The Legend of the Karlovy Vary Chamois Statue

The story begins in the 14th century with King Charles IV. He was hunting in the forest when his hounds chased a deer. The deer jumped from a high cliff to escape. It landed in a pool of hot, bubbling water. The king’s men found the deer unharmed in the spring. Charles IV realized the water had healing powers. He then decided to build a town around these thermal springs.

You might wonder why the statue is a chamois and not a deer. The original legend mentions a stag or a deer. However, a sculptor named August Kiss created the chamois statue in 1851. He wanted to prove that a chamois could make such a daring jump. The statue was made of zinc and sits on a granite peak. It has become the most recognized symbol of the city today.

The statue is located at a spot called Jelení skok. This translates to "Deer Jump" in English. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list of Great Spa Towns of Europe. Many people visit to hear the story and see the views. The current statue is a bronze replica of the original zinc work. It remains a favorite spot for photographers and history lovers alike.

10 Best Things to See Near the Deer Jump Lookout

There are many wonderful things to see around the Deer Jump Lookout chamois statue. Here are the top picks for your itinerary:

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): Deer Jump Lookout for the iconic statue and city views.
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): Diana Observation Tower for the funicular and mini-zoo.
• Quick Pick (Best Free): Mill Colonnade for historical architecture and spring tasting.

1. Name: Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: sight Why go: To see the famous chamois statue and the best panoramic views. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: On the cliffside above the city center. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the forest paths or take the funicular to the middle station. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the colorful buildings below.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest view over the region and has a butterfly house. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Top of the Friendship Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the Diana Funicular from near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest to find hidden wooden gazebos.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with five mineral springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City center, along the Teplá River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Bring a porcelain spa cup to taste the different waters.
4. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Type: experience Why go: See a natural geyser that shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone. Where: Inside the Vřídelní Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa area. Tip: Take an underground tour to see how the thermal water is managed.
5. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: Discover the "Glass of Kings" and watch master glassblowers at work. Best for: Art and craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46/19. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus from the city center. Tip: Book your tour in advance as it is very popular.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure housing the Charles IV Spring. Best for: Quick sightseeing. Where: Near the Vřídlo spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Look for the relief carving showing the discovery of the springs.
7. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning 12th-century Gothic castle in a nearby medieval town. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Loket, 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a 15-minute train or bus from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle basement if you are brave.
8. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: nature Why go: Unique granite rock formations along the Ohře River. Best for: Hikers and cyclists. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike along the blue-marked trail from the Doubí district. Tip: There is a nice outdoor restaurant right by the rocks for lunch.
9. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn about the secret recipe of Becherovka, a famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate; includes tasting. Getting there: Located near the main bus station. Tip: The museum shop offers special editions you can't find elsewhere.
10. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Cathedral Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque church with a unique underground crypt. Best for: Architecture and religion. Where: Near the Vridlo Hot Spring. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walking distance from the main colonnades. Tip: Check the schedule for evening organ concerts.

Planning Your Visit to the Chamois Statue

Visiting the statue requires a little bit of walking. Most paths are well-paved but can be steep. You should wear comfortable walking shoes for the forest trails. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. The colors of the trees make the view even more magical. In winter, the paths can be slippery, so be careful.

You can check the official tourism website for local maps. If you do not want to hike, use the Diana Funicular. It has a stop called "Jelení skok" halfway up the hill. From there, it is a short and flat walk to the statue. This is the best option for those with limited mobility.

Most people spend about two hours exploring the lookout area. There is a restaurant nearby if you need a break. Remember to bring water, especially during the warm summer months. For more travel inspiration, visit the Visit Czechia portal. Enjoy your journey into the heart of Bohemian history.