9 Must-Visit Viewpoints and Sights

Karlovy Vary offers a unique mix of nature and history. The hills are filled with wooden gazebos and stone towers. Most paths are well-marked and easy to follow. Here are the top spots to visit for the best views in the city.

• Best overall: Diana Observation Tower
• Best for photos: Deer Leap Lookout
• Best for sunset: Three Crosses Lookout
• Best free spot: Mayer’s Gloriette

1. Name: Deer Leap Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous spot in the city. You can see the iconic chamois statue perched on a rock. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Forested slope above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the city center or take the funicular to the middle station. Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a 35-meter high platform with 360-degree views. You can see the Ore Mountains on a clear day. Best for: Families and panoramic vistas. Where: Friendship Height (Výšina přátelství). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free tower entry (funicular has a fee). Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the nearby Butterfly House while you are at the top.
3. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: History Why go: Named after the Russian Tsar who climbed here on a horse. It features a bust of the Tsar and a wooden gazebo. Best for: History buffs and quiet moments. Where: Petrova výšina. Time: 20 minutes from Deer Leap. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Deer Leap statue. Tip: Look for the historic inscriptions carved into the rocks nearby.
4. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: This brick tower looks like a mini castle. It was built in 1877 and offers a regal view of the valley. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Southern part of the spa woods. Time: 40 minutes from the city. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Richmond Hotel area or follow the forest trails. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time climbing up.
5. Name: Three Crosses Lookout (Tři kříže) Type: Nature Why go: It provides a different perspective from the opposite side of the valley. The three crosses represent the victory of the Catholic faith. Best for: Sunset views and peace. Where: Three Crosses Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the Vřídelní Colonnade area. Tip: This is one of the steepest climbs, so wear sturdy shoes.
6. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: A grand neo-Gothic tower named after the famous German poet. It is the highest viewpoint near the city. Best for: Hikers seeking a challenge. Where: Eternal Life Hill (Výšina věčného života). Time: 2 hours (round trip). Cost: Small fee for tower access usually applies. Getting there: Take a bus to the Hůrky stop and walk 15 minutes. Tip: Check seasonal opening hours as it sometimes closes in winter.
7. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: Viewpoint Why go: A charming wooden pavilion located very close to Deer Leap. It offers a framed view of the Imperial Hotel. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Just below the Deer Leap statue. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the main forest paths from the funicular. Tip: This is a great spot to rest if the main lookout is busy.
8. Name: Camera Obscura Type: Unique experience Why go: A small wooden pavilion that once housed a pinhole camera. It offers a focused view of the lush forest valley. Best for: Seeing unique historical structures. Where: Near the Three Crosses. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the trail leading to the Three Crosses. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby lookout for a full afternoon.
9. Name: Westend District Villas Type: Neighborhood Why go: While not a tower, the upper streets offer amazing views of the spa center. You can see the Russian Orthodox Church from above. Best for: Luxury architecture fans. Where: Westend district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Look for the Savoy Westend Hotel for the best photo angles.

Planning Your Hike to Karlovy Vary Vistas

Reaching the best viewpoints near Deer Leap Karlovy Vary is easy for most travelers. The city maintains over 100 kilometers of forest trails. These paths are color-coded for easy navigation. You can find trail maps at the local tourism office or online.

If you want to save energy, use the local public transport. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary operates a funicular. This cable car takes you from the valley floor to the Diana Tower. It stops at the Deer Leap station halfway up. This is the best way to start your adventure.

Most trails are suitable for casual walkers. However, some sections are steep and may have roots or rocks. It is helpful to know how to hike to Deer Leap Lookout safely. Always carry water and check the weather before you leave the city center.

Local Legend: The Deer Leap Lookout Story

The history of these viewpoints is tied to a famous myth. The Deer Leap Lookout legend tells of Emperor Charles IV. During a hunt, his hounds chased a deer into the valley. The deer jumped from a high rock into a steaming spring below.

The Emperor noticed the hot water and realized its healing powers. He then founded the city of Karlovy Vary on that spot. Today, a statue of a chamois stands on that very rock. It serves as a reminder of the city's magical beginnings.

Visitors love to visit the statue to pay their respects. It is a symbol of the city's resilience and natural beauty. The view from the statue remains one of the most popular in Bohemia. You can feel the history as you look down at the town.