Karlovy Vary overview

The town of Karlovy Vary is probably most famous for its reputation as a spa town where Europeans used to come, and still do, to drink sulphur cocktails and undergo treatments involving rubber tubing and a couple of gallons of warm spring water. At the end of the 19th century the town was the must visit for Europe’s rich and famous. Those who don’t fancy the water might like to try the Bechkerovka for which the town is famous. This is a fairly potent herbal liqueur and is slightly classier than the ubiquitous absinthe. The walks through the surrounding countryside offer great views of the town and a visit to the Moser Glassworks offers the chance to see the art of glassmaking up close. Relatively easy to get to a Karlovy Vary colonic treat is just two hours by bus from Prague.