Quick Picks for Hiking in Karlovy Vary

If you are short on time, these quick picks will help you choose. The forest around the city is vast and beautiful. Each trail offers something unique for every visitor. Use this list to find your perfect match quickly.

• Best Overall: Diana Lookout Tower Path
• Best for Families: Saint Linhart Forest Center
• Best for Sunset: Three Crosses Trail
• Best for History: Goethe’s Path
• Best Free Activity: Jelení skok Viewpoint

These spots are easy to reach from any historic walk in Karlovy Vary. Most trails are well-maintained and clearly marked for safety. You can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage scenery while you hike. Always check the weather before you head into the trees.

10 Best Forest Walks Near Karlovy Vary Center

The forest network here is extensive and historical. Many famous figures have walked these same paths over the centuries. You can start most of these walks directly from the town square. Here are the top ten forest experiences you should not miss.

1. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Path Type: sight Why go: It offers the most famous panoramic view of the valley. Best for: First-time visitors and photographers. Where: Starts behind Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill or take the funicular. Tip: Take the funicular up and walk the forest path back down.
2. Name: Jelení skok (Deer Leap) Type: viewpoint Why go: See the iconic chamois statue overlooking the spa district. Best for: Classic photos of the city. Where: High above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow markers from the center. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Name: Goethe's Path Type: experience Why go: A peaceful trail named after the famous German poet. Best for: Literature fans and easy walking. Where: Follows the Teplá river toward the dam. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the southern end of the city. Tip: Look for the bust of Goethe along the route.
4. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: A beautiful brick tower built in a Gothic style. Best for: History buffs. Where: Located on the southern ridge. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green markers from the Diana tower. Tip: The stairs inside the tower are narrow, so be careful.
5. Name: Russell's Path (Russellova cesta) Type: nature Why go: A quiet and shaded trail through dense beech forests. Best for: Avoiding the main tourist crowds. Where: Near the Westend villa district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from the King George Avenue area. Tip: This path is excellent for hot summer days.
6. Name: Findlater Temple Route Type: sight Why go: Visit a classicist wooden temple with great valley views. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Steep slopes above the Teplá river. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the trail from the Richmond Hotel. Tip: The path can be slippery after rain.
7. Name: Saint Linhart Forest Center Type: experience Why go: Features a deer park and an elevated walkway. Best for: Families with children. Where: On the western edge of the city forest. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free for the park. Getting there: Take bus number 6 to the Linhart stop. Tip: Check the local transport authority for current bus schedules.
8. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže) Type: viewpoint Why go: Dramatic religious monument with a wide city vista. Best for: Sunset watching. Where: On the hill opposite the Diana tower. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the Mill Colonnade area. Tip: Bring a snack to enjoy at the top.
9. Name: Petrova výšina (Peter the Great's Height) Type: sight Why go: Legend says the Tsar rode his horse up this steep hill. Best for: Fans of local legends. Where: Near the Jelení skok viewpoint. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trails from the funicular mid-station. Tip: Look for the plaque commemorating the Tsar's visit.
10. Name: Doubská hora (Aberg) Trail Type: day trip Why go: The highest point in the immediate vicinity with a stone tower. Best for: Active hikers. Where: About 5 kilometers from the city center. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail from Saint Linhart. Tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots for this longer trek.

Tips for the Spa Woods Marked Hiking Trails

Navigating the best forest walks near Karlovy Vary center is very easy. The Czech Republic has one of the best trail marking systems. Look for small painted squares on trees and poles. These markers use red, blue, green, or yellow stripes. Each color helps you follow a specific path or difficulty level. In 2026, many signs include QR codes for digital maps.

You should always carry a bottle of local mineral water. Many springs are available for free in the town center. Fill your bottle before you head into the Spa Woods. The terrain can be steep in some sections. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip to prevent slipping. Most trails are safe, but stay on the marked paths.

The Karlovy Vary Official Tourism office provides free paper maps. These maps show all the major viewpoints and rest stops. If you visit in autumn, the colors are truly spectacular. Spring is also a great time for fresh air and wildflowers. Always respect the local wildlife and keep the forest clean. Following these simple tips ensures a great hiking experience.