Karlovy Vary Spa Town

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary lies on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá. It is named after Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and the King of Bohemia, who founded the city. Karlovy Vary is the site of numerous hot springs (13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River), and is the most visited spa town in the Czech Republic. In 2021, the city became part of the transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name 'Great Spa Towns of Europe'.

From the end of the 12th century to the early 13th century, German settlers from nearby German-speaking regions came as settlers, craftsmen and miners to develop the region's economy. Eventually, Karlovy Vary/Karlsbad became a town with a German-speaking population.

In 1325, Obora, a village in the today's city area, was mentioned. Karlovy Vary as a small spa settlement was founded most likely around 1349. According to a legend, Charles IV organized an expedition into the forests surrounding modern-day Karlovy Vary during a stay in Loket. It is said that his party once discovered a hot spring by accident, and thanks to the water from the spring, Charles IV healed his injured leg. On the site of a spring, he established a spa.

An important political event took place in the city in 1819, with the issuing of the Carlsbad Decrees following a conference there. Initiated by the Austrian Minister of State Klemens von Metternich, the decrees were intended to implement anti-liberal censorship within the German Confederation.

Due to publications produced by physicians such as David Becher and Josef von Löschner, the city developed into a famous spa resort in the 19th century and was visited by many members of European aristocracy as well as celebrities from many fields of endeavour. It became even more popular after railway lines were completed from Prague to Cheb in 1870.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in Czech Republic

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Джамиля Мурзабекова (13 months ago)
I am honored to stay at the most prominent Hotel "Savoy Westend Hotel". Oh by the way, I got along with one barista, her name is Clara , she made excellent Latte Machiato. Thank you, Clara Thank you for your love and care❤️ You are the most down to eart, informative and intelligent people ?? I will recommend to my friends and colleagues your fantastic Hotel in Czech Republic ??
Maria Gl (14 months ago)
Superb customer service and beautiful fully equipped rooms. Overall such a great experience and grateful to receive attention to details and great staff service in not so customer service oriented Czech Republic. Rooms are specious and fully equipped. Hotel is short walk to town and just across the forest for walks and Diana tower trail. Spa facilities are nice with large pool , steam room and sauna. I wish it was open until 9pm at least and not 7pm.
Kelly Plorin (14 months ago)
We had such a wonderful stay here. Upon arrival, the staff was incredibly kind and accommodating. He walked us around the hotel to show us the spa, pool, and our room. The location was perfect and within walking distance to many restaurants. We had a great stay here and would recommend it to anyone.
Anna B (14 months ago)
We recently enjoyed a family stay at the Savoy Westend from June 30th to July 23rd. We would like to express our immense gratitude to the entire staff of the hotel. Our holiday was wonderful! With our extensive travel experience, having visited numerous destinations, it’s rare to encounter such a high level of service combined with such wonderful individuals. Every aspect, from the sales department, the reception, the restaurant, to the medical center and housekeeping, was of the highest caliber. We’ve concluded that this is the best sanatorium in Karlovy Vary with truly professional staff. We didn’t want to leave, but we are certain to return for the comfort, care, delectable meals, the spacious warm pool, and above all, the incredible people. Thank you immensely for such an astounding vacation!
Jaroslav Mida (16 months ago)
The hotel received sanctions by the end of June. You can not pay for anything as they can not accept the payments. The hotel is a typical Karlovy Vary russian style hotel, older, never a 5*ish, rather 3*, focused largely on Russian clientele. Rooms are the same style, but a but better than in similar hotels in Vary. Sauna world is old, the pool is nice.
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