Karlsbad

Karlsbad, known in Czech as Karlovy Vary, is a spa town in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. It sits in the valley of the Teplá River, near the German border, about 120 kilometers west of Prague. It is the seat of the Karlovy Vary Region and a renowned center of spa culture and tourism.

Historically, the site has medieval origins. The town was founded in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, who is said to have discovered the local springs and established a royal spa. The spa industry grew in the 18th and 19th centuries as European elites visited for therapeutic treatments and socializing. After World War II, the German-speaking population left and the town underwent demographic changes.

The town contains a number of mineral springs and spa pavilions along a promenade that follows the Teplá River. Notable structures include the Vřídelní (Hot Spring) Colonnade and the Mlýnská (Mill) Colonnade, as well as grand hotels such as the Grandhotel Pupp. The architecture ranges from Baroque and Classical to Art Nouveau.

Cultural life includes the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of Europe’s oldest and largest film events, attracting international filmmakers and audiences. The town’s economy centers on healthcare, spa services, and tourism.

Transportation: Karlovy Vary is linked by rail to Prague and other Czech cities and has the Karlovy Vary International Airport nearby. The city is a popular year-round destination for spa visitors and cultural events.