The Legend of the Deer Jump in Karlovy Vary

The legend of the Deer Jump in Karlovy Vary dates back to the 14th century. Emperor Charles IV was hunting in the dense Bohemian forests. His hounds chased a magnificent deer to a steep rocky cliff. The deer jumped from the rock to escape the hunters. It landed safely, but the dogs fell into a pool of boiling water.

The Emperor noticed the dogs were not hurt but healed. He realized the water had magical properties. This discovery led to the founding of the town. You can learn more about this history at the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism portal. The city eventually became a top destination for European royalty.

Interestingly, the famous statue at the lookout is not a deer. It is actually a chamois, a goat-antelope species. A wealthy patron placed it there in the 19th century. He wanted to mock the local legend. Today, it is the most iconic symbol of the city. The town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

10 Best Sights on the Deer Jump Lookout Hike

There are many what to see in Karlovy Vary options along the hills. This list highlights the best stops on the trail. Each spot offers a unique look at the city's heritage. Use this guide to plan your perfect walking route.

• Best overall: Jelení skok Viewpoint
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Vřídlo Geyser
• Best free activity: Colonnade walk

1. Name: Jelení skok (Deer Jump) Statue Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous photo spot in the city. You can see the metal chamois statue standing on a jagged rock. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: On the rocky ridge above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the forest paths from the town center. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the statue.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This tower offers a 360-degree view of the entire valley. It is located at the highest point of the hike. Best for: Panoramic views and families. Where: At the top of the Diana funicular. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry to the tower; small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: There is a mini-zoo and a butterfly house nearby for kids.
3. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful spring in town. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Vřídlo hot spring geyser hall. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the geyser. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Take an underground tour to see the thermal piping.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Experience Why go: This wooden, Swiss-style structure covers several healing springs. It is where the Emperor supposedly discovered the water. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Left bank of the Teplá River. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: An easy walk from the main street. Tip: Read the Karlovy Vary colonnades guide before visiting.
5. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five different springs. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: The main spa promenade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location in the pedestrian zone. Tip: Bring your own porcelain cup to taste the waters.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: See how world-class Bohemian crystal is made. The museum shows the history of this luxury brand. Best for: Art and craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a local bus from the center. Tip: Book a glassworks tour in advance to see the furnace.
7. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Unique experience Why go: Learn the secret recipe of Becherovka. This herbal liqueur is the "13th spring" of the city. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry (includes tasting). Getting there: Short walk from the main bus station. Tip: The museum shop offers exclusive gift sets.
8. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Indoor sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It sits right next to the Vřídlo geyser. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Above the Vřídlo Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Visible from almost anywhere in the center. Tip: Check for evening classical music concerts here.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This 12th-century castle is perched on a rocky cliff. It is just a short trip from Karlovy Vary. Best for: Medieval history lovers. Where: Town of Loket, 12km away. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Walk the ramparts for amazing views of the Ohře River.
10. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: Nature Why go: These granite rock formations look like a wedding procession. They are located in a beautiful river valley. Best for: Hikers and climbers. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue hiking trail from the city. Tip: There is a nice restaurant by the river for lunch.

Planning Your Karlovy Vary Visit in 2026

Visiting Karlovy Vary in 2026 is easier than ever. Most trails are well-marked and maintained. You should wear comfortable walking shoes for the hills. The weather is best from May to September. During these months, the gardens are in full bloom.

You can find more travel info at the Visit Czechia website. Public transport is very reliable in the city. Use the funicular to save energy on the climb. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the views. Always carry a small bottle for the spring water.

The city can get crowded during the Film Festival in July. If you want peace, visit in late spring. Many hotels offer spa treatments using the local water. It is a great way to relax after a long hike. Be sure to try the local spa wafers while you walk.