On the morning of Day 4, we rented a car and headed out to Karlovy Vary, where we planned to spend the next two days. As we left the city and hit the road, I initially thought we were on a one-way street—it was that narrow. To my surprise, it was actually a two-way road! Turns out, most of the roads here are pretty narrow, and with an 80 km/h speed limit, things get interesting. Let’s just say, every time I saw a truck coming toward us, I was definitely sweating a bit!
Our first stop was Karlštejn Castle, and it was absolutely stunning. It was built in the 14th century by Charles IV, was designed as a secure home for the crown jewels and holy relics. The castle has a really interesting history, also here’s a fun twist: women weren’t allowed to stay overnight in the castle for centuries! Legend has it this rule was made to keep the castle’s atmosphere “pure.” Of course, history shows us that rules were sometimes broken and if you want to learn more, I highly recommend going inside to watch the short, informative (and surprisingly fun!) video about it. Definitely worth it for a bit of medieval intrigue!
The second castle we visited that day was Křivoklát, one of the oldest and most important castles for Czech kings and princes, with its roots going all the way back to the 12th century. Pretty much all the Czech kings stayed there at some point, using it as a refuge. It became popular because of the surrounding dense forests, which were full of wildlife—a king’s perfect hunting ground!
The castle is also wrapped in myths and legends, which gives it that extra layer of mystery. Fun fact: it’s appeared in a few movies, including Wanted and The Brothers Grimm.
After lunch, we finally arrived in Karlovy Vary, and wow, what a magical town! It’s such a cute, laid-back spa town with a super relaxed vibe. It’s especially popular with older visitors who come here for the full spa experience. People typically stay for two to three weeks, getting consultations with doctors who prescribe treatments like massages, exercises, and special diets to improve their health. It’s all about restoring balance—whether it’s blood pressure or digestive issues. Honestly, it felt like a little wellness and retreat bubble!
One of the coolest things about Karlovy Vary is its 12 thermal mineral springs. What’s fascinating is that they all have the same chemical composition, but their temperatures range from 30 to 75°C. The temperature difference is key when doctors prescribe specific springs for different ailments. As you wander around the town, you’ll see people moving from spring to spring, sipping the mineral water from these special ceramic cups. They sit on white benches, chatting about the treatments they’ve had and swapping stories about their day trips. It’s like a social spa hangout!
Karlovy Vary is the perfect escape from the hustle of big city life, especially after experiencing the constant tourist flow in Prague. It’s a complete contrast—the pace is slower, the streets quieter, and the whole town has this peaceful, laid-back vibe. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and recharge.
One of the standout landmarks in this charming town is the Grandhotel Pupp. This iconic hotel has made its mark in Hollywood, appearing in several films like Casino Royale, Last Holiday, and Shanghai Knights.
