If you feel bored of Prague or you just
like to explore some of Czech Republic, here you have another inspiration for one-day
trip. Why is worth it to go to Karlovy Vary? Simply, because it's two hours
away from the capital and this unique place have astonishing architecture and
hot spring inside the town! If you feel temped, then keep reading.
Useful tip: How to get there? You can use
one of the bus lines, like for example Flixbus. During the weekend it could be
all full, so remember to book tickets earlier. If you plan your trip during the
week, this shouldn't be a problem. Route takes about hours and the bus station
is at Florenc (metro A, yellow line). Ticket costs around 150 Kc, but if you're
a student with valid ISIC card you can go literally for 40 Kc!
First steps in the town
If you take a bus, you will get at Karlovy
Vary Terminal, which is the main bus station there, near to the heart for town.
You need you go upstairs and cross the street and you will see wide sidewalk
full of shops and restaurants. You should follow this exact street. In the
distance around 200 meters on your right is Tourist Information where you can
get free city map and some tips. Frankly, all of colonnades are located close
to each other and you can reach them within 5 up to 15 minutes of walk. So as
you can see it's perfect place for rather lazy sightseeing and relax.
Sightseeing time!
First what you can see during your walk
from Terminal is big white building in pseudo- baroque style, called Elizabeth
Baths, which is a SPA complex. This place is surrounded by beautiful garden
with palm trees!
If you walk along Tepla River, your next
stop will be Hotel Termal, which is probably the highest building in Karlovy
Vary famous for hosting important film festival. Keep walking into park nearby
you will get to arbour with springs. This is the place where you can buy your
own cup and enjoy tasting healing waters of resort.
Town of collonades
Going straight next on your way will be
impressive pseud- renaissance colonnade Mill Colonnade with greek style columns
and palms everywhere. This is the place where you can find four different
springs and drink them aside the river. Next on you will reach Market Colonnade
which is my favorite of all. This amazingly detailed wooden arbour is made in Swiss
style and it is the oldest bath in the town. This construction appears as otherworldly
with its spotless white inside and outside. You just have to experience
yourself how beautiful it is.
But the main pearl is just few meters
further and I am talking about actual geyser in the town center! You can see geyser
that gushes to a height to a couple of meters and steam that comes out of
channel next to it. This, in my opinion, it one of the must- see there.
Panoramic view
If you would like to see some panorama of
the whole city just keep going by the river and at the crossroad go a bit
right. Hidden street leads to funicular, which takes you to Diana, an overlook
tower. Ticket both ways costs around 140 Kc and the car goes every 15 minutes.
If you prefer you can hike to the hill at least two different routes. The tower
is free of charge and it has a lift, so you don't need to take a stairs. From
the top, you have view to Karlovy Vary and the whole neighborhood.
Useful tip: While being in Karlovy Vary don't
forget to try something local like Lazensky Oplatek, which is thin waffle with
filling in many tastes like coconut, chocolate or hazelnut. It's very sweet and
delicious and it costs like 10 Kc for piece.
That's all I can say about Karlovy Vary and
reasons why to visit it. I find it perfect for one-day trip, because it's
pretty close to Prague and because of it coziness you can reach almost all of
the attractions within couple of hours. You have plenty places to walk and rest
and if the weather is good you can enjoy every minute in this SPA resort.
Marta