Quick Picks for Your Karlovy Vary Hike

Before you start your journey, here are the top recommendations for your trip. These picks help you prioritize based on your interests. The trails are well-marked but can be steep in some sections. Planning ahead ensures you see the most beautiful spots. Check out these quick highlights for your 2026 itinerary.

• Best Overall View: Diana Observation Tower
• Best for Families: Butterfly House Papilonia
• Best Photo Spot: Deer Leap Statue
• Best Free Activity: Peter the Great Lookout

10 Highlights of the Deer Leap Jelení skok Viewpoint Hike

The hike offers a mix of natural beauty and historical monuments. Each stop provides a unique perspective of the city below. You can start from the valley floor or take the funicular up. Most visitors prefer walking down to enjoy the scenery. Here are the top ten stops you must see on this trail.

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous hotel in the city. It serves as a perfect landmark to start your hike. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Southern end of the spa zone Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free to view outside Tip: Look for the architectural details made famous in movies.
2. Name: Diana Funicular Type: Experience Why go: It saves you a steep climb to the summit. The ride offers great views through the trees. Best for: Saving energy Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp Time: 5-minute ride Cost: Small fee for tickets Tip: Buy a one-way ticket up and walk back down the trails.
3. Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Statue Type: Sight Why go: This chamois statue is the symbol of Karlovy Vary. It marks the spot where a deer supposedly discovered the hot springs. Best for: Iconic photos Where: Rocky outcrop on the hillside Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Read the trail directions carefully to find this specific rocky ledge.
4. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: Peter the Great once rode a horse up here on a dare. The view of the city center is spectacular. Best for: History buffs Where: Just above the Deer Leap statue Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Tip: This is one of the best photo spots for capturing the river.
5. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: Sight Why go: This small wooden pavilion offers a quiet place to rest. It provides a framed view of the valley. Best for: Quiet moments Where: Along the main trail to Diana Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Tip: It is a great spot to hide from a sudden rain shower.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: This tower is the highest point on the hike. You can see the entire Ore Mountains from the top. Best for: Panoramic views Where: Summit of Friendship Hill Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free entry to the tower Tip: Use the elevator inside if you are tired of climbing stairs.
7. Name: Butterfly House Papilonia Type: Experience Why go: See hundreds of exotic butterflies in a tropical climate. It is located right at the top of the funicular. Best for: Families and children Where: Next to Diana Tower Time: 45 minutes Cost: Moderate entry fee Tip: Wear bright colors to encourage butterflies to land on you.
8. Name: Forest Restaurant Diana Type: Experience Why go: Enjoy traditional Czech food in a rustic setting. The outdoor terrace is perfect for a summer lunch. Best for: Local food Where: At the Diana summit Time: 1 hour Cost: Varies by meal Tip: Try the local wild game dishes if they are on the menu.
9. Name: Findlater Temple Type: Sight Why go: This classicist arbour was built in honor of a Scottish Earl. It overlooks the Teplá River valley. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Forest path towards the Richmond Hotel Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Tip: This path is less crowded than the main trail to the statue.
10. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: Finish your hike by visiting the largest colonnade in town. You can taste the mineral springs here. Best for: Ending the hike Where: City center promenade Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Use a colonnade walking route to find the best tasting spots.

Practical Tips for Your Hiking Adventure

Hiking in Karlovy Vary is generally safe and well-organized. The trails are marked with colored signs on trees. Green and yellow markers often lead to the Deer Leap area. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Some paths can be slippery after rain or during winter months.

The best time for the Deer Leap Jelení skok viewpoint hike is late spring. In 2026, expect the most vibrant colors in May and June. Autumn is also beautiful when the beech forests turn gold. Most viewpoints are open year-round for visitors. Always check the local weather before heading into the forest.

Carry a bottle of water, though you can refill it at the springs. The city is very walkable, but the hills are steep. If you have mobility issues, use the funicular to reach the top. You can find a walking map at the local tourism office. This will help you find the smaller forest paths.

How to Reach the Trailhead and Navigate

Most hikers start their journey near the Grandhotel Pupp. You can walk there from the Karlovy Vary railway station easily. The walk through the city center takes about 25 minutes. Alternatively, take a local bus to the "Lázně I" stop. This puts you right at the base of the hiking trails.

The Diana Funicular station is tucked away in a small alley. It is very close to the Grandhotel Pupp entrance. If you prefer to walk up, look for the forest stairs. These stairs start behind the hotel and lead upward. Follow the signs for "Jelení skok" to stay on the right path.

Navigation is simple if you stay on the paved or gravel paths. Do not take unmarked shortcuts as the terrain is rocky. The official tourism site provides updated trail conditions. In 2026, most trails will have new signage for better clarity. Enjoy the fresh air and the historic atmosphere of the woods.