The Colonnades and Spas of Karlovy Vary
Often referred to by its old German name of Karlsbad, Karlovy Vary is a must-visit for anyone interested in an authentic spa experience. Established in 1358, Karlovy Vary has for centuries been a popular destination for Europe's elite, from royalty (Peter the Great) to famous composers and writers (Beethoven, Chopin, and Goethe), all drawn here to the hot springs.
Evidence of the town's 13 main springs (not to mention its countless smaller springs) are everywhere, from the magnificent fountain in the midst of the Tepla River that shoots jets of water 14 meters into the air, to the spa-influenced architecture of its many exquisite Neoclassical and Art Nouveau colonnades with their drinking and bathing fountains.
The town is also an important cultural destination, home to a number of art galleries and museums, as well as the popular Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe.