Top Things to Do in Karlovy Vary, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary – a name that is associated with class and luxury, James Bond, Becherovka, wafer and thermal springs. A town so unique that would linger in your mind long after you have left it. I totally fell in love with this town and having visited in pretty much all seasons, winter, spring and summer, I am a huge fan of its uniqueness and charm.

I’ll throw in a few sound tips on what to buy and see, while I am at it, you know, just to spice it up.

A little history is always a good thing, I believe. Helps you understand the whys and wherefores and the names of historical figures that might appear in the narration from time to time.

To begin with, Karlovy Vary (earlier Carlsbad) was founded in the Middle Ages by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor during one of his hunting trips. He chanced upon the mineral-rich thermal waters and decided to make this valley into a major “spa-town” – which is what Karlovy Vary is famous for even today. There are about 70 or more springs here, 13 of which are used for drinking cures. In the 18th and 19th centuries Karlovy Vary was the preferred choice of Europe’s rich and famous, the aristocrats, musicians (Beethoven and Mozart), Tolstoy…you get the idea, who came here to spent long hour drinking and soaking up the thermal waters. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).