The abundance of curative natural springs have established until now, a more than six-hundred year long tradition of balneology in this region. The hottest spring is called Vřídlo. Its temperature reaches 73˚C and the well springs up to 14 metres. Another regional pride is the
SOOS National Nature Reserve (map). This extensive peat and mud bog is famous for mineral springs and carbon dioxide spouts that rise from so-called moffettes – mud volcanoes. There is also the
Slavkovský Les Protected Landscape Area (map) with a network of walking and cycling trails that bring visitors closer to the attractive nature and historical monuments (Premonstrate Monastery in Teplá
(map), Loket Castle
(map), Bečov nad Teplou Castle
(map) and Kynžvart Castle
(map), Smraďoch Educational Trail ). A part of the Kladská
(map) educational trail is also accessible for wheelchairs.
The little castle town of Bečov nad Teplou is well-known for one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in the Czech Republic and the
St. Maori Shrine, the second most valuable historical monument in the Czech Republic (after the Coronation Jewels). The shrine was discovered in 1985 under the floor of the castle chapel.
The
Karlovy Vary Region is famous for a great number of important cultural events. Without doubt, the most popular event is the
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, visited by world-famous film stars every year. There are regular music festivals which include, for example, Dvořák Autumn Festival in Karlovy Vary, the International Jazz Festival and Beethoven Days. Mariánské Lázně is known for the International Chopin Festival.
Not even sports lovers are kept short in this region, especially those who are keen on aristocratic golf. There is a great selection of 10 golf courses. Skiers can try winter sports resorts in the Rune Mountains – the most popular destination is
Klínovec (map) and
Boží Dar (map).
Traditional industrial branches are well maintained and successfully developed – e.g. glass production (Moser and Crystalex glassworks), china porcelain (Thun), herb liqueur (Becherovka), mineral water (Mattoni) and musical instruments (Amati).