Quick Picks for Hiking in Karlovy Vary

Are you short on time but want to see the best scenery? The spa woods offer diverse options for every type of traveler. Some paths are paved and easy, while others are more rugged and wild.

• Best Overall: Diana Observation Tower for the best views and easy access.
• Best for Families: St. Linhart Game Reserve to see deer and wild boar.
• Best for Photos: Deer Leap Lookout for the iconic chamois statue.
• Best Hidden Gem: Goethe’s Lookout Tower for a quiet, forest experience.

For those who prefer shorter walks, check out these best easy hiking trails near Karlovy Vary center. They are perfect for a morning stroll before visiting the thermal springs.

11 Must-Visit Karlovy Vary Spa Woods Hiking Trails

The spa woods are a maze of beauty and history. Each trail leads to a unique monument or a breathtaking lookout. Here are the top spots you should not miss during your visit.

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous 360-degree view of the city and Ore Mountains. Best for: First-time visitors and families. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free entry to the tower; small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from the city or walk the steep forest path. Tip: Visit the butterfly house located right next to the tower.
2. Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: This is the symbol of Karlovy Vary with its famous chamois statue. Best for: Iconic photos and historical lore. Where: A short walk from the Diana funicular middle station. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow markers from the town center. Tip: The statue is smaller than it looks in photos, so get close for the best shot.
3. Name: Charles IV Lookout Tower Type: Historical Sight Why go: A beautiful brick tower built in a Gothic style with great views. Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers. Where: Southern part of the spa woods. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike the green trail from the Diana Tower. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time climbing up.
4. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Tower Type: Hidden Gem Why go: It is one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic structures in the area. Best for: People looking for a quiet, long hike. Where: Height of the Eternal Youth. Time: 3 hours round trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the city or visit Goethe’s Lookout Tower for more details. Tip: There is a small café often open at the base during weekends.
5. Name: St. Linhart Game Reserve Type: Nature/Experience Why go: You can see fallow deer, Dybowski deer, and wild boar in large enclosures. Best for: Nature lovers and children. Where: Near the Doubí district. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take bus number 6 or hike the blue trail from the center. Tip: Visit the St. Linhart church ruins nearby for a spooky historical vibe.
6. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže) Type: Viewpoint/Sight Why go: Three large wooden crosses stand on a cliff overlooking the valley. Best for: Sunset views and spiritual atmosphere. Where: Eastern side of the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the steep path from the Vřídlo spring area. Tip: This is a great spot to avoid the crowds found at Diana.
7. Name: Findlater’s Obelisk Type: Historical Monument Why go: A tribute to a Scottish earl who helped fund the local trails. Best for: Quiet reflection and forest bathing. Where: Near the Teplá River valley. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk the forest path from the Richmond Park Hotel. Tip: The trail here is relatively flat and very peaceful.
8. Name: Svatosske Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: Day Trip Why go: Stunning granite rock formations that look like a wedding procession. Best for: Hikers who want a full-day nature experience. Where: About 7km outside the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail along the Ohře River or see this Svatosske Rocks guide. Tip: Stop at the riverside restaurant for a local beer after your walk.
9. Name: Ecumenical Chapel Type: Unique Experience Why go: A modern, minimalist wooden chapel tucked deep in the woods. Best for: Architecture fans and those seeking silence. Where: Near the St. Linhart area. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked nature trail from the game reserve. Tip: The light inside the chapel is beautiful during the late afternoon.
10. Name: Petrova výšina (Peter’s Height) Type: Historical Viewpoint Why go: Named after Peter the Great, who supposedly rode a horse up this cliff. Best for: History lovers and quick views. Where: Just below the Diana Tower. Time: 30 minutes from Diana. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the path from the Diana Observation Tower. Tip: Look for the bust of the Tsar carved into the rock.
11. Name: Doubská hora (Aberg) Type: Viewpoint Why go: A high stone tower offering views deep into the Slavkov Forest. Best for: Serious hikers wanting a challenge. Where: The highest point in the immediate spa woods. Time: 3-4 hours round trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the blue trail from the St. Linhart area. Tip: The trail is steep, so wear proper hiking boots for this one.

Planning Your Hike in the Spa Woods

Hiking in Karlovy Vary is very safe and well-organized. The Czech Republic is famous for its excellent trail marking system. You will see colored stripes (red, blue, green, or yellow) on trees and poles. These colors match the maps you can find at the official tourism office.

Most trails are accessible year-round. However, winter can make some steep paths slippery. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The colors of the leaves in October are truly spectacular. Summer is also great, as the forest provides natural shade from the heat.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. While some paths are paved, many are dirt and gravel. It is also wise to bring a bottle of water. You can fill it with mineral water from the springs in town before you start. If you want a more relaxed trip, try avoiding crowds in Karlovy Vary by hiking early in the morning.