Famous for therapeutic waters at least as far back as the Holy Roman Empire, Karlovy Vary has evolved into one of Europe’s most elegant spa resorts. Dotted with beautiful Baroque and Art Nouveau landmarks, many of which have been converted into stylish Karlovy Vary hotels, and gorgeous natural scenery, this Bohemian paradise has a lot more to offer than treatments for mere aches and pains.

The city of Karlovy Vary was formally established in 1370 by Charles IV, the monarch who ruled the Holy Roman Empire through its so-called “Golden Age”. Legend has it that the illustrious monarch had just shot a deer when he saw her leap off a cliff and into a spring. Suddenly, the animal’s wound disappeared. After this bizarre and somewhat preposterous event, Charles IV decided to build a spa resort on the spot.

The king’s idea proved to be a success, and Karlovy Vary soon became the largest and most popular spa resort in western Bohemia. Nobles from all around the kingdom traveled here  hoping for curative comfort from over 300 springs and the Teplá River. Karlovy Vary’s reputation soon transcended the borders of the Holy Roman Empire however, eventually luring the likes of Casanova, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Kafka.

Though the sun set on the Holy Roman Empire a long time ago, Karlovy Vary is as popular as ever, attracting visitors from all over the world. Even if you’re as healthy as a horse, there are plenty of reasons to visit this romantic paradise the Germans know as Carlsbad (Charles’s spa). From charming cobbled streets to lovely architecture, there’s always something interesting to do in Karlovy Vary.

Among the most popular attractions in Karlovy Vary are Diana’s Lookout Tower, offering a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings, the 150-year-old Moser Glass Museum, and the Jan Becher Museum, where tourists can learn the production and aging process of Becherovka, a local herbal liqueur. As a traditional spa resort however, it’s only natural that spa centers like Chateau Spa or Vridlo receive the lion’s share of tourists.

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