Spa Cities
Karlovy Vary
The incarnation of spa elegance, imposing colonnades, exclusive spa buildings and a wonderful layout in the heart of a forested valley. That is Karlovy Vary.
Mariánské Lázně
When you pass through the heart of Mariánské Lázně you have the sense that you have been transported back in time to a century ago with the wave of a magic wand. Splendid spa buildings alternate with blossoming parks in which spa guests sit, sipping contentedly on jugs filled from some of the town’s famous springs. Get to know the story of a town which, at the height of its fame, hosted the most important of statesmen and artists, and remains one of Europe’s most beautiful spa towns.
Františkovy Lázně
When Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was staying in Františkovy Lázně, he described the town as “heaven on earth”. To this day the smallest settlement in the famous West Bohemian spa triangle – the other two points being Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně – still boasts elegant neo-Classical colonnades, well-pruned parks, an agreeable ambience and a feeling of tranquillity, rest and relaxation.
Jáchymov
In awooded valley at the foot of the Krušné Mountains, you will find the spa town of Jáchymov, which was established as the first radon spa in the world. Come to cure your maladies in this beautiful submontane environment, which for centuries has been associated with its mining past. Whether you travel here in summer or winter, you can enjoy aspa stay with all the trimmings.
Castles&Chateaus
Loket
The castle above the Ohře River looks like it’s from a fairy-tale. It looms above on a rocky promontory, while the river lazily flows many metres below. The castle was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style in the 13th century, witnessing many events, and today it is a popular tourist destination for all of west Bohemia.
Bečov nad Teplou
The Bečov nad Teplou chateau complex hides the second most precious historical artifact of the Czech Republic after the crown jewels. St Maurus’ reliquary, shrouded literally in a spy story, is a jeweller’s gem of Romanesque goldsmithery.
Kynžvart
The chateau is situated at the edge of Slavkov Forest and is surrounded by a chateau park full of ornamental trees, gazeboes, and statues laid out among ponds and small brooks.
Nature
Krušné hory
Fancy following in the footsteps of prospectors who climbed high into the mountains looking for precious metals? Then come to the Krušné Mountains! As early as the 12th century copper, tin and silver were being mined here, the miners leaving behind an endless labyrinth of mines and panning sites.
Kladská Nature Reserve
Surrounded by acres of national forests you will discover the Kladská peat bog national reserve with a nature trail. The barrier-free trail starts at a wooden hunting lodge that serves as a boarding house and restaurant, and winds through meadows, forests and peat bogs around Kladská Pond. The gravel-strewn trail gradually turns into a boardwalk, where you will find several pleasant resting points along the way.
UNESCO
West Bohemian Spa Triangle
The famous West Bohemian spa triangle, made up of the towns of Karlovy Vary, Františkovy lázně and Mariánské Lázně, enjoys special status in the Czech spa industry. Candidates for inclusion by UNESCO on its world cultural heritage list, these three towns still display the magnificence and grandeur of the spa’s golden age.
Krušnohoří Mining Region
The mining and cultural landscape found in the Krušné Mountains is unique proof of the work and technical skills of miners who lived centuries ago. The Krušné Mountains were mined for various metals beginning in the early medieval period, and this mining activity has left indelible traces in the countryside. These traces are so profound that they earned the Krušnohoří/Erzgebirge landscape a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List as of 2019.
