Introduction
Karlovy Vary is one of the oldest and largest health spas in Europe. Founded in the year 1358 by the then emperor Charles IV, it was under his rule that Karlovy Vary had flourished. Situated at the confluence of the two rivers, Teplá and Oh?e, in the Západo?esk? region of Western Bohemia, Karlovy Vary’s hot medicinal mineral water spring is famous world over for its very effective curing value of stomach ailments. The mineral water is one of the hottest in the world with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 72°C. A large number of tourists visit this place every year.

Karlovy Vary is also known as one of the important places of Europe that hosts the International Film Festival every alternate year. It also organises some other festivals including the Dvorak Autumn Music Festival, an event worth witnessing for its melodious music.

The picturesque surroundings, the neat and clean atmosphere, and the beautiful buildings are some of the other inviting factors that attract the tourists to Karlovy Vary. The old town area is characterised by tall nineteenth-century buildings. The picturesque Teplá river valley houses the Belle Époque mansion that adds to the natural beauty of the valley. In the Southern section of the town, modern buildings, including the town’s colonnades, dominate the landscape.

What to do
Natural good health signifies Karlovy Vary. The city is famous for its health spa, one of the largest and oldest in Europe. The hot-water spring is a must-visit site here. Its naturally hot water spring has been successfully attracting tourists since time immemorial. The spring is said to have proven record of curing stomach ailments. If you visit Karlovy Vary during summers, the International Tour Film Festival is an event not to miss. The autumn music festival is another attraction of Karlovy Vary. The picturesque confluence of the Teplá and Oh?e rivers and the river valley are also worth visiting.

As if the picturesque sites and the storehouse of health were not enough of reasons to visit Karlovy Vary, it also has provision for adventure sports including hiking and trekking. Karlovy Vary is also famous for its porcelain, china, and glasswares.

History
Karlovy Vary is believed have been known to the Romans. However, it was founded only in 1358 by Charles IV, the Emperor of Bohemia. According to the local records, it was under the patronage of Charles IV that Karlovy Vary flourished as the most important site of the Czech Republic and gained prosperity. Legend has it that in 1347, Charles IV, while on a hunting spree near his castle, discovered the V??dlo, the hottest spring in Karlovy Vary (72.7°C). Further investigation revealed that the spring gushes a 47-feet geyser of hot water possessing high quality healing power. Later on, as per the instruction of the emperor’s physician, baths had been made in the place, and two years later, Charles founded an establishment there.

With the passing of time, the news of the medicinal spring spread in most part of Europe. Many rulers, princes, clerics, and noblemen visited this spa and the sixteenth century saw Karlovy Vary a significant watering place.

Karlovy Vary’s water treatment varied from time to time. The initial way of treatment included soaking in the water for two days until the body becomes sore. But later, the treatment was changed to drinking the medicinal water only. A local belief says that drinking 500 cups a day can cure even the disease of poverty!

Karlovy Vary has been badly devastated during the thirty years of wartime (1618–1648) by fire, wartime damages, and flood. Later in 1704, a bathing establishment was made to meet the demand that arose out of the international status of Karlovy Vary. With the passing of time, the facilities in the health spas had been increased and Karlovy Vary now is one of the most sought-after destinations of Europe for gaining health.

Attractions
Hot Water Spring
The major attraction of Karlovy Vary is the hot water springs. There are 12 hot springs containing 40 chemical elements that are used to medically treat diseases of the digestive tract and metabolic disorders; so whether you have diarrhoea or constipation, this is the place to come. Surprisingly, the springs are the hottest in the world with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 72°C. Some of the springs are categorised as high-pressure springs with speeds of 660 gallons of alkaline—saline hot water that create a wonderful view on that spot.

The Marianske Lazne is among the many hot water springs of Karlovy Vary. It is unique for its 51 small springs, which differ by their chemical and mineral composition. Some of the other springs include the Rudolf Spring, the Cross Spring, Ferdinand Spring, the Forest or the Lesni Spring, the Ambrose Spring and the Excelsior.

The Fortress
Only a small portion of this fortress built in 6th century and further added on in 13 – 14th century has survived the earthquakes. In its heydays, it was so large that four horsemen could ride abreast on the top of the fortress.

Health Spa
There are a good number of health spas in Karlovy Vary. Most of the highly professional health spas here provide facilities like breakfast thereby serving as places of relaxation as well as luxury. The treatment in the spas consists of drinking therapy, baths, packs, and other spa procedures.

Teplá Monasteries and Churches
The wonderful Teplá valley has one of the most fascinating monasteries in the Czech Republic. The picturesque valley houses the Monastic Library, Monastic Park, and the Monastic Hospice. The valley is also famous for the Abbey Church, which is one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic.

Other Sites
Besides, there are some other sites that definitely deserve a visit. The Mill Colonnade, the Market Colonnade, the Imperial Bath, and other spa houses; the building of the theatre, Grand Hotel Pupp; and the Greek orthodox and Anglican churches are some of the important places to visit in Karlovy Vary.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Other Sites
Informality and young people are the two basic characteristics of the International Film Festival that is held in Karlovy Vary. This festival is an unspecialised competitive festival aiming at the development of artistic cinema as well as the film industry. It is held during the beginning of July every alternate year.

Autumn Festival
Another festival to witness in Karlovy Vary is the Dvorak Autumn Music Festival. The enthusiasm and celebrations are quite inviting. This festival is popular for its great festivities and melodious music.

GETTING AROUND
Loket
Eleven kilometres to the northwest of Karlovy Vary is the Loket. Famous for its 13th-century Gothic castle, Loket is a royal watch bastion. Rebuilt in the 16th century, it was used as a jail till the year 1949. It is a wonderful example of the contemporary architectural extravaganza. It also houses one 13th-century porcelain museum inside the castle.

Svatosske Cliffs
Situated at a distance of just 8 km from the Karlovy Vary, the Svatosske Cliffs is a group of bizarre formations. It is popularly known as the ‘petrified wedding procession’ due to its unusual appearance. Many cliffs formed out of sandstones make good location for mountaineering and trekking.

SHOPPING
Karlovy Vary is a shoppers’ paradise. Becherovka is one of the most famous products and an herb liqueur native to Karlovy Vary. This liqueur is believed to help in maintaining a smooth digestive routine. It is easily available in the local markets of Karlovy Vary. Besides, china, glass, and porcelain products of Karlovy Vary are famous for their beautiful designs and unique craftsmanship.

HOTELS
Karlovy Vary has a number of accommodation facilities. You can choose any of the hotels starting from five stars to three stars. The hotels offer a wide range of price tag to suit the budget of the tourists.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel
Czech Airways provides services to Prague, the gateway town of the Czech Republic. From here, one can easily opt for any of the road transport systems to reach Karlovy Vary.

Land and Water
Karlovy Vary has a very good network of international roadways that connects it with the other nearby places of Europe. It is well connected by train with the important places nearby. Czech Railways (CD) has well maintained train services to Karlovy Vary.