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With more than a dozen hot springs and about 300 smaller springs, Karlovy Vary is a very popular tourist attraction.
Known as the jewel of the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, it sits conveniently about 130 km west of Prague.
The city, also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English), was founded in 1370. It was a German-speaking city before World War II. Thereafter, the Czech settlers moved in and today the official language is Czech.
Karlovy Vary means “Charles’ Bath”, named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor.
From ancient glory to today, with its colorful and whimsical architecture, it is no wonder then that it was the setting for many scenes in the 2006 James Bond movie, Casino Royale. For instance, the casino setting in Casino Royale was at the beautiful Lázně 1 (Spa 1) building.
Before I go further, let’s talk about accommodation. If you are like me, you don’t enjoy packing and unpacking every other day. Therefore, to stay at Karlovy Vary and explore beyond its borders during your stay, is an absolute pleasure and a great convenience. I’ll give you some accommodation tips a bit later. For now, it’s worth noting that should you take my advice, there is no shortage of beautiful sightseeing ahead of you.
DID YOU KNOW: Karlovy Vary is on the list of the 11 Great Spa Towns of Europe, read more…
Market Colonnade is an iconic 1880s structure with 3 mineral-spring drinking-water fountains.
The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, constructed in 1897, has five golden domes and a colorful exterior. Inside the ornate Russian Orthodox church is art and gifts from wealthy Russian aristocrats.
Mill Colonnade (completed construction in 1881 by Josef Zítek) runs parallel to the River Teplá It has 5 different springs.
Enjoy beautiful city views from the historic lookout tower. Taste Czech cuisine at the hunting lodge-style restaurant. There’s also a small zoo.
Photo Credit to Lubor Ferenc, Wikimedia Commons
The lookout, with completely different city views, sits at 472 meters above sea level. It is believed to be the oldest lookout point in the city, dating back to 1804.
The Czech Republic is known for its very own herbal bitters liqueur, namely Becherovka. At the museum, you’ll be going back to 1807 when the pharmacist Jan Becher concocted the herbal bitters drink with water from the city’s springs.
Up to today, the same recipe is used. Becherovka is also preferred by many locals as a digestive, to be enjoyed after dinner.
The lookout, with completely different city views, sits at 472 meters above sea level. It is believed to be the oldest lookout point in the city, dating back to 1804.
Stará Louka is the city’s most famous and prominent shopping street. Here you’ll find anything from high-end boutiques to coffee shops.
Wander along the river Teplá and take in the beautiful setting. Then, do another walk in this calm and relaxing setting. However, plant it around sunset for another charming view.
The church was built in 1737 and is a beautiful show of high Baroque architecture. You can view its interior during daily worships.
So by the way, it’s not easy to miss being right in the heart of the lovely city. Just follow the towers in the skyline.
Inside is a precious altarpiece, Baroque Eucharist sculptures, Gothic Madonna, and other decorations. A visit to the city will not be complete until you’ve ticked this Baroque monument off as “seen and done”!
I give you the coordinate to view the bronze memorial plaque of the famous composer Ludwig von Beethoven. The plaque is to commemorate his stay in the very beautiful Lazenská street in February 1796.
Location: N 50° 05.208 E 014° 24.336; 33U E 457477 N 5548450
Discover the most beautiful and exotic butterflies from around the world in a tropical garden setting. For instance, butterflies from Thailand, from the Philippines, or from the rainforests of South America or Mexico.
As you meander amongst more than 300 colorful beauties fluttering around you, you will be fascinated by the range of colors and sizes. For example, some butterflies have a wingspan of up to 20 cm!
Also, you get to do some souvenir shopping at the pretty butterfly-themed shop. Make sure you have enough cash with you because they only take cash as payment.
In the early 20th century, the city lacks sufficient capacity for spa accommodation. Then, local entrepreneur Alfred Schwalb identified an opportunity to build a “fairy-tale” international grand hotel with exquisite views.
Combined with a transport solution in the form of the single-track funicular up a 127-meter long tunnel, construction started and the hotel opened its doors in June 1912.
Not only was it the venue of the World Chess Championship in 1923, but it also has an impressive guest list:
Awards: World Travel Award 2007 for the best spa hotel in the Czech Republic.
If you think Hotel Splendide in James Bond’s 2006 Casino Royale was really in Montenegro, you’re wrong. The setting for the location was actually the Grandhotel Pupp! It was also the setting for other movies such as the 2006 comedy “Once Again Holidays”, with Queen Latifah.
Ludwig von Beethoven stayed here in 1812 when he gave a concert with the violinist Giovanni Battista Polledro.
An entertainment establishment was previously on the same site, constructed in 1701. It was demolished in 1892, and the construction of a modern hotel is today’s Grandhotel Pupp. Between 1892 and today the hotel had several name changes. It was even nationalized by the government. That is, after the Second World War. Subsequently, the hotel was privatized again and after extensive restorations, it sure is a treasure.
Staying in these apartments is super homely and stylishly designed with everything you may need. The spacious suites and classic pastel-colored design is not only pleasant to the eye but provides ample privacy.
They work on an efficient contactless check-in system, making it even more convenient to pick these mini-mansions as your preferred stay.
World Travel Awards:
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