Diana Observation Tower funicular ticket prices and logistics

Understanding the Diana Observation Tower funicular ticket prices helps you budget your day effectively. For 2026, adult return tickets usually cost between 150 and 180 CZK. One-way tickets are slightly cheaper if you prefer to hike down. Children, students, and seniors often receive significant discounts on these rates. You can buy tickets directly at the lower station located near the Grandhotel Pupp.

The funicular runs every 15 minutes during the peak season. It features three stations: the lower station (Stará Louka), the middle station (Jelení skok), and the upper station (Diana). The ride takes about three to five minutes to reach the summit. For the most accurate daily schedules, check the official Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Most visitors find the return ticket to be the best value for a relaxed afternoon.

10 Must-See Sights Near the Diana Funicular

Once you have secured your Diana Observation Tower funicular tickets, a world of attractions awaits. The summit area is more than just a viewpoint. It offers dining, nature, and family-friendly activities. Here are the top ten experiences to include in your itinerary.

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Sight Why go: It offers the most famous 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding Slavkov Forest. Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors. Where: Funicular upper station. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free entry to the tower itself. Getting there: Take the funicular to the top. Tip: Use the elevator inside the tower if you want to skip the 150 stairs.
2. Name: Papilonia Butterfly House Type: Experience Why go: Walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies in a tropical climate. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Right next to the Diana Tower. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee (approx. 170 CZK). Getting there: Located at the funicular summit. Tip: Wear bright colors to attract the butterflies to land on you.
3. Name: Diana Restaurant Type: Local Experience Why go: Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine in a historic 1914 building. Best for: A relaxing lunch with a view. Where: Summit area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by meal. Getting there: Funicular upper station. Tip: Try the local wild game dishes for an authentic taste of Bohemia.
4. Name: Jelení Skok (Deer Jump) Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the famous statue of a mountain goat overlooking the valley. Best for: Capturing scenic views of Karlovy Vary. Where: Middle funicular station. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Get off at the funicular's halfway point. Tip: The walk from here back to the town center is downhill and very scenic.
5. Name: Vřídlo (Hot Spring Colonnade) Type: Iconic Sight Why go: Witness a geyser that shoots hot mineral water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Seeing the power of the local thermal springs. Where: Near the funicular lower station. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the Stará Louka station. Tip: Take a cup to taste the different mineral water temperatures.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic Sight Why go: Admire the intricate white wooden carvings of this Swiss-style structure. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Historic center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the funicular base. Tip: Look for the Charles IV Spring located inside the colonnade.
7. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This High Baroque masterpiece is one of the most important churches in the region. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walking distance from the valley station. Tip: Visit the underground crypt for a unique historical perspective.
8. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka, the world-famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults looking for a cultural tasting. Where: City center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry (includes tasting). Getting there: A short bus ride or 15-minute walk from the funicular. Tip: Book your Jan Becher Museum tour in advance as it fills up quickly.
9. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Watch master glassblowers create luxury crystal items. Best for: Craftsmanship lovers. Where: Outskirts of the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a local bus from the city center. Tip: Check the Moser Glassworks schedule to ensure the furnace is active during your visit.
10. Name: Slavkov Forest Hiking Trails Type: Nature Why go: Escape the crowds in the dense, peaceful woods surrounding the tower. Best for: Active travelers and hikers. Where: Starting at the Diana Tower. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start your walk from the funicular summit. Tip: Follow the marked blue or yellow trails for the best-maintained paths.

Planning your trip to Karlovy Vary

To make the most of your visit, timing is everything. The funicular is busiest during the midday hours. Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This helps you avoid long queues at the ticket office. You can find more planning resources at the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism portal.

The city is very walkable, but the funicular is a great time-saver. If you have mobility issues, the funicular is fully accessible. It allows everyone to enjoy the views without physical strain. Remember that the weather at the top can be cooler than in the valley. Bring a light jacket even in the summer months.