Karlovy

Karlovy Vary, commonly referred to as Karlovy, is a spa city in the western Czech Republic. It is the capital of the Karlovy Vary Region and lies on the Ohře River, near the German border. The city is renowned for its hot springs and spa culture, drawing visitors from around the world.

The springs have been known since medieval times, and the town grew up around them after Emperor Charles IV ordered the creation of a spa settlement in the 14th century. The German name Karlsbad and the Czech name Karlovy Vary mirror the same origin: Charles’s baths. The most famous spring is Vřídlo, which emerges at about 72°C.

Spa architecture dominates the city center, with purpose-built pavilions and colonnades along the Ohře and Teplá valleys. Notable structures include the Market Colonnade and the Mill Colonnade, along with bath houses and historic villas dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The area underscores Karlovy Vary’s status as a premier European spa destination.

Beyond its springs, the city hosts the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KV IFF), held annually since 1946 and regarded as one of the oldest film festivals in the world. It is also associated with Becherovka, a well-known herbal liqueur produced in the city, and with the historic Grandhotel Pupp, a landmark hotel.

With a population around fifty thousand, Karlovy Vary serves as the regional capital and is connected by road, rail, and air. The Karlovy Vary International Airport provides regional and international flights, while rail links connect the city with Prague and other destinations.