Is Karlovy Vary Hilly for Walking? Navigating the Spa Town

Karlovy Vary is built at the junction of two rivers. The city follows the winding path of the River Tepla. Because it is in a valley, the center is quite level. You can walk for miles along the river without breaking a sweat. This makes the city center very accessible for most travelers.

Once you step away from the river, the landscape changes quickly. The streets leading to residential neighborhoods often have a steep incline. Many of these paths use stairs or zig-zagging ramps. If you have mobility issues, you should stick to the main promenade. You can also use the local buses to reach higher points.

For those who enjoy a challenge, the hills are a highlight. The city is surrounded by lush forests with well-marked trails. These paths offer a great workout and fresh air. You can find many benches along the way to rest and enjoy the scenery. The mix of flat and hilly areas is part of the city's unique charm.

10 Essential Sights to Visit While Walking in Karlovy Vary

To make the most of your trip, you need a good plan. Here are the top ten spots to visit. This list includes flat walks and a few hilly adventures. Check out our one day walking itinerary for more inspiration.

• Quick picks:
• Best Overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best Rainy-Day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best Free Activity: Drinking from the springs

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most iconic colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: City center near the river. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A flat walk from any central hotel. Tip: Look for the statues representing the twelve months.
2. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Type: Experience Why go: See a natural geyser shoot water 12 meters high. Best for: Families and science fans. Where: Vridlo Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to see the geyser; small fee for underground tours. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Read our Vridlo visitor guide before you go.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Get the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: On a hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular or follow the steep forest trails. Tip: Use the funicular up and walk down to save your knees.
4. Name: River Tepla Promenade Type: Activity Why go: Enjoy a relaxing, flat walk past luxury boutiques and cafes. Best for: Easy strolls and people-watching. Where: Runs through the entire spa district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the main artery of the city. Tip: Follow our promenade walking guide for the best stops.
5. Name: Deer Leap (Jeleni Skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the famous chamois statue and enjoy a historic lookout. Best for: Active walkers. Where: Forested slopes above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Steep uphill walk or a short walk from the Diana funicular mid-station. Tip: The path is paved but quite steep in sections.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: Visit the filming location of "Casino Royale" and see elite architecture. Best for: Film buffs and luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Flat walk along the river. Tip: Check out the architecture details here.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure with intricate carvings. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Opposite the Vridlo spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Flat central location. Tip: Try the Charles IV spring located inside.
8. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about the history of Becherovka, the famous local herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: Near the main bus station. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Flat walk from the train station or city center. Tip: Book your tour in advance as they often sell out.
9. Name: Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Neighborhood Why go: View the stunning golden domes of this Russian-style church. Best for: Culture and photography. Where: West Hill district. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: A moderately steep walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Wear modest clothing if you plan to enter.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: Visit a massive 12th-century stone castle in a nearby medieval town. Best for: History lovers and day-trippers. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Entrance fee for the castle. Getting there: Short bus or train ride from the main station. Tip: The town of Loket is also hilly with many cobblestones.

Smart Ways to Handle the Hilly Terrain

You do not have to climb every hill on foot. Karlovy Vary has a great public transport system. Local buses run frequently and reach the higher parts of town. You can check schedules on the official transport site. This is a cheap way to save your energy for sightseeing.

Funiculars are another great option. The Diana funicular is the most popular. It takes you from the valley floor to the Diana Tower in minutes. There is also a funicular at the Imperial Hotel. These rides offer great views and are fun for children.

Good shoes are essential here. Even the flat areas have cobblestone streets. Cobblestones can be slippery when wet and hard on your feet. Avoid high heels or thin sandals for long walks. Wear sturdy sneakers or walking shoes with good grip. This will make your experience much more comfortable.

The Best Flat Walking Routes in Karlovy Vary

If you prefer easy paths, stick to the river. The walk from the Post Office to Grandhotel Pupp is almost entirely flat. This route takes you past all the major colonnades. It is perfect for a slow afternoon. You can stop often to taste the mineral waters.

Another flat option is the Dvorak Park. It is located near the beginning of the spa zone. The park has wide, level paths and plenty of shade. It is a great place to sit and relax. Many locals come here to walk their dogs or read.

The area around the Jan Becher Museum is also quite level. This part of the city feels more like a standard European town. It has wider sidewalks and fewer steep inclines. You can easily walk from here to the Karlovy Vary railway station. This makes arriving and leaving very simple on foot.