Karlovy Vary is a spa city situated in Bohemia, on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá, about 120 km west of Prague. It is named after King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded the city in 1370. According to a legend, the emperor had it built soon after the accidental discovery of thermal springs.

In the 19th century, it became a very popular tourist destination, especially known for international celebrities visiting the city.

Many notable people visited the city. Among them, Peter the 1st of Russia, the novelist František Běhounek, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Princess Michael of Kent, Ludwig van Beethoven, Fryderyk Chopin, just to name a few.

History

The first inhabitants where Celtic settlers that came there before the Middle Ages. In the 14th century Czech King Charles IV, discovered a hot spring. Using the water from the spring he heal his injured leg and afterwards (according to a legend) he ordered to build a town around the miraculous spring.

The city was increasingly becoming an important venue for gatherings. Especially in the 19th century, the spa was visited by the scientific, political and artistic elite of the time. Today it is a popular tourist destination. The year-round favour of the guests is enjoyed by the dozens of hotels, spa facilities, wellness centres, etc.

The underground thermal springs

Mill Colonnade

Diana observation tower

Becherovka and Jan Becher museum

Museum of Moser glassworks