Today was another one of our day trips. We hopped on the train and travelled to Karlovy Vary, three hours west. Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad, is an old spa town where the rich and famous used to relax. Today it is also home to a famous film festival. Most of the hotels offer spa facilities.
We arrived mid-morning, and caught a taxi to the far end, with the plan being to walk back towards the station. Karlovy Vary is beautiful.
The further we walked, the more beautiful it is. There is a river running down the middle, and both sides are filled with hotels with spas, and boutique shops. The whole place is like a movie set.
We walked up the hill to the Diana lookout for a view over the whole town, then headed back down for more exploring. We first went to the stunning Russian Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul.
After a light lunch, we kept walking along the main street. First up, the Market Colonnade.
Then, further along, the even more beautiful Mill Colonnade.
Finally, the Park Colonnade.
Unfortunately, by this time, the weather was closing in. So we walked quickly to the most famous hotel in Karlovy Vary, Elizabeth’s Spa, then headed back to the train station.
The weather in Prague was much nicer, so we headed back to the old town. First stop, the Municipal Library of Prague and the iconic book tunnel.
Then toward Charles Bridge, where there is the nearby Ice Pub.
Finally, it was time to have a nice dinner and pack up for our next stop, Vienna. For dinner, we chose a restaurant in the main square of the old town called Staroměstská. The square was full of people. It had an amazing atmosphere.
All in all, a wonderful three days in Czechia. Prague really is beautiful. And Karlovy Vary is amazing. They are well worth the trip.
