Why Visit Karlovy Vary and Its Iconic Church

Karlovy Vary has welcomed famous guests for centuries. Kings, composers, and poets came here for the thermal waters. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxing. You will feel like you stepped back in time. The streets are lined with colorful buildings and luxury hotels. It is the perfect place for a slow-paced vacation.

The Orthodox Church St Peter and Paul is a highlight of the local architecture. It was built in the late 19th century for Russian visitors. These guests wanted a place to pray while visiting the spas. The church stands in the quiet Westend district. It is surrounded by beautiful villas and lush green trees. The design is based on a famous church near Moscow.

The town is famous for its twelve main mineral springs. People walk around with special porcelain cups to drink the water. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content. Many believe these waters can cure various health issues. You can learn more about these traditions at the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. It is a unique cultural experience you won't forget.

10 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

There are many wonderful places to explore in this city. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. We have included historical sites, nature, and local museums. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking. The city center is mostly a pedestrian zone.

• Best Overall: Orthodox Church St Peter and Paul
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best Rainy Day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best Free Sight: Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Orthodox Church St Peter and Paul Type: sight Why go: This is the most important Orthodox building in the city. It features five gold-plated domes and rich Byzantine decorations. The interior is filled with beautiful icons and a massive wooden iconostasis. It offers a peaceful escape from the busy spa center. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Westend District. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations appreciated). Getting there: Walk uphill from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Look for the relief of Tsar Peter the Great nearby.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five mineral springs. It is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture. You can read more in our Mill Colonnade guide. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk along the Tepla River. Tip: Visit at night when the columns are beautifully lit.
3. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: nature Why go: This modern building houses the Vřídlo geyser. The water shoots up to 12 meters high. It is the hottest spring in the city at 72 degrees Celsius. Check out the Vridlo geyser details for more info. Best for: Nature enthusiasts. Where: Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Take the underground tour to see the spring's source.
4. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: This tower offers the best views of the city and forests. You can reach it by a historic funicular. There is also a butterfly house and a mini-zoo at the top. Learn about the Diana funicular and tower here. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: On a hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Funicular station is near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the woods for a scenic route.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: This museum is dedicated to the famous herbal liqueur, Becherovka. You can learn about the secret recipe and history. The tour includes a tasting session of different varieties. See our Jan Becher Museum tour guide. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Short walk from the main bus station. Tip: Buy a bottle at the shop for a great souvenir.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: experience Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." You can watch master glassmakers at work in the foundry. The museum shows the history of this world-famous brand. Read the Moser visitor guide for details. Best for: Craft lovers. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus number 1, 2, or 22. Tip: Book the foundry tour in advance to ensure a spot.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure is built in a Swiss style. It covers three springs, including Charles IV Spring. Legend says the Emperor discovered the waters here. Learn about the Market Colonnade history. Best for: History fans. Where: Opposite the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Look for the bronze relief depicting the city's founding.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: experience Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has appeared in many movies, including James Bond. Even if you don't stay there, you can visit the cafe. Check out the Grandhotel Pupp movie locations. Best for: Movie fans and luxury seekers. Where: At the end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour (for coffee). Cost: Free to see; cafe prices are high. Getting there: Walk along the river to the south end. Tip: Try the Pupp cake in the hotel's Grand Cafe.
9. Name: Deer Leap Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: This is the oldest lookout point in the city. It features a famous statue of a mountain goat (chamois). The views of the valley are spectacular. It is a great spot for a quick hike. Best for: Active travelers. Where: In the woods above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the center or take the Diana funicular halfway. Tip: The path is steep, so wear sturdy shoes.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This 12th-century Gothic castle is just a short trip away. It sits on a rocky cliff surrounded by a river. You can explore the torture chambers and the castle tower. It feels like a fairy tale setting. Best for: Medieval history lovers. Where: Town of Loket (12km away). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or train. Tip: Visit during the medieval festival if you travel in summer.

Planning Your Visit to the Orthodox Church St Peter and Paul

The Orthodox Church St Peter and Paul is an active place of worship. You should plan your visit carefully to be respectful. It is usually open daily for tourists. However, times may change during religious services. Early morning is the best time for quiet reflection. The light is also best for photos at this time.

Please remember to dress modestly when entering. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Women may want to bring a light scarf for their heads. Keep your voice low inside the sanctuary. Photography is often allowed, but do not use a flash. Check for signs near the entrance for any specific rules.

The walk to the church is quite steep. It is located on a hill in the Westend area. This neighborhood is full of grand 19th-century villas. Many of these were built for wealthy visitors from across Europe. Take your time walking up to enjoy the architecture. You can find more tips on the Visit Czechia website.

How to Get Around Karlovy Vary

Most of the main sights are in the pedestrian zone. Walking is the best way to see the colonnades. The path along the Tepla River is flat and easy. It connects the main spa areas and shopping streets. You will find many benches to rest along the way.

For longer distances, use the local bus system. The buses are clean, frequent, and reliable. You can buy tickets from machines or via a mobile app. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site has current schedules. This is helpful for reaching the Moser Glassworks or the train station.

If you arrive by train, you will likely use the main station. It is located a bit outside the spa center. You can take a bus or a taxi to your hotel. The Karlovy Vary railway station connects the city to Prague. The journey takes about two to three hours by train or bus.