degustation. The excursion can be reserved via the Pentalog Tour Travel Agency. |
Outlook towers and Belvederes
The spa woods are crisscrossed by more than 130 km of various paths and trails designed for pleasant walks. Pick one of the local outlook towers as a destination of your walk. The guide signs which can be seen on almost every step in the forests will lead you the correct way.
| Outlook tower | Information |
|---|---|
| Diana (altitude 547 m) |
The Diana Outlook Tower from the year 1914 offers a stunning view of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). It is located above the Grand Hotel Pupp. You can hike to it, or take a funicular. In clear weather, you can see to 70 m. |
| Goethova vyhlídka (Goethe’s Belvedere) (altitude 638) |
This belvedere was built in the year 1889. One has to beat 165 steps to enjoy the view of the countryside. |
| Vyhlídka Karla IV. (Charles IV. Belvedere) (altitude 514) |
This pseudo-gothic belvedere has been standing above Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) since 1877. It offers a view from 2 floors. If you decide to go all the way up, be ready for 79 steps. |
| Jelení skok (Deer Jump) |
This spot offers a nice view not only of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), but also of a statue of a chamois looking towards the city. |
| Tři kříže (Three Crosses) |
The crosses which gave the name to this location allegedly symbolize the death of three brothers. In reality, they were erected above the city to symbolize a successful re-catholicization. |
Other architectural landmarks
Besides colonnades, church buildings, and museums there are many other architectural landmarks worth noticing. We have selected a few of them:
| Landmark | Information |
|---|---|
| Hotel Imperial (1912) |
It dominates Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). It was built for rich spa clientele. One can take a funicular from the spa zone to arrive here. |
| Zámecká věž (The Chateau Tower) |
The original tower from the 14th century was damaged in a fire. Its renovated baroque version is located above Tržní kolonáda (the Market Colonnade). |
| Městské divadlo (The Metropolitan Theater) (1886) |
The beauty of its exteriors and interiors is certainly worth seeing. The curtain representing an allegory of arts comes from the workshop of F. Matschem. |
But that is not all of the local landmarks. One can see an important building at almost every step. Simply look around and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the gorgeous Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad).
tisk styl
