The Czech thermal spa has been popular with Russian tourists since the middle of the 19th century. Treatment on the local waters is preferred by athletes and movie stars, oligarchs and businessmen, but Karlovy Vary, in spite of everything, remains quite affordable in terms of prices and provides a lot of opportunities for the average tourist. While improving their health, travelers invariably crave entertainment, and therefore choose where to go from Karlovy Vary in between miraculous procedures.
To Goethe and Chopin
The second largest and most important resort in the Czech Republic is called Marianske Lazne, and this is where vacationers often visit. From local attractions, in addition to healing springs, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the central square and the Goethe and Chopin museums, which were in this pretty town, are well known.
Music fans usually come to Marianske Lazne for the annual Chopin festival, and on ordinary days the city theater and the "Casino" house of culture work here.
When choosing where to go from Karlovy Vary, pay attention to the short distance between the resorts. The 50 km separating them can be easily covered by taxi or intercity bus. Those wishing to stay in Marianske Lazne longer can choose a room in one of hundreds of local hotels.
To the old castle
Fans of medieval architecture and romance of chivalry, deciding where to go from Karlovy Vary, do not hesitate for a long time. The town of Cheb on the border with Germany is famous for its ancient castle of the 12th century, built on the banks of the Elbe River to repel enemy attacks. The observation deck on the Black Tower provides guests with panoramic views of Cheb and the surrounding area. The entrance to the castle is open from 9.00 to 17.00 from May to September and from 11.00 to 17.00 in April and October. The price of full and reduced entrance tickets is 60 and 30 kroons, respectively. The facility is closed in winter.
Getting to Cheb is very easy by train from the central railway station in Karlovy Vary. The train covers 45 km of track in less than an hour. Departure - every 60 minutes, ticket price - about 70 CZK (all prices are approximate and given as of August 2015).
German sketches
With the time and desire, it is not difficult to get to Germany from Karlovy Vary. This can be done very comfortably and quickly by a car rented at a rental point, and by driving on your own by public transport it is a little cheaper and without problems with parking:
- Even for one day, a trip to Dresden is a dream of travelers who are fond of art and European architecture. The train goes here via the town of Usti nad Labem, the ticket will cost about 15 euros, and the travel time will be about two hours.
- In Nuremberg, noteworthy is the medieval fortress with an observation deck overlooking the old town, several Gothic temples, a toy museum and local gingerbread served for dessert in every cafe. You can get to Nuremberg from Karlovy Vary on your own by train via Cheb. The travel time, taking into account the transfer, will be about 3.5 hours, the ticket price is almost 30 euros.
