Planning Your Visit to the Orthodox Church

Karlovy Vary is a world-famous spa town in the West Bohemia region. It is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. The official Karlovy Vary tourism site offers many resources for travelers. The town is famous for its healing mineral springs and grand architecture. You will notice a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Renaissance styles. The Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul stands out from these designs.

The church is located in a posh residential area. It is surrounded by beautiful villas and lush greenery. This part of town is much quieter than the busy colonnades. It offers a great escape from the crowds. You can walk through the forest paths to reach it. The walk provides great views of the valley below.

Inside the church, you will find a rich interior. There are many icons and a beautiful wooden iconostasis. The atmosphere is solemn and respectful. Please remember that this is an active place of worship. You should keep your voice low during your visit. Many people come here to light a candle and reflect.

11 Best Sights Near the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul

This list includes the most iconic sights and unique experiences in the city. Each item helps you plan a perfect day in Karlovy Vary. We have included practical details for every stop. Use this list to navigate the historic spa center and beyond.

1. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: It is the oldest and most important Orthodox church in the country. The golden domes are visible from many parts of the city. Best for: Architecture lovers and history buffs. Where: West End District, Krále Jiřího street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small donation requested. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes uphill from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Women should consider bringing a scarf to cover their heads.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five different springs. Best for: Tasting mineral water. Where: Mill Colonnade is in the center of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the Orthodox church. Tip: Buy a traditional porcelain cup from a nearby stall first.
3. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: See the most famous spring in town. The water shoots up to 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Vridlo Colonnade in the town center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the West End. Tip: Take the underground tour to see the spring's machinery.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get the best panoramic views of the entire valley. There is also a butterfly house and a restaurant at the top. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Diana Tower on the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths to see more lookouts.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the history of Becherovka. This herbal liqueur is often called the "13th spring" of the city. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: Jan Becher Museum on T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the main bus station. Tip: Book your tasting tour in advance online.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Experience Why go: Watch master glassblowers create world-famous crystal. Moser has supplied royal families for over 160 years. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Moser Factory in the Dvory district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus number 1, 2, or 22 from the center. Tip: Visit the museum shop for high-quality souvenirs.
7. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Nature Why go: See the famous statue of a chamois. This is the symbol of the city's founding legend. Best for: Hikers. Where: On the hillside between Diana and the spa center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the steep trails from the Market Colonnade. Tip: The path can be slippery, so wear good shoes.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. It houses the Charles IV Spring. Best for: Romantic photos. Where: Right in the heart of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit at night when the carvings are lit up.
9. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Landmark Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It was a filming location for Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: Grandhotel Pupp at the end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes (for coffee). Cost: High for dining; free to view. Getting there: Walk to the far end of the river path. Tip: Try the famous Pupp cake in the hotel cafe.
10. Name: Imperial Baths Type: Sight Why go: A masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture. It was once the most modern spa in the world. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk 20 minutes from the city center. Tip: Check for temporary art exhibitions inside.
11. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: A stunning medieval castle perched on a rock. It is only a short distance from Karlovy Vary. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Loket town, 12km away. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local train or bus from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle cellars.

Relaxing Experiences in the Karlovy Vary Spa Center

The city is famous for its unique spa culture. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition highlights its importance in European history. You should try the "drinking cure" while you are here. This involves sipping mineral water from various springs. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content.

Doctors often recommend specific springs for different health issues. However, most tourists enjoy tasting them all. The water can be very hot, so be careful. Use the spout of your porcelain cup to sip slowly. This is the traditional way to enjoy the springs. It also helps protect your teeth from the minerals.

Beyond the springs, the town offers many wellness treatments. You can enjoy carbon dioxide baths or mud wraps. Many hotels have their own private spa centers. You do not need to stay overnight to use them. Many offer day passes for their pools and saunas. This is a great way to relax after sightseeing.

Practical Travel Tips for Your 2026 Trip

Getting around Karlovy Vary is quite easy. Most of the spa area is a pedestrian zone. You will do a lot of walking during your visit. For longer distances, use the local bus system. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website has current schedules. You can buy tickets from machines or via a mobile app.

The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, it is good to have some cash for small purchases. Tipping is common but not mandatory. Usually, rounding up the bill is appreciated in cafes. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard for good service.

The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is warm and perfect for walking. However, this is also the busiest time. Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons like April or October. The autumn colors in the forest are truly spectacular. You will also find lower prices for hotels during these months.