In the western region of the Czech Republic, in an area known as Bohemia, lies a town of unmatched beauty. A town that over the past 100 years has become a secret hideout for hundreds of thousands of people who flock to its hot springs and natural beauty.
The King of Bohemia, Charles IV, founded Karlovy Vary, also known as Karlsbad or Carlsbad, in 1370. It started to become a famous tourist destination during the 19th century, when hordes of people started to flock to its hot springs. When other arthritis remedies stopped working, the spas of Carlsbad always promised to provide welcome relief from arthritis.
The town has become the preferred retiring destination not only for many people form nearby Prague, but also for people from all over Europe. It has acquired a notably Bohemian atmosphere and many artists nowadays live there. It also plays host to the annual Eastern European film festival. Accommodation during this even is hard to come by, so book in advance.
The town also plays host to numerous other musical and artistic events. To attend an open air concert in Karlovy where the orchestra plays the music of the classical masters is an experience to cherish for many days to come. And if you are more interested in rock music: I watched a performer playing an Ibanez electric guitar there last year in a way that had the audience going absolutely wild.
On the outskirts of Carlsbad you’ll find a little cog-wheel train with which you can go to the top of one of the highest hills in the vicinity. From the lookout tower you will have a stunning view of the lush hills of Bohemia stretching as far as the eye can see. Below you the baroque town, where the rivers Tepla and Ohre meet, lies hazily in the distance.
It comes as no surprise that a number of well-known international films have been shot with the town as backdrop. Two of the latest were Last Holiday starring Whoopi Goldberg and the Bond move Casino Royal. The picture-book baroque architecture, the beautiful green parks and the gentle rolling hills of Bohemia in the background forms the ideal place to shoot a film.
During the past two decades Carlsbad has also turned into a favorite location for students who want to study the English language. The town boasts a number of good English language schools, and there are also a couple of them in the nearby towns. With Prague only 130km away and the German border even closer, it is certainly in a strategic location.
Tags: bohemia, czech republic, holidays, karlovy vary, travel
