Karlovy Vary: Spa Towns, Castles and Nature

Three Czech spa towns in the Karlovy Vary Region are part of the UNESCO serial property “The Great Spa Towns of Europe”: Karlovy Vary, Františkovy Lázně and Mariánské Lázně. The region also has castles, unusual collections and marked trails through varied landscapes—a mix of cultural and nature experiences to help you plan your trip.

Spa Towns and Landscapes

Karlovy Vary lies in the deep valley of the Teplá River, surrounded by rocks and wooded hills. The colonnades lead to mineral springs, including the Vřídlo geyser, which rises 12 metres high. So it is not only the spa architecture that takes centre stage here: the landscape of springs also shapes the visit. Karlovy Vary wafers are a traditional local treat, adding a culinary dimension to the trip.

Castles and Unusual Collections

In Loket, the 26-metre-high castle tower serves as a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area. The ceremonial hall is used for music and theatre performances; the rotunda dates from the 12th century and has an interior diameter of 3.6 metres. The views, performance space and historic circular building reveal different sides of the castle.

The exhibition at the Museum Gallery in Bečov nad Teplou presents the Romanesque goldsmith’s work known as the Reliquary of Saint Maurus. The reliquary was discovered on 5 November 1985 in the castle chapel at Bečov. Visitors can explore the exhibition independently, with texts in Czech and English and interactive elements. Those interested in craftsmanship and the story of the discovery will find both covered in the same exhibition.

Kynžvart Chateau also has a collection of its own: the Cabinet of Curiosities displays around 1,800 objects and two Egyptian mummies. The older mummy dates from more than 3,500 years ago. The museum is considered one of the oldest private museums in the world.

Exploring the Kynžvart Area

The grounds of Kynžvart Chateau are characterised by a system of ponds, romantic corners and quiet resting places. Hiking and cycling routes run close to Kynžvart Spa and Kynžvart Chateau. Buses from several directions serve the castle, and some routes stop there. Train services to Lázně Kynžvart run from Plzeň and Cheb. Get off at the Lázně Kynžvart stop in Stará Voda. Kynžvart State Chateau is fully accessible and has a lift and an accessible toilet. A children’s play area is located near the ticket office.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

A dense network of marked hiking trails connects the Krušné hory and Slavkovský les mountain ranges with towns and villages throughout the Karlovarský kraj region. The EuroVelo Route 4 runs for 128 kilometres through the region: it starts in Pomezí, passes through Cheb, Kynšperk nad Ohří, Sokolov, Loket, Karlovy Vary and Žlutice, and continues to Žihle. Check the current route signage before setting out.

For a different kind of landscape, visit the Kladská Nature Reserve, where an accessible nature trail winds through meadows, forests and wetlands around the Kladská pond. Check the route infrastructure before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Cheb District, Karlovy Vary District, Sokolov District, Prague, Central Bohemia, Olomouc, Liberec, Plzeň.

Return to the main travel overview: Czechia.