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 representatives of the world film industry who come to Karlovy Vary as guests of the International Film Festival 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. The town has been recapturing its former glory with its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings being restored and people rediscovering all the town has to offer. From the bus station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the colonnades. 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.
Karlovy Vary Colonnades: Karlovy Vary prides itself in its colonnades. They were built in the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century and there are five of them - the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda), Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda), Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda), Chateau Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda) and Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda).
The Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) - Probably the most beautiful is the Mill Colonnade in the Neo-Renaissance style. It is 132 meters long, 13 meters wide and has 124 columns. It stretches over five hot springs.
The Hot Spring Colonnade is where you can not only drink the curative waters of the Vřídlo (literally "Hot Spring", temperature 73°C/163°F), the best-known of the springs and symbol of Karlovy Vary, but also admire the 14-meter high fountain that constantly springs up from the Vřídlo in the covered hallway of the colonnade.
Sampling the Hot Springs: There are 15 thermal springs in Karlovy Vary and all of them can be sampled. The Vřídlo ("Hot Spring") is the hottest with the temperature of 73°C/163°F. About half of the other springs have a temperature around 60°C and the remaining ones are a bit cooler. The curative mineral waters are traditionally sipped from special porcelain or glass cups with spouts. You can buy one easily in one of the many local shops. If you have not been instructed on the correct drinking procedure by a medical spa specialist, be careful and don't overdo your sampling. Remember that you should never drink alcohol or smoke while sipping the springs. It is also said that the best benefit of taking spa waters is achieved when combined with a slow walk. So get your cup, take a stroll and enjoy!
Moser Glass Factory: A visit to the Moser Glass Factory is a pleasure to everyone who loves Czech crystal and glass products and the art of glass making. The original glass factory and shop were established by engraver Ludwig Moser in 1857. Moser glass has been sought out ever since for its outstanding quality and artistry and is known worldwide as the "glass of kings". All products are made by hand in an array of shapes and Moser signature colors.
Becherovka & Jan Becher Museum: Jan Becher Museum in Karlovy Vary produces a popular herbal liquor called Becherovka (sometimes also referred to as "the 14th spring"). This bittersweet classic among Czech liquors is based on a secret recipe, which was first put together by Jan Becher in a Karlovy Vary pharmacy (now the Jan Becher Museum) in 1807 and which, it is said, is only known to two people today. The ingredients are simple and purely natural: Karlsbad water, alcohol, sugar and a mixture of herbs and spices. You can drink Becherovka straight or use it as a base for cocktails. Visit the Jan Becher Museum to take a tour of the Becherovka distillery and original cellars, to taste the centuries old liquor right where it's made, and to buy a bottle in the Becherovka factory shop to bring home a great Karlovy Vary souvenir.