Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, with a history dating back to the 14th century. According to legend, Emperor Charles IV discovered the hot springs while hunting in the Bohemian forests. After witnessing their healing effects, he established a town around them, naming it after himself—Karlovy Vary, meaning "Charles' Baths."
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Karlovy Vary had become a retreat for European aristocrats, intellectuals, and artists. Famous figures such as Goethe, Beethoven, and Tsar Peter the Great visited the town, seeking the therapeutic benefits of its renowned waters. The elegant colonnades, grand hotels, and picturesque streets still reflect its historic charm today.
In Karlovy Vary, one drinks not just water, but centuries of tradition and wellness.
Karlovy Vary is home to 13 major hot springs and over 300 smaller ones, each with a unique mineral composition. The water, naturally heated to temperatures of up to 73°C, contains bicarbonates, sulfates, and minerals known to improve digestion, boost metabolism, and aid in the treatment of various ailments.
Visitors traditionally drink the healing waters from special porcelain spa cups, following carefully designed regimens prescribed by doctors. The town’s most famous geyser, Vřídlo, shoots water up to 12 meters high and serves as the centerpiece of Karlovy Vary’s thermal experience.
Beyond drinking cures, modern wellness centers in Karlovy Vary offer a range of treatments, from mineral baths and peat wraps to hydrotherapy and inhalation therapies. Whether for relaxation or medical purposes, the town continues to be a sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation and well-being.
Publish date: January 30, 2025
Visitors traditionally drink the healing waters from special porcelain spa cups, following carefully designed regimens prescribed by doctors. The town’s most famous geyser, Vřídlo, shoots water up to 12 meters high and serves as the centerpiece of Karlovy Vary’s thermal experience.