3 reasons why to visit Karlovy Vary
A spa town unique in many ways, the Grand Spa Town of Karlovy Vary, founded by the Emperor Charles IV in 14th century, is situated about 130 km west from Prague. Though its name might not seem familiar to you, there are some reasons to pay the visit. And to enjoy it.
1) drink the water and heal yourself
Legend has it that in the forests near the present Karlovy Vary, Emperor Charles IV found a hot spring that healed his injured leg. Since that day for centuries the visitors from all over the world make their way to Karlovy Vary looking for… healing water. At the very beginning, people were just swimming in its springs. Slowly discovering that the best way to absorb its healing power is actually drinking it.
Numerous buildings were built to develop the town. In the 18th century, the first public spa (the Mill Spa) was opened, followed by others in the 19th century.
Once you're there, just walk through the city promenade and admire the Imperial Spa, Mill Colonnade, Hot Spring Colonnade or lot of other springs (it's 12 altogether, circa — see below). And do not forget to buy a special cup to drink the water (but just for one sip — otherwise you might find a good idea that there are signposts indicating the closest toilets ;-)).
2) the Last oliday?
Not only visitors looking for healing water have discovered the beauty of Karlovy Vary. Many movie makers found out that the hotels, promenades and streets can be used as the perfect setting. And many great czech but also foreign movies were made in Karlovy Vary, mostly pretending to be a spa town or a luxurious resort. If you do not believe, watch Last Holiday (2006, featuring Queen Latifah and Gérard Depardieu) or James Bond: Casino Royale (2006, with imposing Daniel Craig). Yes, in both cases the famous Grandhotel Pupp took all the glory. By the way, another hotel in Karlovy Vary — hotel Bristol — is rumored to be one of the inspirations for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel's hotel building.
3) made in Karlovy Vary
Local products are the best souvenirs that visitors should take home. Fortunately you can find plenty of them in Karlovy Vary.
The-must-one to tackle your tongue is a thin waffle — oblátka. Rounded, usually with the filling of chocolate, sugar, nuts or anything else, is best enjoyed warm. And there are countless street shops where you can find it. Go ahead and compare, you can buy just one or a whole box(es).
It is said that you can find 12 healing springs in Karlovy Vary. The 13th is said to be very special — a herb liquor called Becherovka. Its recipe is a top secret, because only two people are allowed to know it at once. And that makes it even more exceptional. If anything happens during your tasting tour on the promenade (remember? just one sip?), Becherovka will fix it (but this time there's no recommended sip maximum :-)).
What makes Czech Republic more famous than crystal? In Karlovy Vary you can find the Moser Glass factory, the world renowned producer of lead-free crystal. Each Moser product requires hours of manual work by their glass masters. The secrets of their hand skill are handed down from old glass-makers generation by generation. It takes years of hard work to become a glass-master there. Fortunately, you can even visit the factory itself, the place where all (world) products are made in just eight ovens. Great job!
Of course there's much more to see in Karlovy Vary. And more to know, to taste, to experience. The Czech republic is not only Prague, or its surroundings — it's magnificent country with superb and hearty sightseeings. I'll be glad to tell you about it in person, if you'l let me be your guide.
