Why Ride the Diana Observation Tower Funicular?

The funicular has been serving tourists since 1912. It provides a quick and comfortable way to reach the Friendship Heights. The ride itself is quite scenic as you climb through the lush forest. You will see the city rooftops shrink below you as you rise. It is a great way to start your morning before the crowds arrive. The Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site often recommends this as a top activity. Many people enjoy the fresh air and the quiet atmosphere at the top. It is also an excellent starting point for several hiking trails.

Essential Diana Observation Tower Funicular Details

The base station is located near the Grandhotel Pupp. You can buy tickets at the station or use a local transport pass. The funicular usually runs every 15 minutes throughout the day. In 2026, expect a round-trip ticket to cost a very reasonable amount. You can check the latest schedules on the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. The ride to the top takes about three to four minutes. There is an intermediate stop called Jelení skok if you wish to explore the woods. The cars are accessible for strollers and most wheelchairs. Always keep your ticket for the return journey down the hill.

13 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique culture. Here are the top 13 things to experience during your visit.

• Quick Pick: Best View - Diana Observation Tower
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Christmas House
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Vridlo Hot Spring
• Quick Pick: Best History - Imperial Baths

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: sight Why go: This 35-meter tall tower offers 360-degree views of the city and the Ore Mountains. Entry to the tower itself is free. Best for: Photographers and families. Where: Friendship Heights. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (Tower) / Paid (Funicular). Getting there: Take the funicular from the base station. Tip: Use the elevator inside the tower if you want to skip the stairs.
2. Name: Diana Funicular Type: experience Why go: It is a historic and relaxing way to reach the best viewpoints without a steep climb. Best for: Everyone. Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Walk to the end of the main spa area. Tip: Sit at the very front or back for the best views during the ride.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 Corinthian columns. It houses five different mineral springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the Tepla River. Tip: Visit the Mill Colonnade mineral springs early to avoid the largest tour groups.
4. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Colonnade Type: sight Why go: You can see a geyser that shoots water up to 12 meters high. The water is a hot 72 degrees Celsius. Best for: Nature fans. Where: Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Check out the Vridlo hot spring colonnade underground tour for a unique look at the pipes.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur from this city. The tour includes a tasting. Best for: Adults. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or walk from the train station. Tip: Book your Jan Becher Museum tasting tour in advance online.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: experience Why go: See master glassblowers create world-class crystal items by hand. It is one of the most famous glass factories in Europe. Best for: Craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short bus ride from the city center. Tip: A Moser glassworks factory visit is best on weekday mornings when the furnace is active.
7. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: This spot features the famous metal statue of a chamois. It is the symbol of the city. Best for: Hikers. Where: Forested hillside. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Get off the funicular at the middle station. Tip: The Deer Jump lookout chamois statue is a perfect spot for a selfie.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in the Swiss style. It covers the Charles IV Spring. Best for: History buffs. Where: Below the Castle Tower. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the Vridlo area. Tip: Look for the relief carving showing the discovery of the springs by the King.
9. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This massive hotel is a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque architecture. It was a major filming location for James Bond's Casino Royale. Best for: Movie fans and luxury seekers. Where: End of the spa zone. Time: 20 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Follow the river to the southern end of town. Tip: Visit the Grandhotel Pupp historical landmark cafe for a high-end coffee break.
10. Name: Imperial Baths Type: museum Why go: Once the most modern spa in the world, it is now a stunning museum. The Zander Hall is breathtaking. Best for: History and art lovers. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk to the south end of the city. Tip: Check for evening concerts held in the main hall.
11. Name: Christmas House Type: experience Why go: It is a year-round Christmas museum and shop. It feels like a fairy tale regardless of the season. Best for: Families and children. Where: Doubi castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Best reached by car or local bus. Tip: Try the hot chocolate in their themed cafe.
12. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A 12th-century Gothic castle located on a rock above the Ohre River. It is only 15 minutes away from the city. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Town of Loket. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or train. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you enjoy spooky history.
13. Name: Marianske Lazne Type: day trip Why go: Another famous spa town nearby. It is known for its Singing Fountain and grand parks. Best for: A relaxing second day. Where: 45 minutes south of Karlovy Vary. Time: Full day. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct train from the main station. Tip: The fountain plays music every odd hour.

Planning Your 2026 Karlovy Vary Itinerary

Karlovy Vary is a very walkable city. Most of the main sights are located along the river. You should bring comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones. Many visitors choose to stay for at least two nights. This gives you time to enjoy a spa treatment. Public transport is efficient and connects the train station to the center. Respect the local rules when drinking from the springs. Use the special porcelain cups sold in local shops. These cups help cool the water to a safe temperature.