Karlovy Vary: Introduction

The world famous spa town of Karlovy Vary, also known by its German name of Karlsbad (or Carlsbad in English), was founded in 1350 by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

The town's visitors over the years have included Casanova,  Ludwig  van  Beethoven,  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Kafka, Alphonse Mucha, and many members of the world film industry who come to Karlovy Vary as guests of the International Film Festival that is held every year in July.

Karlovy Vary lies in a green valley of the river Teplá (meaning "Warm") and its setting alone gives it an atmosphere of beauty and peace.
Whether you go to Karlovy Vary to relax your mind, find a cure or admire the architecture, you will not regret visiting this elegant city.

 
 
A bus from Prague will get you to Karlovy Vary in a little over two hours. From the bus station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the colonnades. The train takes at least an hour longer.

Karlovy Vary Tourist Information Office
Infocentrum Karlovy Vary

Lázeňská 14 & T. G. Masaryka 53
karlovyvary.cz

Karlovy Vary sister city: Carlsbad, California