Karlovy Vary is probably the best known spa town in the Bohemia region of the western Czech Republic. Over the past 100 years it has become a haven for many people with minor ailments who flock to the hot springs and beautiful countryside.

The town was founded by Charles IV, the king of Bohemia, in 1370. It is also knows as Carlsbad or Karlsbad. It became a well-known destination at the beginning of the 19th century when thousands of visitors started to visit the town for the numerous hot springs found there. It was said that if other arthritis remedies were not working for you, the spas of Carlsbad provided guaranteed relief from the discomforts of arthritis.

Karlovy Vary is a favorite destination for visitors from all over Europe and even further afield. It is also a highly regarded retiring destination. The town has developed a slightly Bohemian atmosphere and many artists nowadays call it home. It also hosts the yearly Eastern European film festival. If you would like to attend this, book accommodation well in advance.

Karlovy also hosts a large number of other artistic and musical events every year. To watch the green hills around town while an orchestra plays the music of the old masters is a very special type of experience which you will remember for a long time to come. And if classical music is not your scene: I once listened to a rock band there where the lead player did things to an Ibanez electric guitar which I wouldn’t do to my worst enemy!

Just outside town you will find a cog-wheel railway which takes you to the top of the highest hill in the area. From the lookout point you have amazing views of the green Bohemian hills disappearing into the distance and the two rivers meeting in Karlovy Vary, the Tepla and the Ohre. And at your feet the stunning baroque town of Carlsbad.

The town has been the location for quite a number of international films. Including the James Bond movie Casino Royal and the 2006 film Last Holiday starring Whoopi Goldberg. Taking into account the numerous spas, historical hotels and beautiful countryside this is no surprise. There are also a number of smaller towns in the surrounding hills with similar beauty which could be visited during a day trip from Karlovy Vary.

During the past twenty years Karlovy Vary has also become a center of learning. There are now quite a few good quality English language schools and you will find even more in the surrounding small towns. The strategic position of the town (only 130 km from Prague) certainly contributed to this.

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