The Pearl of European Spas: Experience Karlovy Vary with a Wafer and a Glass of Medicinal Water in Hand

There are several legends about Karlovy Vary. Many people know the one about its founding, or know where to find this story. But it is said that our biggest spa is boring. We will not refute the first myth, but we do not agree with the second. Karlovy Vary is a town of experiences, and we will now convince you of that.

The town founded by Charles IV extends in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the Teplá and Ohře rivers. Since ancient times, Karlovy Vary has been a sought-after tourist destination. Families with children, seniors, groups of friends or lovers can spend a wonderful holiday here. We begin our coverage where it all began. At Vřídlo. We do not recommend bathing directly in the source of the spring, but you must try the legendary Karlovy Vary bath offered as part of the procedures in some spa sanatoriums, because thermal water is absolutely unique. It contains 47 elements. Among them are carbon dioxide, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and many other mineral substances. It excels in its ability to detoxify and regenerate the organism. It can thus alleviate post-operative conditions, but is also beneficial to people with mental illnesses. Procedures of this type are offered, for example, in Elizabeth Spa. Sixty procedures are available to the general public in the 1906 municipal-run building. Favourites include a relaxing Princess Sissi bath, massages and peat wraps. Most often, however, the Karlovy Vary miraculous water is used as a drinking cure. For this purpose, water in Karlovy Vary is taken from 13 springs out of a total of 28. A spa doctor prescribes a drinking treatment tailored to each individual. It can be taken even three times a day, always before meals. Water should be sipped from typical porcelain cups, preferably while walking along the colonnade, the most famous one being Mlýnská. It is ideal to drink the contents of a 200 ml cup within 10 minutes. During the 3-week treatment, one can drink up to 1 litre of this medicinal water per day. It contains about 6.5 g of minerals. Now pay attention! If we convert this amount into half-gram tablets the size of a common pain reliever, you will ingest a total of 280 tablets full of beneficial minerals. Do you also wonder what happens regarding the Karlovy Vary water in your body? It mixes with the contents in the stomach and, after cooling to roughly body temperature, is emptied into the intestine, where its components are absorbed. They go to the liver through the bloodstream or directly via the body's circulation to the tissues. Therefore, the treatment is most often recommended for patients with diseases of the digestive and locomotor systems, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, gout and dental diseases. This centuries-proven spa treatment, together with other artefacts of Karlovy Vary, has reached the highest levels of global cultural heritage. Deservedly, together with 10 other towns, Karlovy Vary has been included in the UNESCO list since 2021.

The quality of the spring water is checked daily by employees of the Administration of Natural Curative Resources and Colonnades. At 10 boreholes, they use instruments to record precise flow rates and water temperature every six seconds. The bacteriological nature of the springs is also checked and its chemico-physical sampling is carried out. Are you feeling a bit queasy about all of this? Don't despair. Let's sweeten it now with a typical local speciality. A sweet spa wafer. The crispy goodness has been baked in Karlovy Vary since 1788. It is prepared in several flavours, but should always be light and warm. You can improve your taste with one more delicacy. Liquid again – Becherovka herbal liqueur. During a visit to the Becherovka Museum, you will be introduced to the production of this alcoholic drink, but they will not reveal its recipe, which has been kept secret for centuries.

Several amazing restaurants in Karlovy Vary will take care of your other gastronomic experiences. Little Versailles, located in the Westend district, opposite the Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest iconic venues in Karlovy Vary. The first mention of a "restaurant in the garden" dates back to 1759. Chef Petr Ploc and his team use mainly home-made products from local suppliers for the preparation of meals. They offer original Czech as well as international cuisine to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. You will experience privacy and a family atmosphere at the Tusculum restaurant. Here, too, they bet mainly on fresh local ingredients, from which original seasonal dishes are created. The owners have a farm where they grow vegetables, sprouts, herbs and edible flowers. They also raise calves. But you can also enjoy delicious meals in the restaurant of the Promenáda Hotel, in the Smíchov pavilion or the LaMarche adventure restaurant.

For excellent coffee, you must go to the Elephant Confectionery. The Art Nouveau building from the second half of the 18th century was once one of the most famous spots in town for the delicious black beverage and something sweet to eat. Moreover, a number of famous confectioners have passed through its kitchen, having learned their craft here. In addition, the café of the Grandhotel Pupp is also opulent. The atmosphere here is world-class. In terms of selection and environment, it does not lag behind well-known Viennese or Budapest enterprises. Not only will you dine well in Pupp, but at the same time this 300-year-old hotel will provide you with some of the most stylish accommodation. In this regard, the Imperial Sanatorium, built in 1912, will also fulfil your desires. The complex is one of the landmarks of the town. Superb services are offered by Savoy Westend, Hotel Carlsbad Plazza, Sanatorium Richmond and Hotel Astoria. However, one of the newest buildings is also famous, namely the Hotel Thermal, built in 1977. The hotel complex with its timeless design, bearing elements of Brutalism, was designed by the Machonin couple of architects. It was intended to be used mainly for the needs of the International Film Festival, which purpose it still serves to this day. The building is owned by the State and is currently undergoing a very expensive renovation. The renovation also touched on the unique outdoor pool with hot thermal water. The public welcomed this step very much, because it is from here that one of the most beautiful views of the heart of Karlovy Vary can be seen.

Views of the wider surroundings and the spa itself can be enjoyed from several lookouts, heights and gazebos. Children will certainly appreciate the cable car trip to Diana. It is said that if you have not seen the Diana observation tower you have not seen Karlovy Vary. Those of a romantic nature should not miss a hike to Goethe's observation tower and the Charles IV Lookout. The Castle Tower will be opened in the town centre this year, on the site of the original Gothic castle of the founder of the spa. The view from it often amazes even local residents. Karlovy Vary is full of life from spring to autumn. It is a misconception that you must go to this wonderful town "just" for treatment or at the beginning of summer during the International Film Festival. Golfers, runners and cyclists will not be bored here all year round. There are three golf courses in the immediate vicinity of the town. What's more, one course is right in the spa area. However, the most famous course is in Olšová Vrata. It was already built in 1904 and is among the oldest in Central Europe.

You will increase your adrenaline level while cheering at the racetrack. Since time immemorial, this pastime has belonged to the spa atmosphere. The season starts here in April, and the races held are among the most prestigious in the Republic. Fans of outdoor sport will surely be delighted by the abundance of running and cycling routes in the adjacent spa forests. After all, there is nothing nicer than taking in a good breath of fresh air.

Everyone chooses their own pace of holiday in Karlovy Vary. The time spent here will fly by as quickly as one can flip through all the photos taken on one's mobile phone in the comfort of your home. It is certain, however, that you will never forget your visit to Karlovy Vary – the Pearl of European Spas. In the same way, the specific salty taste of the thermal springs and the flavour of the sweet hazelnut wafer will remain in your memory forever.

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