family travel guide
The balneotherapeutic town of Karlovy Vary, formerly known as Karlsbad, has been famous throughout Europe for hundreds of years.
Its unique mineral waters are used to treat many diseases. However, people come here not only for treatment — the town, conveniently nestled in a forested gorge, is suitable for family holidays away from noisy metropolises.
Need more to make the journey? Then, spoiler: Karlovy Vary is a respectable, glossy, expensive and (against all odds) very cosy city. You'll find all the details about holidays with children in Karlovy Vary in the Kidpassage review.
The city of Karlovy Vary is located in the western part of the Czech Republic, in the historical region of Bohemia. The population of the town is just over 50 thousand people. The distance from Karlovy Vary to Prague is 130 kilometres, Marienbad — 50, Cheb — 44, and Pilsen — 80.
The small, cosy town with an area of only about 60 square kilometres was founded at the confluence of three rivers — Ohře, Rolava and Teplá. However, the place where Karlovy Vary is located was once considered unsuitable for habitation: it was inconvenient to cultivate fields on the hills, and floods interfered with agriculture.
Nevertheless, in the XIV century, by order of King Charles IV, a settlement appeared here, and the reason for this was the discovery of healing springs. By the end of the XVII century, Karlovy Vary was already a famous spa resort where representatives of wealthy families from all over Europe spent their holidays.
Some royalty even worked at the spa: a memorial plaque in the centre of the resort marks the house in the construction of which Tsar Peter the Great took part.
Usually, holidays in cities are all about chasing impressions. Holidays in Karlovy Vary are entirely different: harmony, tranquillity and complete relaxation reign here. The impressions are, in turn, as smooth and tranquil as everything in this spa resort.
People come to Karlovy Vary with children mainly for treatment. It's worth it: water from Karlovy Vary thermal springs has healing effects of which have been proven by centuries of practical experience, and modern treatment methods are used in sanatoriums.
The primary and well-researched method is still drinking healing mineral water with long walks. Even if your doctor has prescribed a diet, he will not object to your child enjoying a sweet Carlsbad waffle (or yourself a moderate portion of Becherovka).
There is not much in the way of entertainment for children in Karlovy Vary. Preschoolers are the best off here, as a couple of playgrounds and a small water park are enough for them. Schoolchildren can visit the city's museums and travel around the neighbourhood, diversifying the measured spa life.
Choosing a place to relax with your child is easy. Karlovy Vary has sanatoriums, hotels and apartments to suit every budget, and the level of service is relatively high everywhere. Please note that not all spa resorts accept families with an infant.
The season in Karlovy Vary lasts all year round. The climate is mild, and nothing stops you from drinking therapeutic mineral water and strolling through forests and parks in winter or summer.
When planning a family trip to Karlovy Vary, timing is crucial to ensure the most enjoyable experience for both parents and children. The climate and various events in Karlovy Vary can significantly impact your family vacation. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit this beautiful spa town with your little ones:
Mild temperatures and blooming nature make spring an ideal time to visit Karlovy Vary with children. Take leisurely strolls through the parks and gardens, such as Dvořák Park and Park Colonnade, to enjoy the fresh, colorful surroundings. Participate in family-friendly outdoor activities like hiking and picnics while the weather is pleasant and not too hot.
Summer is a bustling season in Karlovy Vary, offering a range of activities suitable for families. Enjoy warmer weather and longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Diana Lookout Tower and the Moser Glassworks. Take advantage of family-oriented festivals and events that often occur during this season, providing entertainment and cultural experiences for both kids and adults.
Fall in Karlovy Vary is a beautiful sight with the changing foliage, creating a picturesque setting for a family vacation. The cooler temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Explore the Karlovy Vary Film Festival if you have older children who appreciate cinema, providing a cultural and entertaining experience for the family.
Winter in Karlovy Vary transforms the town into a magical wonderland, especially during the holiday season. Engage in family-friendly winter sports activities like ice-skating, skiing, and snowboarding in nearby mountain resorts. Visit the traditional Christmas markets for a festive atmosphere and an opportunity to introduce your children to Czech holiday traditions.
However, most tourists choose the warm season, from April to October. In summer, there are incredibly many holidaymakers in Karlovy Vary. The resort experiences another surge of tourist interest during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
To help you form your own opinion on when it is best to go to Karlovy Vary, we offer information about the weather in this resort.
The climate of Karlovy Vary is one of the main values of the spa. It has very mild winters, warm summers, and pleasant springs and autumns. Since the city is hidden between high hills, it is usually quiet and windless.
There is another side to this pecularity: rain clouds are bound to linger over Karlovy Vary. It rains most in the summer, but the precipitation is usually short-lived.
Hot summers in Karlovy Vary are very rare. The average daily temperature in June and August is only +20-23°C, and only sometimes the thermometer columns reach the +30°C mark.
Nights in the resort are cold; even in mid-summer, the temperature can drop to +10°C. There is no need to be seriously concerned about rain: more often than not, the sun shines over the resort.
If you plan your holiday in Karlovy Vary for autumn, you can enjoy clear, albeit cool weather. In September, the air cools down to +17-18°C, but the beginning of autumn can also be warm.
In October, it gets colder to +11-12°C, in November to +4-6°C, and the temperature can drop below zero at night.
There is almost no frost at the resort in winter. From December to February, thermometers show +1-3°C during the day, while at night, the temperature drops to -2-4°C. The sky is frowning, but snow or rain is not threatened. Snow falls rarely in Karlovy Vary and stays for one or two days, but fog is frequent.
January tends to be the coldest month, so prepare for chilly conditions and dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable. Precipitation levels are relatively moderate during winter, with a mix of snow, sleet, and occasional rain. Daylight hours are shorter during the winter months, with the sun setting early in the afternoon. Plan your activities accordingly to make the most of the daylight, especially if you have outdoor plans.
Spring brings Karlovy Vary to life with blossoming trees and vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque backdrop. The mild weather of spring is perfect for engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and picnics. In March, all signs of spring are already clearly visible. The air warms up to +6-7°C, and only a slight frost returns at night. By April, the winter frown finally dissipates, the sun shines over the city, and the temperature rises to +12-13°C.
The average temperature in May is +17-18°C, but the weather is quite unstable: it gets colder to +8°C, then the temperature rises to +28°C. The last month of spring is as rainy as summer.
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The primary value of Karlovy Vary is its 13 healing springs. The mineral water extracted here is used for drinking and balneotherapy. In addition, Karlovy Vary salt, rich in trace elements, is extracted from the local water.
Exploring the healing springs of Karlovy Vary not only offers a wellness journey but also a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural remedies this town has to offer. Each spring presents a distinctive mineral composition, catering to various health concerns and promoting overall well-being.
The indications for treatment in Karlovy Vary are diseases of the digestive and endocrine systems. The treatment base consists of a polyclinic, several dozen sanatoriums (or "spa houses"), balneotherapy centres, and hotel wellness centres.
Karlovy Vary mineral water is available at the spa centres. But how and how much to drink should be determined by a doctor.
If children come to the spa for treatment, they should buy a special spa cup with a spout for drinking mineral water. Such cups are sold everywhere here; you can choose one that your child will like.
Most hotels in Karlovy Vary offer breakfast included in the room rate. It is usually served buffet style, where you can choose a suitable meal for your child.
Some hotels offer half-board and full-board meals, which is convenient if a dietary menu exists.
In general, however, there is no need to be tied to the meals at the hotel — restaurants, cafes and pizzerias can be found in Karlovy Vary at every turn.
Discover the charm of Karlovarske oplatky, a culinary treasure synonymous with Karlovy Vary. These delicate wafers have graced the town for generations, enchanting locals and visitors alike. You don't need to go to a restaurant to try this speciality of Karlovy Vary: round thin waffles, called "oplatky" here, are sold in the shops.
These wafers are often round with a unique pattern imprinted, creating an appealing visual aspect. The imprints typically showcase intricate designs that add to the overall aesthetic of the oplatky. They come in a variety of flavours to suit different preferences. Typical flavours include vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, and almond, each offering a delightful taste experience.
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Waffle sellers always emphasise that the treat is made only from natural ingredients.
Public transport in Karlovy Vary consists of 25 bus routes, the Imperial and Diana funiculars and a pleasure train. It is more than enough for tourists: buses No. 8 to the airport, Nos. 2 and 16 to the Varyada shopping centre, and No. 22 to the Tesco hypermarket.
Along the route No. 91 are the main attractions of the city. All buses pass through the city centre, where the Tržnice bus station is.
Bus timetables are available at bus stops and on the public transport website. Generally, buses run from 5:00 to 23:00 every 20-30 minutes. Two routes operate at night, with buses running once an hour.
The Imperial funicular starts at 5:30, with carriages running at 15-25 minute intervals until 21:00. The Diana runs from 9:00 to 19:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter, departing every 15 minutes. The autotrain runs only a few times daily, from 10:30 to 18:30, with an interval of 1.5-2 hours.
There is no single ticket for all means of transport in Karlovy Vary. The ticket price for the bus and the Imperial funicular is 20 CZK, while tickets for children aged 6-15 will cost half as much.
A ticket for the Diana funicular costs 45 CZK for adults and 25 CZK for children, while a ticket for the auto-train costs 60 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children.
To avoid worrying about tickets every time, you can buy a Karlovy Vary Region Card. It entitles you to free travel in public transport in Karlovy Vary and Marienbad, including the Diana funicular and tourist trains.
With the card, you can also visit all the main attractions of both resorts free of charge and get discounts in restaurants and shops. The card, valid for 2, 4 and 7 days, costs 650, 1000 and 1500 CZK respectively.
A family card (2 adults and 2 children under 15) for 2, 4 and 7 days costs 1400, 2300 and 3500 CZK, respectively.
Taxis in Karlovy Vary can be caught on the street, found in car parks or called by phone. The fare will cost 30-35 CZK per kilometre. You need to negotiate the price with the drivers.
But travelling around Karlovy Vary by car has nuances. The centre of the resort is a pedestrian zone, and cars should be parked in car parks (their layout is available on the official Karlovy Vary website). Parking costs 40 CZK per hour.
There is only a little entertainment for children in Karlovy Vary. A tour of the city centre, hiking in the picturesque hills, swimming in the hotel pool — that's the whole programme. It is convenient to come to this resort with the youngest children, for whom the main thing is to be with their parents.
Yet family holidays in Karlovy Vary are more varied than they may seem. Even a simple walk can reveal many interesting things. For example, you can go underground and see where Karlovy Vary's most famous spring, the Vřídlo Spring, originates from, look at the old houses, walk along the embankment of the Teplá River (the smell of the water is peculiar, but you quickly get used to it), and stand on one of the many bridges.
Walking around the city is not tiring, even for small children, but you can take bus number 91, considered a tourist route, and go around the city, admiring its beauty from the window.
If you have a child in Karlovy Vary, you should also take a cable car ride; there are two of them: the Lanovka Imperial and the Lanovka Diana. The carriages climbing up the mountain take tourists to the Jelení skok (Deer Jump) and Diana viewpoints, from where you can see the whole city.
It is enjoyable that parks — called gardens — occupy almost the largest part of the resort. There are no playgrounds for children, but you can relax and play games on the lawns, stroll along well-maintained alleys or sit by the lake.
Some of the most popular holiday destinations include:
Would a child want to walk through a tropical garden where butterflies flutter? Indeed, yes — especially as the Butterfly House is summer all year round.
In winter, the Christmas House opens its doors. There is a unique programme for children — with stories about the holiday traditions, master classes on creating Christmas tree toys, singing carols, eating gingerbread and, of course, with a decorated Christmas tree.
In addition, the city has several options for active holidays with children: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and bowling.
In the warm season, you can rent bicycles and go on excursions around the neighbourhood; in winter, you can go skiing; in bad weather — you can train on indoor climbing walls, and in good weather — climb the slopes of the rope park.
If such a programme seems too modest, you will have to explore the possibilities of neighbouring towns. In the summer, spending time with children at the water park in Klášterec and Ohře is a pleasure.
Babies will enjoy splashing around in the open-air frog park, older children will ride down the slides, and the whole family can move to the wave pool or swim in the waterfall.
Pilsen's Dinopark is also only open in the warm season. Take a walk with your child through the Mesozoic forests where diplodocs, tyrannosaurs and other prehistoric lizards graze. Some models can move and growl. Nearby is a zoo, one of the best in the Czech Republic, and a botanical garden with a rich collection of plants.
A traditional pastime for resort guests is walking in the surrounding forests. There are 180 kilometres of hiking trails of varying difficulty. Walking on flat paths with babies is better, while older children can conquer hilly areas.
The Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest), which comes right up to the town, is rich in exciting places. If you hire a bicycle, you can easily reach the Svatošské skály (Svatošské Rocks): legend says that the 50-metre high rocks are a petrified wedding procession.
On Angel Mountain stand the ruins of a Gothic church. And in the forest's centre, there is a botanical garden where serpentine rock grows out of the ground. Dozens of ecological trails run along the valley of the Ohře River.
The choice of what to see in Karlovy Vary seems relatively modest — only four museums. On the other hand, it's not too bad for a small town, and the two museums are unique without exaggeration.
It is logical to start with a visit to the Karlovy Vary Local History Museum. Its exposition tells about the development of the spa industry, but not only that: Karlovy Vary used to mine tin, and later, the city became famous for producing glass and porcelain.
You will learn how the famous Moser Glass came to be at the Moser Glass Museum. In addition to a tour of the halls where crystal glassware shines, you will also be treated to a visit to the factory: show your child how delicate and delicate the work of glassblowers is and at what temperature crystal is born.
The museum often hosts interactive workshops and live demonstrations, allowing visitors to understand the process of glassmaking up close. Participants can engage in hands-on experiences, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and skill involved in creating glass masterpieces.
You can't imagine a trip to Karlovy Vary without an excursion to the Jan Becher Museum. The theme, of course, is not quite childish — the history of the creation of Becherovka. But since the halls are full of antique objects and scenes with wax figures, this museum can be called an exciting place for children.
However, the resort has a museum where wax figures play a central role. Celebrities who have holidayed in Karlovy Vary, famous politicians from different countries, film, music and sports stars — all of them will appear in the House of Wax Figures.
Only some of the characters depicted are recognisable at first sight: the Prague Wax Museum has much more to surprise you. But we recommend visiting this museum in Karlovy Vary with a child because it is located in St. Luke's Church, decorated with marvellous stained glass windows.
A unique attraction of the spa is the colonnades near the springs. The dungeons of the Hot Spring Colonnade are guided on excursions, while spa guests visit the other colonnades for one purpose only: they drink mineral water there.
However, during a walk, you should look at the figures of 12 months on the Mill Colonnade roof, the Market Colonnade's wooden laces and the bas-relief "Spirit of the Springs" in the Castle Colonnade.
Holidays with children in Karlovy Vary can be diversified by visiting historical sites. The most accessible places to visit are Loket Castle and Bečov Fortress, which are located in the vicinity of the spa.
Loket Castle now houses a historical museum; in summer, there is a chance to attend a knight's tournament. And in Bečov, they organise a special excursion for children called "A Walk into the Past".
One more attraction should be added to the list of things to see with children in Karlovy Vary. It is the Boheminium Park in the neighbouring resort of Marienbad.
Its exhibits are small copies of the leading architectural structures of the Czech Republic. Here, you can see the famous Karlštejn Castle, the Ještěd cable car in Liberec, half-timbered houses in Cheb, the historic village of Holašovice and much more.
The choice of where to stay in Karlovy Vary is enormous — it may seem that the whole city is made up of sanatoriums, hotels and apartments for rent. The choice depends on your trip's purpose and your children's age.
The first thing to note is that not all sanatoriums and hotels in Karlovy Vary accept families with children.
Even the specialised children's sanatorium Manes 3* only accepts children aged 2. However, it offers a full-fledged children's holiday: there is a kindergarten and a school, outdoor and indoor playgrounds, and a children's menu.
Carlsbad Plaza 5*, Smetana-Vysehrad 4*, Krivan 3* and Concordia 3* welcome children from the age of 5. From 6 years old — Čajkovskij 4* and Ostende 4*, from 7 years old — Venus 4*. However, most of the treatment centres accept children from the age of 10, 12 and even 16.
The age of a child from which it is possible to stay in a particular sanatorium should be specified when choosing a tour.
If the purpose of your trip is not treatment but relaxation, you can choose a hotel or apartment in any district of Karlovy Vary. Chic five-star hotels are located in the centre of the spa, while four-star and three-star hotels are scattered all over the city.
Many respectable hotels are located near Karlovy Vary, in the Slavkovský les (Slavkov Forest), in the villages of Duby and Dvory, and Loket.
How to choose where is the best place to stay with children? Pay attention to what services the hotel provides for families with babies. Essential services: high chair in restaurants, children's menu or availability in the general menu of dishes suitable for children's table, playground/room, babysitting services.
Hotels with two-bedroom family apartments (Hotel Imperial, Smetana-Vysehrad, Spa Resort Sanssouci) or rooms with a kitchenette (Ostende) are among the options for staying in Karlovy Vary with children.
For independent holidays in Karlovy Vary with children, you can rent apartments. Their main advantage is the availability of a kitchen and the possibility to organise a regular diet.
There is an international airport 4.5 kilometres from the city. However, it only receives flights from Düsseldorf, Antalya and some Russian cities. Bus No. 8 runs from the airport to the city. The flight schedule is available on the airport website.
Another option to get to Karlovy Vary is to fly to Prague and then take a train or bus to the resort. There is a direct bus from Prague Airport to Karlovy Vary.
There are two railway stations in the city. Trains arriving at the Upper Station (Horní Nádraží) connect Karlovy Vary with Prague and cities in the centre and west of the country, and there is also a train from Moscow. Trains from Mariánské Lázně come to the Lower Station (Dolní Nádraží). The trip from Prague takes 3-3.5 hours, from Marienbad about 2 hours. You can find out the timetable and buy tickets on the website of Czech Railways: https://www.cd.cz.
The most convenient mode of transport if you plan to get to Karlovy Vary from Prague. From Prague's Ruzyně Airport and the central bus station Florenc to Karlovy Vary, a bus of the Student Agency leaves every hour. The city bus station is located next to the Lower Station. The journey time from Prague is 2.5 hours, from Marienbad — 1 hour. Ticket ordering is available at https://jizdnirady.idnes.cz.
You can rent a car on arrival in the Czech Republic — rental companies have offices right at the airport. If you intend to drive your vehicle, you must buy a vignette for toll roads upon arrival. Vignettes are sold at all petrol stations.
