Interesting towns and municipalities in the Region of Karlovy Vary

The Region of Karlovy Vary is home to a number of architectural monuments and beautiful places in the countryside. Get to know the most interesting towns and municipalities.

Karlovy Vary

The largest Czech spa town was established in the 14th century by the Emperor Charles IV. Thousands of tourists come to experience the unique spa care here every year. The long spa history gave the town also a number of unique monuments, including several colonnades, churches, spa hotels, lookout towers, etc.

• Mill, Hot Spring, Park and Chateau colonnades
• Hot Spring
• Chateau Tower
• St Mary Magdalene's Church
• The Orthodox church of St Peter and Paul
• Grandhotel Pupp
• Diana lookout tower
• Municipal Theatre
• And a number of others

Ostrov

The town of Ostrov is situated at a foothill of the Ore Mountains, within a 10-minute drive from Karlovy Vary. The historical part of the town boasts a number of historical buildings constructed in the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The most prominent ones include the cemetery Church of St James the Greater from the first half of the 13th century. Another attraction is represented by the newly reconstructed monastery area of the Holy Precinct, and Ostrov chateau surrounded by a picturesque chateau park.

Bečov nad Teplou

Bečov was founded already in the 13^th century. Its most prominent monument is represented by the castle and chateau complex. Besides the period interiors, it also houses the Romanesque St Maurus Reliquary, a unique example of Medieval goldsmiths' art from the early 13^th century. It is the second most important monument after the Czech crowning jewels.

Loket

The town of Loket and its Medieval castle, founded already in the 13th century, belong to the most popular destinations in the Region of Karlovy Vary. The castle offers a unique exhibition of torture instruments and methods in the castle prison, an exhibition of porcelain and weapons, as well as a number of tales and legends. Outside the castle, there are other historical buildings: St Wenceslas Church, the town hall, etc.

Cheb

The town of Cheb with its castle fort had been fulfilling its role in protecting the border since the 12th century. Only a small part now remains from the original building but it is still worth visiting. The history of the town is also closely related with the personality of Albrecht von Wallenstein, who stayed there several times with his soldiers and he was finally murdered here in the building now housing the museum. The museum, just like a majority of other historically important buildings, is located at Krále Jiřího z Poděbrad Square.

• A set of burgher houses from the 13^th century called "Špalíček"
• St Nicolas Church
• St Wenceslas Church
• Franciscan church with a cloister
• And others...

Lázně Kynžvart

The town of Lázně Kynžvart does not offer only the golf course and spa focusing on children but also a Renaissance chateau with a spacious chateau park. The exhibition contains collections of the former Austrian Chancellor Metternich, the most popular among them is probably the curios cabinet with Egyptian mummies, the Empress Maria Theresa's comb, Alexandre Dumas' desk and other interesting items.

Horní hrad

Horní hrad Chateau (originally the Medieval castle of Hauenstein) was used for protecting the trade route leading through the Ohře River valley. The original castle was rebuilt in the 19th century into a spacious chateau in the English Neo-Gothic style. The chateau fell into serious disrepair in the 20th century. Now it is being gradually reconstructed and it was possible to open it to the public again. The exhibition will introduce not only the history of the castle to the visitors, but also its gradual renovation. An arboretum with a botanical garden forms a part of the complex.

Chyše

You will find a Neo-Gothic chateau in the town of Chyše, established in the location of the original fort from the 12^th century. The chateau interiors as well as an exhibition dedicated to the Czech writer Karel Čapek who stayed here, mysterious chateau underground and family brewery are worth seeing. You will find several more, mostly church, monuments in Chyše.

Seeberg (Ostroh)

Seeber Castle belongs to one of the oldest places in the region. It was a favourite place of J. W. Goethe or the Czech writer Božena Němcová. You will find a unique Romanesque stork tower and Gothic south palace here. The interiors offer furniture from the 19th century, a period clothing exhibition, and a "black kitchen" with original utensils. A small open-air museum illustrating the life of the Cheb rural population in the 19th century is part of the exhibition as well.

Mariánské Lázně

Mariánské Lázně is the second largest spa in the Czech Republic, after Karlovy Vary. You will find a number of unique mineral springs here too, as well as historical spa buildings. Besides the spa colonnades, pavilions and gazebos surrounded by greenery, the Singing Fountain is a great attraction. We should not forget about significant church buildings either, along with a "Miniaturpark" and the beautiful protected landscape of the Slavkovský Forest.

Františkovy Lázně

The spa town was founded in honour of the Emperor Franz I and it treats mostly women's medical problems and sterility. The significant spa monuments, such as colonnades, pavilions and gazebos, built mostly in the Empire and Classicist styles, are spread all around in the municipal greenery. Besides the spa architecture, the municipal museum, St. James' Church, the Salingburg lookout tower or the popular swimming pool complex Aquaforum are worth mentioning.