Planning Your Visit to St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

The St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church dates back to 1897. Local nobility and Russian visitors funded its construction. It serves as a symbol of the city's international appeal. The interior is filled with precious icons and murals. You should dress modestly when entering the sacred space. Photography is often restricted inside the sanctuary. Check the official Karlovy Vary tourism site for current service times.

Getting to the church requires a short uphill walk. The path takes you through the scenic Westend neighborhood. You will see grand villas from the 19th century. Many of these buildings are now luxury hotels. The walk is peaceful and offers great photo opportunities. If you prefer not to walk, local buses stop nearby. Always carry small change for bus fares. The church is a great starting point for a Karlovy Vary sightseeing guide tour.

11 Best Things to Do Near St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

Karlovy Vary is easy to navigate on foot. Most major sights are located in the valley. You can follow the Teplá River to find the main colonnades. Each area has a unique atmosphere and history. Here are the top 11 things to experience during your visit.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free: Vřídlo Geyser

1. Name: St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: sight Why go: To see the stunning gold domes and intricate Byzantine-style architecture. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Westend District. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light on the golden domes.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 Corinthian columns. Best for: Architecture lovers and water tasting. Where: City center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the church. Tip: Read our Mill Colonnade history guide before you go.
3. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: For the best panoramic views of the entire valley and forests. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Friendship Height. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Use the Diana funicular to save your legs.
4. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: nature Why go: To see a natural hot spring shoot 12 meters into the air. Best for: Natural wonder seekers. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Visit the Vřídlo Geyser underground tour for a unique experience.
5. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: To watch master glassblowers create world-famous crystal. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Book the Moser factory tour in advance.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: To learn the secret history of Becherovka herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Located near the main bus station. Tip: Check the Jan Becher visitor guide for tasting times.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This iconic hotel inspired the Grand Budapest Hotel movie. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view; high for dining. Getting there: A scenic walk along the river. Tip: Learn about the Grandhotel Pupp history to appreciate its grandeur.
8. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: indoor Why go: A beautiful Baroque church located right next to the hot springs. Best for: Religious art fans. Where: Near Vřídlo. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily reached while walking the main colonnades. Tip: The crypt is occasionally open for special tours.
9. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: nature Why go: To see the famous chamois statue and enjoy forest views. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Forest trails above the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as some paths are steep.
10. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A delicate white wooden structure with beautiful carvings. Best for: Quick stops and photos. Where: Historic center. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located between the Mill and Hot Spring colonnades. Tip: Try the Charles IV Spring located inside.
11. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A stunning 12th-century Gothic castle on a granite rock. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Loket (12km away). Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from Karlovy Vary. Tip: The torture chamber exhibit is very popular but quite spooky.

Travel Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Adventure

Public transport in Karlovy Vary is very reliable. You can use local buses to reach the outskirts. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website has live schedules. Most visitors prefer walking in the central spa zone. The area is mostly pedestrian-only and very safe. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many cobblestones.

When drinking the thermal waters, use a traditional porcelain cup. These cups have a special spout for sipping. You can buy them at almost any souvenir stall. Start with small amounts of water to see how you feel. Some springs have a very high mineral content. Always consult a local doctor for a full spa treatment plan. Respect the quiet atmosphere of the colonnades during your visit.