Name of the river in Karlovy Vary. Nice evenings on a warm river

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic - detailed information about the city and resort. Guide to Karlovy Vary: popular attractions with photos and descriptions

City of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a world famous resort located in Western Bohemia in the historical region of Bohemia. The city is located in a picturesque hilly area at the confluence of the Ohře, Rolava and Tepla rivers. Karlovy Vary is distinguished by its charming architecture and a large number of health resorts and sanatoriums.

City information

Population - more than 49 thousand people.
Area - 59.1 km².
Currency - Czech crown.
Language - Czech.
Time - UTC+1, in summer UTC+2.

Karlovy Vary - the most “Russian” resort

Historically, since the times of the Russian Empire, Karlovy Vary was one of the most sought-after resorts among the Russian intelligentsia, monarchs and nobles. Emperors, famous writers and poets rested here and improved their health. And now, the resort remains in demand among the Russian-speaking population. Here you can hear Russian speech everywhere, and most of the signs are written in Russian. Traders, waiters, and hotel staff also speak Russian. Also, a huge number of our compatriots live here. Therefore, explaining here for the most part will not be difficult.

Story

In 1370, Emperor Charles IV visited Karlovy Vary and granted the settlement city rights and privileges of a royal city, following the example of neighboring Loket in 1370. Even then, Karlovy Vary enjoyed the fame of a resort. A calm situation was maintained in the city and a ban on carrying weapons was in effect.
In 1401, King Wenceslas IV granted city privileges the rare right of refuge and the status of an open city without city fortifications.
In 1582, Karlovy Vary suffered from a severe flood. The Tepla River overflowed its banks and damaged half of the city's buildings.
In 1640, the calm history of Karlovy Vary experienced the horrors of war. During the Thirty Years' War, the resort town was plundered by the Swedes.
In 1707, the resort received the status of a free city.

In 1711 Peter I the Great arrived in Karlovy Vary. The city becomes very popular among Russian ruling circles and intelligentsia. Famous people often came here: emperors, princes, nobles and military leaders, writers and poets.
Not only Russians loved Karlovy Vary. Goethe also came here often, and visited the resort thirteen times.
In 1870, a railway was built connecting the resort with the rest of Europe.
At the end of the 19th century, the resort's architecture changed. Buildings began to be erected in the neoclassical, neo-baroque, and neo-renaissance styles.
In 1890 the city also suffered from severe flooding.
During the Second World War, the city was practically not damaged, only there was an outflow of the German-speaking population.

What to bring from Karlovy Vary:

Becherovka is a famous Karlovy Vary herbal liqueur, which began to be produced in 1807 by the pharmacist Joseph Wit Becher.

Karlovy Vary oplatki are traditional waffles with a variety of flavors that have been produced since 1788.

How to get to Karlovy Vary?

You can get to Karlovy Vary by plane from many large cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnodar, etc. But it’s cheaper to fly to Prague or Dresden. From Prague and Dresden, Karlovy Vary can be easily reached by bus in a couple of hours. See the bus schedule from Prague here - http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhdvse/spojeni/. Bus schedule from Dresden - https://www.busliniensuche.de/

Mineral springs of Karlovy Vary

Healing mineral springs are the main wealth of Karlovy Vary. There are 15 springs on the territory of the city, which are grouped in 7 colonnades (Geyser, Market, Castle, Melnichnaya, Svoboda, Sadovaya and Alois Klein) and differ in temperature and CO 2 content.

The resort treats patients with diseases of the stomach and intestines, liver and biliary tract, as well as metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, obesity and others).

Mineral water is completely free to drink. Enough to visit the colonnades. We recommend buying special mugs for mineral water, which are sold everywhere. It is very convenient to drink mineral water from these mugs, and they are also an excellent souvenir.

Temperature of all sources of Karlovy Vary

Geyser (Vřídlo) - 73°C
Source of Charles IV. - 64°C
Lower Castle Spring - 55°C
Upper Castle Spring - 55.9°C
Market source - 65.2°C
Mill Spring - 56°C
Rusalka Spring - 60°C
Prince Wenceslas Spring - 65°C
Spring of Prince Wenceslas II - 64.3°C
Libuše Spring - 63°C
Rock spring - 46.9°C
Source Svoboda - 62.4°C
Garden spring - 41.6°C
Stepanka Spring - 14.2 °C
Snake Spring - 28.7°C

A modern glazed reinforced concrete colonnade in the functionalist style was erected in 1975 over the Geyser (Vřídlo), Karlovy Vary's most popular mineral spring. The Geyser Fountain, for which a separate pavilion has been built, reaches a height of 12 meters. This is the third colonnade of the source.

The symbol of the resort is the unique Geyser fountain, thanks to water pressure it rises to a height of 12 meters. For many patients, the Geyser mineral water is too hot, so it is specially cooled to a temperature of 50 and 30 °C and for drinking treatment it is diluted into five vases of the source, marked with the letters A, B and C. Part of the thermal water goes to sanatoriums and hospitals, part is used for production of Karlovy Vary mineral salt and souvenirs. The dungeon of the Geyser Colonnade, in which an excursion route has been created, is interesting.

How to get there: from the Tržnice stop (Tržnice – Market) to Teatralnaya Square, city bus No. 2 goes to the city center. The distance from the final stop “Teatral Square” (Divadelní náměstí – Divadelní naměstí) to the colonnade is only 150 m.

Colonnade operating hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

The carved wooden colonnade in the Swiss style was built in 1882-1883. designed by famous Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer on the territory of the former market under the Castle Tower.

In the early 90s. In the 20th century, a complete reconstruction of the colonnade took place, into which three mineral springs were brought out - Charles IV, the Lower Castle Spring and the Market Spring:

spring of Charles IV - there is a legend about how Emperor Charles IV treated his sore legs at this spring, the healing properties of which apparently influenced the decision to found a resort town.
market spring - since its discovery in 1838, the spring has gone underground several times and emerged again. Its name comes from the medieval market square that formerly stood on this site.

Opening hours: daily free access.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the modernist Castle Colonnade, built in 1910 - 1912. according to the design of the Viennese architect Johann Friedrich Oman, it was rebuilt into the Castle Spa.

Only the gazebo with the Upper Castle Spring remained freely accessible. The lower castle spring is located in the Market Colonnade, and the Castle Spa offers treatments for all spa guests.

upper castle spring - the castle spring is divided into Upper and Lower springs, due to different altitudes above sea level, the water in them is at different temperatures. The Upper Castle Spring was first discovered in 1912 during the construction of the colonnade.
lower castle spring - the castle spring is divided into Upper and Lower springs, due to different altitudes above sea level, the water in them is at different temperatures. The main exit of the Lower Castle Spring is currently located on the territory of the Castle Spa and is used for the needs of this hydropathic clinic. It is also located on the Market Colonnade, where it is accessible to everyone.

How to get there: from the Tržnice stop (Tržnice - Market), by city bus number 2 to the final stop "Theater Square" (Divadelní náměstí - Divadelní naměstí), and from there along the same road across the Jansky Bridge to the Market Square.

Opening hours: daily, partial access.

The stone colonnade in the pseudo-Renaissance style was built according to the design of the talented Czech architect Josef Zitek in 1871-1881. The attic of the colonnade is decorated with twelve allegorical sandstone sculptures depicting the months of the year. The largest Karlovy Vary colonnade houses five mineral springs - the Mill Spring, the Rusalka Spring, the Prince Wenceslas Spring, the Libuše Spring and the Rock Spring.

How to get there: from the Tržnice stop (Tržnice – Market), by city bus No. 1 or No. 4 to the final stop “Lázně III” (Lazne III), and from there a 200 m walk along the Spa Bridge over the Tepla River and along the Mill Embankment directly to the Mill colonnade

Opening hours: daily, free entry

Sources:

Spring of Prince Wenceslas - this spring, formerly called Bernard's spring, is displayed in two spring vases. At the end of the 18th century, a powerful fountain of the source, at that time comparable to the Geyser, rose to a height of more than four meters. Its water was previously used to produce Karlovy Vary mineral salt.
Spring of Prince Wenceslas II - this spring, formerly called Bernard's spring, is displayed in two spring vases. At the end of the 18th century, a powerful fountain of the source, at that time comparable to the Geyser, rose to a height of more than four meters. Its water was previously used to produce Karlovy Vary mineral salt.
Libuše Spring - formerly called the Elizabeth Rose Spring, it received its current name only in 1947. Libuše Spring is one of the hot mineral springs located in the largest Karlovy Vary colonnade, which is why it is very popular among holidaymakers and visitors to the city.
Rusalka Spring - from the middle of the 18th century the name “New Source” was assigned to it, and in 1792-1793. A new wooden promenade was built over the New Spring, the first structure of this type in Karlovy Vary, and at the beginning of the 19th century it became the most popular spring in the resort.
The Mill Spring, a spring known already in the 16th century, is one of the oldest captured Karlovy Vary thermal springs. In 1705, it was one of the first springs whose water was prescribed for drinking treatment. The spring's mineral water was bottled and exported throughout the world in the past.
Rocky spring - the spring formerly came to the surface of the earth right in the trough of the Tepla River. At that time, the swamp under Bernard's Rock, in which horses were bathed, was called the Horse Hospital. The source was first captured in 1845 after part of the rock mass was broken off. A simple wooden canopy was built over the spring at that time.

The openwork cast-iron colonnade remains from the “Blanensky Pavilion” concert restaurant, built in 1880 – 1881. designed by famous Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer. In 2001, the Snake Spring was brought into it on one side, and on the other side a transition was made to the basement of the Military Resort Hospital to the Garden Spring.

How to get there: from the Tržnice stop (Tržnice – Market), by city bus No. 1 or No. 4 to the final stop “Lázně III” (Lazne III), and from there 150 m walk along the Spa Bridge over the Tepla River, past the Military Spa Hospital to Garden colonnade.

Opening hours: daily, free entry.

Sources:

Snake Spring - The snake spring became the last publicly accessible Karlovy Vary spring in 2001, when the reconstruction of the colonnade was completed. Snake Spring contains fewer minerals than other springs, but more carbon dioxide.
Garden Spring - the twelfth Karlovy Vary mineral spring is located in the courtyard of the Military Sanatorium and is not accessible to the public, but part of it was taken to the basement of the sanatorium, open daily from 6.00 to 18.30. You will get to the source from the Garden Colonnade, which is located in the Dvorak Gardens. The garden spring has gained great popularity among guests of the resort town due to its high carbon dioxide content.

Sights of Karlovy Vary

There are few attractions in Karlovy Vary. The city has interesting, beautiful architecture and a rich history, but in terms of cultural heritage it, of course, lags far behind Prague, Brno, and Olomouc.

Orthodox church in Karlovy Vary. The first stone was laid in 1893. The temple was consecrated in 1897. The temple was built in the style of Russian churches of the 17-18th century. The length of the temple is 41 m, the width is 14 meters, the height of the temple under the dome is 21 meters, the height of the bell tower is 40 meters.

Address: Krále Jiřího 2c 360 01 Karlovy Vary
Opening hours: daily 9.00 - 18.00

16th century church, abandoned after World War II.

Address: Sokolovská 360 10 Karlovy Vary

Originally an Anglican church, built for the needs of the Anglo-Saxon visitors to Carlsbad. A brick single-nave church with a tower in the romantic English Gothic style of the late 19th century.

Address: Zámecký vrch 4 360 01 Karlovy Vary

Located in the very center of the Karlovy Vary resort area. The Roman Catholic church was built in Baroque style. It belongs to the number of important Czech monuments. Church of St. Mary Magdalene is listed as a cultural heritage site.

Address: nám. Svobody 1 360 01 Karlovy Vary

Rock with a metal statue of a deer (1851). From here you have an excellent view of the city.

Address: Pod Jelením skokem 26/28 360 01 Karlovy Vary

A brick building built in 1914 on a stone pedestal 35 m high. Equipped with an elevator.

Address: Vrch přátelství 5/1 360 01 Karlovy Vary
Opening hours: from 9.15 to 18.45.

(Czech: Hrad Loket) - a stone castle in the Czech Republic, near Karlovy Vary. According to scientists, the castle was built as a border fortress. The castle stands in a bend of the river. Ohře, which resembles an elbow. This is where it got its name.

The castle was mentioned in 1234. It is not known exactly who its founder was - Prince Vladislav II, King Přemysl I or King Wenceslas I. In the Middle Ages, the castle was of great strategic importance. It was a powerful fortress on the border with German lands. But after the election of Charles 4 as Holy Roman Emperor, Loket Castle lost its role as a border outpost. But under the son of Charles IV, Wenceslas IV, Loket expanded and became an even more important fortress.

In the 15th century, Sigismund handed over Loket Castle to the noble family of Schlik and the castle gradually fell into disrepair. From the beginning of the 19th century to the mid-20th century, the castle was a prison.

Now Loket Castle is a cultural monument and is open to the public as a museum. We recommend climbing the castle tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is better to combine a trip to the castle with a visit to Karlovy Vary. The castle is located about 120 km from Prague.

Address: Zámecká, Loket
Opening hours: 9.00 to 17.00
Cost: Without a guide: adults - 100 CZK, children, students, pensioners - 80 CZK, family (two adults + two children) - 300 CZK.)

The Tepla River flows through Karlovy Vary, which is located on both banks. The river got its name because of its unusual warm water, thanks to which the river does not freeze even in winter. It has an unusual smell, which can be explained by the presence of famous thermal springs in Karlovy Vary.

The Tepla River, with a total length of about 65 kilometers, flows into the Ohře River. The area of the river basin is 384 square kilometers. The river is fed by snow and rain. The mouth of the river is located in Eger, at an altitude of about 380 meters above sea level.

On the river embankment there is the Mill Colonnade, which is one of the symbols of the city. It was built in 1881 according to the design of the Czech architect Josef Zitek, who built the National Theater in Prague.

Tepla River embankment

The Tepla River embankment in Karlovy Vary is always full of tourists. And this is no coincidence, because it flows through the very center of the city. There are historical houses, boarding houses and sanatoriums, exhibition galleries, a number of mineral springs and colonnades. Pedestrian and automobile bridges span the river. Within the embankment there are three parks named after. Sour cream, them. Ianna de Carro and them. Dvorak. The famous five-star Grand Hotel Pupp is also located next to the river. On the streets of the embankment there is an exhibition of Czech art glass, the Rubin holiday home, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene and other attractions. In addition, the promenade is full of restaurants, cafes and shops.

A trip to quiet and peaceful Karlovy Vary is a real relaxation for the soul and a healing balm for the body. For Russian tourists, this Czech resort has become “native” since tsarist times. From time immemorial, aristocrats and intellectuals flocked here for treatment.

Today Karlovy Vary has worthy balneological traditions, excellent service in well-equipped hotels and, of course, numerous hot springs that can improve health and cure numerous ailments. Local sanatoriums offer various health programs to suit every taste.

Also, the city surroundings are of great interest. There are medieval castles, picturesque canyons on the wooded slopes of the river and numerous well-maintained trails to contemplate all this splendor.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Karlovy Vary?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

There are about 70 mineral springs in Karlovy Vary, but only 12 are believed to have healing qualities. Each is intended for the treatment and prevention of a specific group of diseases. The water temperature ranges from 30°C to 70°C. Picturesque colonnades were erected around the thermal springs in the 19th-20th centuries, which protected them from the influence of the external environment.

The tower is located on top of Druzhba Hill. Tourists can get there by cable car, or spend half an hour and walk along the hiking trail. The observation deck of the tower offers panoramic views of the wooded green hills that surround Karlovy Vary. In addition to the tower itself, there is a cafe, a restaurant on the hill, as well as benches and comfortable places to relax.

The structure was erected at the end of the 19th century; it is the oldest observation deck in Karlovy Vary. It is interesting that in 1945 the tower was named in honor of I. Stalin, but already in the 60s. renamed. A staircase consisting of 165 steps (42 meters high) leads to the top of the building. Many objects of the Goethe Tower were restored only in 2002 with the active participation of F. Gaspra, who wanted to make the appearance of Karlovy Vary more attractive.

An elegant castle built during the reign of Charles IV. Initially, it was assumed that the building would be used as a hunting lodge, but after construction was completed, the local aristocracy began to organize holidays, balls and lavish receptions here. In 1604, the castle was destroyed by fire, but a new tower was soon erected. The structure of the 17th century has survived to this day. Now there is a restaurant on the territory of the Castle Tower.

Glass building erected in the 70s. XX century according to the project of J. Otruba. The colonnade is located near the Vřídlo spring, which bursts out of the ground with a powerful hot stream (2 thousand liters of water/min.) Due to the high temperature, it is impossible to stay near the geyser for a long time. In the colonnade, in addition to the hall with the source, there is a large hall where souvenirs, dishes and Bohemian glass are sold.

A picturesque colonnade, built in the 19th century in the neo-Renaissance style with elegant Empire elements. It consists of 124 monumental columns supporting a façade with bas-reliefs by V. Lokvenets. Inside the Mill Colonnade there are mineral springs “Prince Vaclav”, “Melnichny”, “Rusalka”, “Libuše” and “Skalny”. The water temperature in the springs ranges from 45°C to 64°C.

The structure was erected in 1883 from wood and was supposed to last only a few years before something more impressive was built. But it lasted for more than 100 years. At the end of the 20th century, city authorities decided to completely reconstruct it, and now tourists have the opportunity to admire the restored landmark. There are two springs inside – “Market” and “Charles IV”. Just behind the Market Colonnade is the Castle Tower.

The colonnade was erected in 1880 according to the design of G. Helmer and F. Fellner. These two architects made a great contribution to the appearance of Karlovy Vary. In the middle of the 20th century, the pavilion was dismantled and only the frame with columns remained from the building. However, in 2002, the historical appearance was restored. Now the Garden Colonnade is a real decoration of the city. Inside there are the “Svoboda”, “Zmeiny” and “Sadovy” springs.

An architectural structure in the Art Nouveau style, erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of the Viennese architect F. Oman. At the beginning of the 21st century, the colonnade was renovated with funds from the Castle Spa hospital, because of this, many objects became available only to clients of this institution. Everyone can drink the healing water from the source, but admiring the magnificent interior decoration of the Castle Colonnade is available only to tourists living in the Castle Spa.

Temple of the 18th-19th centuries, built according to the design of K. Dientzenhofer. The first church in the Gothic style appeared on this site in the 15th century; it belonged to the Order of the Crusaders. Later, the building was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, which was more fashionable and progressive at that time. Subsequently, the temple was damaged more than once during wars and fires, and as a result, by the 18th century, the building almost collapsed. The restoration was completed by 1861.

A functioning Orthodox church, built in the 19th century according to the design of D. Ukhtomsky. It was the first Orthodox Church on the territory of the Austrian Empire. Due to the war, the church was closed in 1916; services resumed only in the middle of the 20th century. A complete reconstruction was carried out in the 1980s. Since then, the building has been maintained in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of local authorities.

The famous drink “Becherovka” is revered and loved in the Czech Republic, sometimes it is even called the “thirteenth spring” of Karlovy Vary. It is used as a medicine and an ingredient in many cocktails. The Becherovka production company was founded by local pharmacist Jan Becher. A museum named after him was opened in Karlovy Vary in 1992. During the tour, visitors can taste the drink with different flavors, learn its history and buy souvenirs.

The museum complex includes three buildings, since fewer were not enough to accommodate the extensive exhibition. Archaeological finds, art and everyday objects, documents, geological exhibits related to the history of Karlovy Vary are exhibited here. The museum was founded in 1865 on the initiative of the Austrian doctor and expert in the field of balneology J.V. von Loeschner.

The Moser glass factory was built in Karlovy Vary in 1875. He is engaged in the production of products from Bohemian glass - a famous brand, famous throughout the world for its high quality. In the factory museum you can see an exhibition consisting of the most valuable and rare specimens produced at different times at Moser. You can also familiarize yourself with all stages of glass production.

The museum exhibits contemporary works of art created by Czech sculptors and artists in the second half of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition contains about 150 works in the style of cubism, expressionism and fauvism. The gallery often hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as performances and concerts. The building was built in 1912 in neoclassical style.

The theater building was built in the 19th century according to the design of G. Helmer and F. Fellner. Previously, there was a wooden building in its place, which collapsed during a fire in 1787. The inspiration for raising funds for the construction of the theater was one of the founders of balneology in Karlovy Vary - D. Becher. The wonderful enchanting opera by W. A. Mozart “The Marriage of Figaro” was performed as the premiere production.

A heated swimming pool, open at any time of the year, which is located on the territory of the Thermal Hotel. The water in it is not medicinal, but rather ordinary, so everyone can swim. The pool has a fitness club, sauna, solarium and massage room. The length of the pool from side to side is 50 meters, depth is up to 4.5 meters. The pool offers magnificent views of the surrounding hotel buildings and the surrounding hills.

The sanatorium is located in a building from the early 18th century, which is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Karlovy Vary. Famous musicians, royalty, representatives of aristocratic families, cultural figures and other famous people have been guests of the Pupp Hotel. Every year the hotel hosts an international film festival, which attracts world-class stars.

Four-star hotel, built in classical style at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel is surrounded by a magnificent park, which has its own theater stage. The interior of the Imperial is dominated by discreet luxury and calm notes of Art Nouveau style. There is also a cinema, a concert hall and spacious auditoriums for seminars. The hotel's resort restaurant serves national and international cuisine, and you can also choose from 9 dietary menu options.

The castle is located near Karlovy Vary. There is some debate about the date of its foundation, but experts point to the 13th century. The building is a harsh medieval fortress with thick walls and narrow loopholes. Presumably, Loket was erected as a border fort that separated German and Czech possessions. The castle rises on the banks of the Ohře River.

An architectural structure of the 16th century, erected during the reign of Vladislav II. The castle changed owners many times. The greatest prosperity occurred in the period 1695 - 1733. The castle park was created under the influence of the traditions of Italian landscape design. The church, built in the 18th century according to the design of Giovanni Rossa, deserves special attention. The last owner of Valecha was Count Larisch-Mennich, then the property went to the state.

A castle in the Czech Baroque style, located on the rocky bank of the Tepla River. It is believed that the structure was erected in the 13th century. Over the next two centuries, the castle was owned by different families until it was captured by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. In the second half of the 17th century and in the 19th century, major reconstructions were carried out. Bečov nad Teplou became state property in 1945.

A picturesque city park, which was created at the end of the 19th century. Trees over 200 years old grow on its territory. The gardens were named in honor of the Czech composer A. Dvorak; a monument to the maestro adorns one of the alleys of the park. It should be noted that visitors are allowed not only to stroll gracefully along the paths and sit on benches, but also to walk on the lawns, which makes the park attractive to most residents and guests of Karlovy Vary.

A picturesque canyon in the Ohře River valley, where you can admire the natural beauty of the surroundings of Karlovy Vary. This natural site is included in the list of specially protected areas in the Czech Republic. There are many legends associated with Svatoshki Rocks. At one time, they inspired the brothers Grimm, Goethe, Kerner and Spiess to create poetic literary works.

A low rock on top of which a statue of a chamois was placed in 1851. The metal sculpture was created by August Kiss. Unfortunately, in 1984 the figure was damaged by vandals. Two years later, the sculptor J. Kotek created a bronze copy, which now crowns the top of the hill. “Reindeer Leap” is one of the symbols of Karlovy Vary. There is an observation deck near the statue, which is very popular among tourists.

Sights of Karlovy Vary

The structure was erected in 1883 from wood and was supposed to last only a few years before something more impressive was built. But it lasted for more than 100 years. At the end of the 20th century, city authorities decided to completely reconstruct it, and now tourists have the opportunity to admire the restored landmark. Inside there are two springs - “Market” and “Charles IV”. Just behind the Market Colonnade is the Castle Tower.

A heated swimming pool, open at any time of the year, which is located on the territory of the Thermal Hotel. The water in it is not medicinal, but rather ordinary, so everyone can swim. The pool has a fitness club, sauna, solarium and massage room. The length of the pool from side to side is 50 meters, depth up to 4.5 meters. The pool offers magnificent views of the surrounding hotel buildings and the surrounding hills.

The Czech resort of Karlovy Vary is known throughout the world thanks to the healing power of the numerous thermal springs scattered throughout the city. We will go through the main attractions of this unusual place

Many of our tourists, coming to Karlovy Vary, are surprised that most of the population speaks Russian fluently, but this is not surprising, because at one time many of our compatriots moved here and Karlovy Vary can well be called the most “Russian” city in the Czech Republic)

The Tepla River flows through it, which has a rather unusual smell, but this is due to the presence of those same thermal springs, so there’s nothing you can do about it, and you stop noticing the smell after a few minutes

On the embankment of the Tepla River there is one of the symbols of the city - the Mill Colonnade, built in 1871-81 according to the design of Josef Zitek, the Czech architect who built the Prague National Theater

As often happens when building something large and unusual (a striking example of the Eiffel Tower), the Mill Colonnade was already subject to severe criticism from the local population during construction, which did not, however, prevent it from being successfully completed and today one can admire the massive outlines of numerous columns

Unfortunately, the Mill Colonnade that we see today is not the way the author intended it - there was simply not enough money to build the third floor, although such a height was simply necessary for the structure, because the architect was guided by the height of the city as a whole, and a three-story colonnade would fit into the overall picture most organically. Today, looking at the monumentality of the structure, it is difficult to imagine that according to the design it should have been much higher...

Some time after the completion of construction, in 1893, the colonnade was extended to the nearby Rocky Spring, as a result of which its length reached 132 meters, and its width remained unchanged - 13 meters. In 1982, the state allocated serious funds for the restoration of the Mill Colonnade, thanks to which today we can contemplate it in all its glory - the way the residents of Karlovy Vary saw it at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries

Also on the embankment you can sit in the cafe "Eleрhant" - the same one in which Stirlitz met his wife. It is easily recognized by the golden elephant above the entrance

A little further away rises the architectural dominant of the western part of the city - the Church of Peter and Paul, erected more than a hundred years ago, in 1897

The peculiarity of this Orthodox church is that it was built at the expense of Russians who came to Karlovy Vary to improve their health. In addition, two icons, once donated by Nicholas II, who later became Emperor of the Russian Empire, are perfectly preserved in the temple.

From an architectural point of view, the church is built in the image and likeness of classical Byzantine churches

One of the favorite places for locals and visiting tourists is the Smetana Gardens, named after the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The park begins with a flower bed, the flowers of which are always planted in the shape of the current date. The park is located in the very center of the city, between the Elizabeth Hospital and the Main Post Office

Also in Karlovy Vary you can visit an interesting museum located on the territory of the Moser glass factory, famous throughout the world for its unsurpassed crystal products.

The plant was built in 1875 and the museum’s exposition allows you to fully experience all the changes that have occurred with the enterprise during this time - thanks to numerous archival documents, a huge number of crystal masterpieces of past times and products of the best modern masters

In the museum you can get acquainted with the full cycle of manufacturing products from unique Moser glass using video materials and see with your own eyes the masterly work of craftsmen directly at their workplaces. The factory always has a souvenir shop open where you can buy beautiful crystal items.

There is a fortress in Karlovy Vary that is memorable only for its appearance, although in addition it has a rather rich history. We are talking about the fortified city of Bečov, founded in the 13th century and guarding the trade route passing here, collecting customs duties along the way.

Due to its strategic importance, the fortress was well fortified, and the era left a Gothic imprint on its appearance. The most striking example of its former greatness that has survived to us is the Chapel of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary

But the needs grew and soon, in the 15th century, the two most ancient parts of the city were united, and a Renaissance palace with arcades was built in the center

Since then, the city has experienced several wars, which also brought changes to its appearance. In the 17th century, on the foundations of the former fortifications, a tall octagonal Baroque tower with a chapel, a library and several beautiful halls rose

At the beginning of the 19th century, the palace was rebuilt in the classical style, and a little later the city and the castle finally became one

Subsequently, the castle interiors were partially rebuilt in the Romanist style, after which they were decorated with extensive collections of paintings and tapestries

Today, in the completely restored castle there is a museum of reliquaries, the main value of which is the unique Romanesque reliquary of St. Maurus found in the chapel, purchased in the 12th century by Alfred de Beaufort and owned by the Beauforts for 8 centuries, until the Second World War, when the Beaufort princes, who owned the fortress, fled from the Nazis, hiding the relic in the basement of the chapel

A little further from the city, in its vicinity, the picturesque Loket Castle proudly stands on a high rock - a striking example of the flourishing of medieval Czech architecture.

The fortress was rebuilt many times, but in general Loket retained its original appearance - only minor parts of it underwent changes

At one time, Loket Castle was the center of the region of the same name and served as the hunting residence of the Luxembourg family. Today in the castle you can visit an interesting exhibition of local porcelain products

The castle stands in the bend of the fast Ohře River; Goethe once loved to visit its high stone walls. The castle premises have reached us almost untouched, as evidenced by their silent, harsh interiors. Here you can walk through narrow streets and small medieval squares, which bear the imprint of history, touches of the defensive past and architectural trends of the times, which is manifested in the smallest details - even in the fences of houses that are inconspicuous at first glance...

So what about the healing springs of Karlovy Vary? Today there are 15 of them in the city, some appeared by combining several smaller ones into one (Libushi), others, on the contrary, are divided into two (Upper Castle), they are all different, have different compositions and properties, and the water temperature ranges from 30°C to 72°C. The Mill Spring is considered the most useful for general prevention of the body.

If you climb the mountain at the far end of the city, you can visit an interesting pool, the water of which always contains a little healing moisture from the springs. In addition, while swimming in the pool you can admire the city lying at the foot of the hill, which creates the indescribable effect of a kind of floating “flight” over Karlovy Vary