Why Experience the Deer Jump Lookout Walk?

The hills of Karlovy Vary are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking these trails feels like stepping back in time. The Deer Jump lookout walk is famous because of a local legend involving Emperor Charles IV. He supposedly discovered the hot springs here while hunting a deer. Today, the trail is well-marked and easy to navigate for most travelers.

The path offers a perfect mix of nature and architecture. You can see the grand colonnades from above while surrounded by lush trees. It is one of the best walking routes in Karlovy Vary for photography. The air is fresh, and the incline is manageable for most fitness levels. Visiting in 2026 ensures you see the recently restored monuments in their best light.

11 Best Stops on the Deer Jump Lookout Walk

Here are the top picks for your journey through the woods. These items include viewpoints, historic markers, and even a few nearby day trips to round out your itinerary. Use this list to plan your perfect afternoon in the hills.

• Best overall: Deer Jump Chamois Statue
• Best for families: Butterfly House Diana
• Best rainy-day: Market Colonnade
• Best free: Peter the Great Lookout

1. Name: Deer Jump (Jelení skok) Statue Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous symbol of the city. The metal chamois statue sits on a jagged rock overlooking the town. Best for: Iconic photos and history lovers. Where: Just below the Diana funicular mid-station. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow markers from the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Learn how to find the Deer Jump chamois statue easily by looking for the Jelení skok restaurant signs.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest 360-degree view of the city and the Ore Mountains. There is a lift if you do not want to climb the stairs. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: At the top of the Diana funicular. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free tower entry; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: The Diana observation tower hiking trail is a great way to descend back to town.
3. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: Experience Why go: Named after the Russian Tsar who climbed here on a horse. It features a large wooden cross and a great view of the valley. Best for: History buffs. Where: A short walk from the Deer Jump statue. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the trail signs from Jelení skok. Tip: Read about the history of the Deer Jump legend before you go to appreciate the site.
4. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: Sight Why go: A charming wooden gazebo that provides a framed view of the city’s spires. It is much quieter than the main statue area. Best for: Peaceful reflection. Where: Located on the path between Diana and the Deer Jump. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk the forest path from the Diana Tower. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a quick picnic.
5. Name: Butterfly House Diana Type: Experience Why go: See hundreds of exotic butterflies in a tropical indoor garden. It is a great break from the forest trails. Best for: Families with children. Where: Right next to the Diana Observation Tower. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Funicular to Diana station. Tip: Wear bright colors to attract the butterflies to land on you.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure housing several hot springs. It sits at the base of the hill where the trail begins. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: City center near the river. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the main bus stop. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste the thermal water.
7. Name: Findlater’s Temple Type: Sight Why go: A classicist rotunda built in honor of a Scottish Earl. It offers a unique architectural contrast to the woods. Best for: Unique photo ops. Where: On the hillside above the Teplá river. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the forest paths near the Imperial Hotel. Tip: Check the shortest route to Jelení skok to see if you can add this to your loop.
8. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: A brick tower designed to look like a minaret. It provides a different angle of the spa district. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: South of the Diana Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green-marked trail from Diana. Tip: The steps are narrow, so take your time.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A massive 12th-century stone castle in a nearby medieval town. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Best for: Medieval history. Where: 15 kilometers from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the castle. Getting there: Bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you are feeling brave.
10. Name: Svatošské Rocks Type: Day trip Why go: Stunning granite rock formations along the Ohře river. The area is wrapped in local folklore about a petrified wedding. Best for: Nature lovers and climbers. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail or cycle from the city. Tip: Consider hiking to Svatošské Rocks for a full-day adventure.
11. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: The largest colonnade in the city with 124 columns. It is a grand landmark that you can see from many hill lookouts. Best for: Grandeur and scale. Where: Along the river bank. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Visit at sunset when the stone glows in the light.

Essential Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Hike

Planning your Deer Jump lookout walk is simple with a little preparation. Most paths are paved or well-maintained gravel. However, some sections can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any forest trek. You should also carry a bottle of water, though you can refill it at some springs in town.

The Karlovy Vary Official Tourism office provides excellent maps. You can also use the funicular to save energy. It runs every 15 minutes and takes you straight to the top. From there, walking downhill is much easier on the knees. Check the weather before you head out, as the woods can get misty.

For local travel, the public transport authority offers easy bus connections. Most trailheads are within walking distance of the main colonnades. If you are staying at the Grandhotel Pupp, you are already at the start of the best routes. Always stay on the marked paths to protect the local environment.

Exploring Beyond the Deer Jump Lookout Walk

Once you finish the Deer Jump lookout walk, there is still more to see. The hills are crisscrossed with dozens of miles of trails. You can easily spend three days just exploring the forest. Each path offers a different perspective of the famous spa architecture. In the evening, the paths near the city are well-lit and very romantic.

The changing seasons make these walks special all year. In autumn, the beech forests turn a brilliant gold. In spring, the wildflowers are in full bloom. No matter when you visit in 2026, the hills will be beautiful. Take your time and enjoy the slow pace of this historic Czech town.