Welcome to Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary, pronounced Carlsbad in English, and translated as meaning "Charles' Bath", is a city of about 35 000 situated in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, about 130km west of the capital, Prague. It is named after The King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, who founded Karlovy Vara in 1370. Karlovy Vara is famous for its hot springs and mineral water which is said to give life to 100 years of age if drunk everyday. All around the city are spouts containing this holy mineral water where people fill up mugs to drink it while walking. This mineral water is the basis of many famous Czech legends, said to have healing powers and life adding abilities. 

Holy mineral water of Karlovy Vara

Mineral water, looks safe right?

In the 19th century, Karlovy Vary became a popular tourist destination, especially for international celebrities. The city is known for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, attracting celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp every year. Karlovy Vary has been used as the main location for a number of films including Last Holiday filmed in 2006 and the James Bond hit Casino Royale, both of which films used the city's Grandhotel Pupp. 

Karlovy Vara is such a beautiful city with so much amazing architecture, history, beauty, and class. The rows of old, unique buildings stretch up and down the winding streets of the city, and around every turn is something new. Hidden away are delicious cafes, one of which Nonika and I visited and fell in love with, so so good! We tried the traditional garlic and potato soup along with a few other things. Thermal baths are everywhere and are a must do if you are here at the right time of the year to get the real Czech experience! Also, you cannot go here without trying spa wafers, sold at various street stands throughout the city. They come in so many different flavours including lemon, coconut, vanilla, white chocolate, etc. They are delicious, especially when served warm!

We love spa wafers!!


After our walking tour of the history of the city, Nonika and I spent the rest of the afternoon together wandering through the cobblestone streets through small shops and bakeries that line the roads. There is so much to see in Karlovy Vary and just wandering around the city can captivate you. It so beautiful and has so much character. It is a must see place if you are ever in Czech Republic!