Karlovy Vary: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

City of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a world-renowned spa resort located in the Czech Republic. It is famous for its numerous hot springs, which have formed due to its fortunate geographical position and equally fortunate landscape. The city is situated at the confluence of two rivers, with mountainous slopes forming its banks. The gradual development of the resort area has given Karlovy Vary's landmarks a distinctive characteristic of that era, marked by a mix of architectural styles. The rocky terrain has also contributed adjustments to the city's appearance, making it unique with its step-terrace planning, especially noticeable when viewed from a bird's-eye perspective. Mostly visited for health purposes, Karlovy Vary also offers all the amenities for those who prefer active leisure!

When to go?

Since Karlovy Vary is primarily a spa resort, the concept of seasonality exists here. The high season in this city lasts from May through September and kicks off with the traditional blessing of the thermal springs. Overall, the resort operates year-round. A period of relative calm lasts from January to February. During this time, Karlovy Vary sees the smallest number of tourists, and prices in guesthouses may slightly decrease.

What to buy?

Karlovy Vary is a fantastic place for picturesque and beneficial shopping. The main treasure of this resort is its mineral springs, so the most common souvenir found in local shops are porcelain cups with spouts (sippers) designed for drinking mineral water at the pavilions.

Another unique souvenir is the Karlovy Vary Rose. To obtain this petrified flower, one must take a fresh rose and place it in a mineral spring for some time. Additionally, in Karlovy Vary, thermal salt is sold, which can be used at home for baths.

Karlovy Vary is the birthplace of the famous "Becherovka" beverage. It was here that the pharmacist Jan Becher lived and created what became one of the most renowned liqueurs in the world. Czech crystal should not be overlooked either. In Karlovy Vary, there are plenty of shops where one can buy charming items made of mountain crystal.

What to try?

The main culinary symbol of Karlovy Vary is the “oplatki” wafers. The original recipe calls for adding nuts, but today they are made with a variety of fillings and flavors: vanilla, almond, chocolate, lemon. The Karlovy Vary wafers were invented by local housewives in the 18th century, and to this day, producers maintain the original cooking technology for this treat.

Czech cuisine cannot be imagined without the spicy pork knuckle, roasted in beer to a golden crust. In almost every Karlovy Vary restaurant, you can find this traditional dish. For a side dish, you will be offered Czech dumplings or stewed cabbage. Such a hearty dinner can be complemented with a shot of the very “Becherovka.”

Besides, the city restaurants' menus include baked honey ribs, roast duck, garlic soup with smoked meats, veal tenderloin in cream, bramboraky (potato pancakes). On the streets, you can see stalls preparing the traditional Czech sweet pastry – trdelník.