Driving to Karlovy Vary

A Guide to Karlovy Vary for Motorists

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Country: Czech Republic Capital: Prague Language: Czech Currency: Koruna

Karlovy Vary, also known by its German name Karlsbad, is best known for being the largest spa town in the Czech Republic, as well as producing a strong herbal liqueur called Becherovka, the ingredients of which are only known by two people.

The town was founded in the 14th century by Charles IV. It is believed that while he was hunting in the woods he happened upon a hot water spring and declared it to have healing powers. In the 18th and 19th centuries Karlovy Vary became known as a spa town for the wealthy, and today there are around 300 small mineral springs surrounding the city, however only 13 of these are actually suitable for drinking.

Aside from its spas and sanatoriums, the yearly International A Class Film Festival attracts film buffs every July – the town has even featured in Casino Royale. Shoppers delight in the expensive Stara Iouka shopping street, and the city is also known for the glass manufacturer Moser, as well as its porcelain.

Visitors should head to the top of the Diana Outlook Tower for spending views, on a good day it is possible to see 70km into the distance. The tower is reached on foot or by cable car, to get to the top itself there are 150 steps or a handy lift.

After all this, head to the Jan Becher Museum to sample the mysterious Becherovka liqueur and discover its history.

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Map of the area

Driving directions to Karlovy Vary
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Speed limits around Karlovy Vary

Speed Limits: Motorway: 130 km/h Rural: 90 km/h Urban: 50 km/h

Distances from Karlovy Vary to...

All of these places are within a few hours drive from Karlovy Vary

Place		Distance km (miles) (Point to Point)
Town	Prague, Czech Republic	108 km (67 miles)
Town	Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic	189 km (117 miles)
Town	Munich, Germany	251 km (156 miles)
Town	Berlin, Germany	257 km (160 miles)
Town	Salzburg, Austria	271 km (168 miles)
Town	Frankfurt, Germany	298 km (185 miles)
Town	Stuttgart, Germany	312 km (194 miles)
Town	Heidelberg, Germany	314 km (195 miles)
Attraction	Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany	335 km (208 miles)
Town	Vienna, Austria	339 km (211 miles)
Town	Innsbruck, Austria	347 km (215 miles)
Town	Koblenz, Germany	374 km (232 miles)
Town	Bratislava, Slovakia	386 km (240 miles)
Town	Dortmund, Germany	405 km (252 miles)
Town	Hamburg, Germany	419 km (260 miles)
Attraction	The Nurburgring, Germany	421 km (261 miles)
Town	Cologne, Germany	424 km (263 miles)
Attraction	The Stelvio Pass, Italy	448 km (278 miles)
Town	Trier, Germany	448 km (278 miles)
Town	Zurich, Switzerland	449 km (279 miles)
Attraction	Centre Parcs Le Lac d'Ailette, France	462 km (287 miles)
Town	Luxembourg, Luxembourg	487 km (302 miles)
Attraction	Spa Francorchamps, Belgium	490 km (304 miles)

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