Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary Viewpoints

The Teplá River carves a narrow path through the landscape. This creates steep slopes on both sides of the city center. Most viewpoints are located in the municipal forests. These woods feature over 100 kilometers of well-marked walking paths. You should wear comfortable shoes even for short walks.

Many visitors start their journey at the famous colonnades. However, the true beauty lies higher up the hillsides. You can find many cultural attractions in Karlovy Vary while walking between these spots. The forest trails are often paved and easy to navigate. Look for the color-coded signs at major intersections.

Timing your visit is very important for photography. Morning mist often clings to the valley floor in autumn. This creates a magical atmosphere for your photos. Sunset is another popular time for the western-facing lookouts. Always check the weather before heading into the higher forest sections.

11 Best Scenic Views of Karlovy Vary

Here are the top spots to capture the essence of this historic spa town. These include iconic towers, hidden forest gazebos, and nearby day trips. Many of these locations offer free access year-round. Use this list to plan your sightseeing route through the hills.

• Best overall view: Diana Observation Tower
• Best for families: Deer Leap Lookout
• Best for sunset: Three Crosses
• Best free view: Peter the Great Lookout

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It is the highest point overlooking the city center. Best for: Panoramic 360-degree photos. Where: Atop Friendship Hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free entry to tower; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Use the Diana Observation Tower funicular from the city. Tip: Visit the nearby Butterfly House while you are there.
2. Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Type: sight Why go: It features the iconic chamois statue overlooking the valley. Best for: Classic Karlovy Vary postcards. Where: Rock cliff above the Market Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the city or take the funicular to the middle station. Tip: The statue is smaller than it looks in photos.
3. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: experience Why go: Historic spot where the Russian Tsar once rode a horse. Best for: History buffs and quiet views. Where: Near the Deer Leap forest paths. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Diana Tower. Tip: Look for the wooden cross marking the exact spot.
4. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže) Type: viewpoint Why go: Offers a wide view of the entire spa district and beyond. Best for: Sunset watching and picnics. Where: On the hill opposite the Diana Tower. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the steep path from the town center. Tip: Bring a flashlight if you stay for the sunset.
5. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: A pseudo-Gothic brick tower that looks like a mini castle. Best for: Architectural photography. Where: Southern part of the spa forests. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Grandhotel Pupp along the forest paths. Tip: The stairs inside are narrow and steep.
6. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: A grand Neo-Gothic tower located further from the center. Best for: Escaping the city crowds. Where: Heights above the Imperial Hotel. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee usually applies. Getting there: Take bus number 8 or hike the long forest trail. Tip: Check seasonal opening hours before heading out.
7. Name: Imperial Hotel Terrace Type: experience Why go: Luxury perspective of the city from a famous landmark. Best for: A relaxed afternoon tea with a view. Where: Libušina street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to access terrace; cafe prices vary. Getting there: Use the tunnel funicular from the Teplá river. Tip: The funicular is part of the public transport system.
8. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: sight Why go: A small wooden gazebo offering a framed view of the river. Best for: Romantic couples. Where: Just above the main shopping street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs behind the Mill Colonnade. Tip: It is a great spot for a quick photo break.
9. Name: Camera Obscura Lookout Type: viewpoint Why go: A unique wooden structure near the Three Crosses. Best for: Birdseye views of the church spires. Where: On the ridge above the city. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the trails from the Three Crosses site. Tip: The view here is often less crowded than Diana.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: Stunning views of a medieval town and river bend. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: 12 km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the castle. Getting there: Take a local train or bus from the main station. Tip: Walk the ramparts for the best photography angles.
11. Name: Svatoš Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: nature Why go: Dramatic granite pillars rising above the Ohře River. Best for: Hikers and nature photographers. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike or cycle along the river trail from the city. Tip: Visit the local riverside restaurant for a traditional meal.

Hiking to the Most Beautiful Vistas

Walking is the best way to connect several viewpoints in one afternoon. You can start at the Diana Tower and walk downhill. Use the hiking trails from Diana Tower to city center for a scenic route. This path passes the Deer Leap and Peter the Great spots. It is mostly downhill and shaded by old trees.

The trails are marked with colored stripes on trees and poles. Red trails are usually the main routes. Yellow and blue trails offer shorter or more specialized paths. You can find detailed maps at the local tourism office. Most trails are accessible for anyone with moderate fitness levels.

If you prefer a challenge, try the hike to Goethe’s Lookout. This route involves more elevation gain but rewards you with solitude. You will see different types of forest along the way. Always bring water, as there are few shops in the woods. Many trails have benches where you can rest and enjoy the silence.

Photography Tips for the Best Scenic Views

Capturing the best scenic views of Karlovy Vary requires some patience. The valley can be quite dark in the late afternoon. Aim to shoot when the sun hits the colorful facades directly. This usually happens in the mid-morning for the eastern side. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping curves of the colonnades.

The city lights up beautifully at night. The Three Crosses viewpoint is perfect for long-exposure night shots. You can see the glow of the hotels and the streetlights below. Make sure to bring a sturdy tripod for these conditions. The wind can be strong on the exposed hilltops.

Don't forget to look for smaller details during your walk. The forest light filtering through the leaves is very photogenic. You might even spot local wildlife like deer or squirrels. For the best experience, visit Visit Czechia for more travel inspiration. Every season offers a unique palette of colors in the spa forests.