Where did Carslbad get its name?

The world famous spa town of Karlovy Vary located in western Bohemia (Czech Republic), also known by its German name of Karlsbad (or Carlsbad in English), was according to legend founded in 1350 by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (Karel in Czech) after he had acclaimed the healing power of the hot springs. On August 14, 1370, Charles IV granted the town freedom and rights similar to other royal towns. Moreover the city used the concessions granted to health resorts and it was subsequently named after him.

Around the 16th century the town experienced a downfall in tourist traffic (mostly due to the Thirty Years´ War) but at the end of the 17th century the town flourished thanks to the inflow of wealthy aristocrats. Since that time (with the exception of the First and Second World War periods) the town has flourished and became more and more an attractive destination for visitors. It is historically famous for its hot springs (12 main springs, about 300 smaller springs).

Karlovy Vary lies in a green valley of the river Teplá (meaning "Warm") and its setting alone gives it an atmosphere of beauty and peace. The town has been recapturing its former glory with its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings being restored and people are rediscovering all the town has to offer. Thousands of Czechs and foreigners alike spend their time in the spa, strolling past historical buildings while holding special sipping cups from which they drink some of the hot spring water recommended by their doctor. The water is known for its healing power and health insurance companies often cover the entire stay usually lasting several weeks long.  Disorders of digestive system (such as stomach disorders, intestines, liver, gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas) and disorders of metabolism (such as diabetes, high cholesterol, uricaemia, chronic troubles with spine and knuckles, attenuation of health condition due to an intense mental stress, ontological diseases after operations, irradiation and chemotherapy are being cured in Karlovy Vary). The springs freely pour from fountains and geysers all around the city.

Local Moser manufacturer supplies not only the sipping cups but produces world famous Bohemian cut glass exported all over the world. The Czechs also know the city for their popular and legendary Carlsbad's waffles.

One of the city’s most original specialties is a half bitter and half sweet gastric liqueur called "Karlovarská Becherovka", which is also known under the title "the 13th spring". The formula for making this liqueur is unique and in spite of the fact that many people tried to copy this product, no one has succeeded in acquiring such a unique herbal flavor.

The city has been used as the location set for a number of Hollywood film-shoots, including the 2006 films Last Holiday and box-office hit Casino Royale, both of which used the city's Grandhotel Pupp in different guises.

The town's visitors over the years have included Casanova,  Ludwig  van  Beethoven,  Wolfgang Amadeus, Mozart, Franz Kafka, Alphonse Mucha and many representatives of the world film industry who come to Karlovy Vary as guests of the International Film Festival held every year in July.  Hollywood stars abound!

A bus from Prague will get you to Karlovy Vary in around 2 hours. Whether you go to Karlovy Vary to relax your mind, find a cure or admire the architecture, you will not regret visiting this elegant city.

Carlsbad, New Mexico and Carlsbad, California, in the United States, and nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park take their names from Carlsbad. Carlsbad, CA is also one of the sister cities of Karlovy Vary.