Tourism

 

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Interesting places

The biggest Czech spa

When Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, founded what is now Karlovy Vary in about 1350, he surely did not anticipate that the spa was to later gain an international reputation.

The present shape of Karlovy Vary was most influenced by the late 19th-century developments deriving from historicism and the approaching Art Nouveau. Thanks to its hot healing springs, the fame of Karlovy Vary has spread all around the world. Twelve out of roughly 100 springs of various yield have been captured to be used for drinking cures. Mineral waters are similar in terms of composition, but they have varied effects based on different temperatures and content of carbon dioxide. Colder springs usually have a slightly laxative effect, while warmer ones have inhibiting effects and reduce bile and gastric secretions.

Spa treatments
Twelve healing springs rise in the spa. The strongest and best-known spring is Vřídlo, rising from the depth of approximately 2,000-3,000 meters. Its temperature reaches 73 degrees Celsius. The temperature of other springs is about 40 degrees Celsius. The springs cure mainly metabolic disorders; nevertheless, they are used for inhalations and baths alike.

Places of importance
Major local sights include St Andrew’s Church and the Orthodox Church of St Peter and Paul,  the Municipal Theater, Mlýnská kolonáda and the Church of St Mary Magdalene. The spa town is surrounded by the romantic mountainous landscape of the Krušné Mountain foothills. The wooded slopes conceal kilometers of forest trails that provide a variety of delightful walks and panoramatic views of the spa valley. Karlovy Vary is associated with the traditional production of crystal glass and porcelain, as well as with numerous festivals and concerts. Furthermore, the production of the acclaimed herbal liquor called Becherovka and the popular Mattoni bottled mineral water have been related to the town for more than two centuries.

Active relaxation
The country's oldest 18-hole golf course, golf hall with golf simulator, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, billiard, horseback riding, shooting range, skateboarding, karate, foot tennis, squash, pleasure flights over town.You are bound to enjoy playing golf on the local golf course, one of the oldest sites in Czech Republic, situated in a charming landscape. Competitions like Czech Tour, Citroen Cup, Eurotel Bohemia Tour, Mercedes Cup and many other attractive tournaments are held here on regular basis.

Leisure time
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (held without interruption since 1946), Mozart and Karlovy Vary Music Festival, International Festival of Tourism Films - Tourfilm, Dvořák’s Karlovy Vary Autumn Festival, International Jazz Festival, Antonín Dvořák International Singing Competition. Museum, Municipal Theatre, cinemas, galleries, dancing cafes, discos.

Further informationhttp://www.karlovyvary.cz