The best walks and hikes around okres Karlovy Vary

The Plattner Kunstgraben (also Plattner Graben, Czech Blatenský příkop), which still functions today, once led water from the Schwarzwasser (Černá) to the mines of the mining town of Platten (Horní Blatná) as operational water for the Plattenberg (Blatenský vrch). It is the longest artificial channel in the Bohemian part of the Ore Mountains. After Heinrich von Könneritz received permission in 1535 to build a smelting plant and four stamping mills, the construction of an artificial channel became necessary. Between 1540 and 1544, the 11.6 km long channel was built. The water demand of the developing tin mines, stamping mills, and smelting plants could no longer be met by natural sources.

The Gottesgaber Torfmoor educational trail leads through the internationally important wetland of the Božídarské rašeliniště nature reserve. A large part of the path runs over wooden boardwalks – for the safety of visitors, but above all to protect the sensitive moor and its rare animal and plant species. Along the path, twelve information boards inform you about the nature of the moor, past peat extraction, geology, as well as typical animals and plants.

Very beautiful wooden sculpture that directly awakens childhood memories

The Mayer Gloriette, also known as the Hirschsprung viewpoint, is a historic wooden observation pavilion above the spa center of Karlsbad. The pavilion was built in 1804 by the wealthy Viennese businessman Mayer, who came from Karlsbad, and is one of the oldest observation structures in the city. It stands on a rocky outcrop at Hirschsprung and offers a wonderful bird's-eye view of the historic city center and the Teplá valley. The view of the spa houses and the wooded hills around Karlsbad is particularly beautiful. The pavilion is freely accessible all year round and can be reached from the spa center via forest paths and stone steps. A more convenient option is to take the Diana funicular to the Hirschsprung intermediate station and then take a walk through the spa forest.

Jelení Skok, in German Hirschsprung, is a well-known viewpoint above the historic center of Karlsbad. On a rock stands the famous chamois statue, which has been one of the city's landmarks since 1851. The name Hirschsprung goes back to an old legend. According to legend, a deer during a hunt by Emperor Charles IV is said to have jumped from this rock, thereby discovering the hot springs of Karlsbad. Since Baron August von Lützow was of the opinion that a deer could not have overcome such a rock, he had a chamois statue erected instead. Over time, the statue became a symbol of Karlsbad. From Jelení Skok, you have a beautiful view of the spa center and the Teplá valley. The viewpoint is accessible on foot from the city center and is freely accessible.

The Pavilion of the Freedom Spring (Freiheitsquelle) is located in the spa district of Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) and is one of the city's well-known sights. The small, octagonal wooden pavilion was erected in 1865 over the Freedom Spring. The spring is one of the Karlsbad mineral springs and has a temperature of about 61.7 °C. It was formerly called the Spa Spring and later the Franz-Joseph Spring. Since 1946, it has borne the name Freedom Spring. The pavilion is located between the Mühlbrunn Colonnade and Bad III on the bank of the Teplá River. It is about 600 meters away from the famous Sprudel Spring and can be reached on foot in about ten minutes. Today, the pavilion is freely accessible and a beautiful example of Karlsbad's historic spa architecture.

The Pavilion of the Freedom Spring, in Czech „Altán pramene Svoboda“, is located in the spa district of Karlovy Vary on the bank of the Teplá river, between the Mill Colonnade and Bath III. The octagonal wooden pavilion was built in 1865 and is one of the characteristic historical buildings of the city. Below the pavilion is the Freedom Spring, which is called „Pramen Svoboda“ in Czech and is one of the well-known healing springs of Karlovy Vary. The water has a temperature of approximately 61.7 °C. The spring was discovered in the early 1860s during construction work for Bath III. Initially, it was called Kurquelle (Spa Spring), and later it was named Franz-Joseph-Quelle (Franz Joseph Spring). Since 1946, it has borne the current name Freedom Spring. The artfully designed wooden pavilion still serves as a shelter for the spring and is freely accessible. Due to its historical significance and its beautiful location on the Teplá, the pavilion is a popular part of the Karlovy Vary spa district.

The Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda) is one of the most beautiful historical colonnades in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). It is located on the edge of Dvořák Park and directly on the Teplá River. With its delicate cast-iron construction and richly decorated elements, it is one of the city's characteristic buildings and a popular place for walks and relaxation. The Park Colonnade was built in 1881 according to the plans of Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. It was created as part of a larger spa and social building and is a typical example of the elegant architecture of the late 19th century. The artistic ornaments and the light, open design give the colonnade its special appearance. Beneath the Park Colonnade is the drinking fountain of the so-called Snake Spring (Hadí pramen). The mineral-rich spring water can be drunk directly there and is part of the traditional Carlsbad drinking cure. The spring is one of the numerous healing springs that have made Carlsbad a significant spa town for centuries. The location on Dvořák Park makes the Park Colonnade a particularly pleasant place. Well-maintained green spaces and paths invite you to stroll and linger around the colonnade. Its central location also makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Mill Colonnade, the Sprudel Colonnade, and other sights in the historic spa district. The Park Colonnade thus combines historical architecture, spa tradition, and a tranquil park landscape, and is one of the noteworthy stops on a tour of Karlovy Vary.