Top 10 Karlovy Vary Landmarks to Visit

Karlovy Vary offers a perfect mix of history and relaxation. You can walk between grand colonnades and lush forests. Each site has a unique story to tell. Here are our top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Market Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade walk

1. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the premier example of Market Colonnade wooden architecture. It was built in the 1880s as a temporary structure. It survived because of its incredible beauty. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Historic center, near the river. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: Look for the relief depicting the discovery of the springs by Charles IV.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five mineral springs. You can learn more about Mill Colonnade architecture facts before you visit. Best for: Morning walks. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Market Colonnade. Tip: Bring a porcelain spa cup to taste the water.
3. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Geyser Type: experience Why go: This is the most famous spring in town. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. You can visit the Vridlo Hot Spring Geyser to see the power of nature. Best for: Seeing the city's thermal power. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to see the geyser. Getting there: Located in the modern glass building. Tip: The hall is very humid, so dress in layers.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the valley. You can take a funicular to the top. Check our Diana Observation Tower guide for more details. Best for: Scenic views. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Funicular has a small fee; tower is free. Getting there: Funicular station is near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the mini-zoo nearby if you have children.
5. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassblowers at work. Read the Moser Glassworks visitor guide for tour times. Best for: Souvenir shopping and crafts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46/19. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Book your tour in advance during the summer.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. The museum is located in the original factory. A Jan Becher Museum tasting tour is a must. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from the main bus station. Tip: The museum shop sells unique bottle sizes for gifts.
7. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This church features stunning golden domes. It was built for the Russian nobility who visited the spas. Plan your Orthodox Church Karlovy Vary visit to see the interior. Best for: Spiritual history. Where: Krále Jiřího street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation requested. Getting there: Walk uphill from the center. Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders.
8. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: nature Why go: This is the oldest lookout point in the city. It features a famous statue of a mountain goat. Best for: Hiking and history. Where: Forest paths above the Market Colonnade. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the Market Colonnade. Tip: The path is steep but well-paved.
9. Name: Imperial Baths Type: sight Why go: This building is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance design. It was once the most modern spa in the world. See the Imperial Baths historical building for grand interiors. Best for: History buffs. Where: Mariánskolázeňská 2. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk along the river past the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Check for evening concerts held in the main hall.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This 12th-century castle is just outside the city. It sits on a rocky cliff above the Ohře River. Best for: Medieval history and day trips. Where: Loket town, 15km away. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local train or bus from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle basement.

History of Market Colonnade Wooden Architecture

The Market Colonnade wooden architecture is a rare survivor. Architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer designed it in 1883. They intended for the building to last only a few years. However, the town residents loved the intricate carvings too much to tear it down. The style is often called Swiss or Scandinavian because of the white wood. It features delicate lace-like patterns that look beautiful against the blue sky.

Inside the colonnade, you will find three different springs. The most famous is the Charles IV Spring. Legend says the Emperor discovered this spring while hunting. The relief above the spring tells this story in detail. The wooden structure provides a cool, shaded place to sip the water. It is a peaceful spot compared to the busier stone colonnades nearby.

Maintenance of the wood is a constant task for the city. They use special paints to protect it from the humid spa air. This ensures the Market Colonnade wooden architecture remains pristine for visitors. You can find more historical info on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Czech Republic.

Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary in 2026

Visiting Karlovy Vary in 2026 is easier than ever. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. The city is very pedestrian-friendly. You should wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Many paths lead into the surrounding hills for great views. You can check schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary for local buses.

The best time to visit is during the late spring or early autumn. The weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. If you visit in July, be aware of the International Film Festival. The city becomes very busy and prices for hotels rise. For a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday. Most colonnades are open 24 hours a day, but the springs may have limited hours.

When drinking the thermal water, follow the local rules. Do not touch the faucets with your mouth. Use a traditional porcelain cup with a spout. Start with small sips, as the mineral content is very high. You can find more travel inspiration on the Visit Czechia portal. It is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your health.