Karlovy Vary (Czechia)
Karlovy Vary (the old German name is Carlsbad) is a town in western Czechia which is famous in the world for its spa resorts, splendid architecture and great beer.
The town is located in the centre of Europe at the foot of the Krusne Mountains in the picturesque valley of the Tepla river. Karlovy Vary is conveniently connected to Prague (120 km), Pilsen (80 km) and Germany's border regions (60 km) with motor- and railways. In the suburbs there is an international airport handling regular flights to Moscow, as well as charter flights to many Russian cities.
First-class hotels, casinos, restaurants and cafes make this town a world tourist centre, while clean air, beautiful landscapes, small comfortable streets and splendid architecture create unique atmosphere, tempting visitors to relaxation and rest.
ÃThe key tourist attractions in Karlovy Vary are unique thermal springs and numerous comfortable resorts.
The spa treatment in Karlovy Vary is based on the use of the famous local thermal waters for drinking, taking baths or inhaling.
Apart from the thermal waters, Karlovy Vary offers a broad variety of other preventive and curative procedures including peloid and wax applications, pneumopuncture, electrotherapy, laser and magnet therapy and oxytherapy.
Karlovy Vary was established in the 14th century by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (Karel IV), whose name was given to the town. Owing to its unique climate and natural conditions the town has always attracted distinguished people from across Europe: monarchs, military commanders, scholars, writers and artists. Great German thinker Johann Goethe said that there were three places in the world where he would like to live, they are Weimar, Rome and Carlsbad.
In 1711-1712 Karlovy Vary welcomed Peter the Great, who then was followed by wealthy Russians. Alongside visits to Baden-Baden and other European spa resorts, annual trips to Carlsbad to drink the waters were fashionable and prestigious among the Russian aristocracy and Russian artists. At different times among the visitors to Karlovy Vary were Nikolai Gogol, Ivan Turgenev and Alexei Tolstoy.
Since 1950 Karlovy Vary has been hosting an annual international film festival, which is attended by world-renowned producers and actors.
Karlovy Vary and its suburbs offer ample opportunity for recreation, rest and excursions. There are many historic sights and places of interest to visit in the town:
- the Vridelni kolonada;
- Saint Peter and Paul's Russian Orthodox Church;
- Historic buildings, such as the Mlynska colonnade with five springs, the Sadova and the Trzni Colonnade, the town theatre, the Post Courtyard, the Central Post Office and many others;
- Diana Lookout Tower;
- St Mary Magdalene's Catholic Church;
- Goethe Observation Deck;
- Racecourse.
Tourists can also visit museums, the theater, art galleries and casinos.