Jáchymov, a former silver mining town, became notorious for its forced labor camps during the Communist era. A 10 km nature trail educates visitors about its rich history, ecology, and mining legacy.
Category: Karlovy Vary district
Routes around the historic town of Ostrov, in the foothills of the Ore Mountains: 2 km to 12 km
The mining town of Ostrov has an important place in Czech history, its attractive Renaissance/Baroque core funded by Ore Mountain silver and then blighted by Communist era uranium processing.
*A visit to Valeč chateau and park, with an optional extension to Orlík viewpoint: 2 km – 10 km*
Valeč chateau/ park is one of the best kept secrets in west Bohemia. This remarkable Baroque complex is well worth a trip. Extend the walk to visit a volcanic rock viewpoint.
*A long circuit to the very best viewpoints and landmarks in and above Karlovy Vary: 23 km*
This walk attempts to capture all the best viewpoints (and cafés) in the hills ringing Karlovy Vary, in a single day trip! The route includes Goethe’s and Diana’s towers, Vítkův vrch and Linhart park.
*The Diana lookout and Svatý Linhart deer park trail above Karlovy Vary – 11 km*
This excellent walk first visits the famous Diana lookout tower above Karlovy Vary and then heads into the forest to visit the game reserve, returning via the spectacular Westend villa area.
A circular route to the Vítkův vrch viewpoint and restaurant from Karlovy Vary: 9 km (extendable)
The circular hike from Karlovy Vary to Vítkův vrch is a popular easy half day trip, with a great view at the top and a pleasant restaurant terrace to relax on after the climb.
*A circuit to the historic Goethe viewpoint and tower, above Karlovy Vary – 6 km*
The Goethe lookout tower is a great destination for a short hike uphill from Karlovy Vary. The tower has a fascinating (naming) history, super views and nice café. A perfect short trip!
*A circuit around the Mattoni spa area at Kyselka, near Karlovy Vary: 3 km to 10 km*
The historic spa of Kyselka is the home of the famous Mattoni mineral water. Tour the fascinating spa area (in different stages of renovation) and maybe climb up to Mattoni’s lookout tower.
A short walk to the Kapučín rocks from Ležky village, just off the road to Karlovy Vary: 3 km (extendable)
Kapučín rocks, near Ležky village is a great spot to stop for a picnic if weary of the traffic on the Prague to Karlovy Vary road. There is a super view from the top!
*An easy walk around the historic western Bohemian town of Cheb: 3 km*
Cheb, a historic town in western Bohemia with roots from the 9th century, offers picturesque medieval streets, notable structures like the Špalíček, and is easily explored in this short walk.
A short walk around castle Seeberg/Ostroh near Františkovy Lázně: 3 km (extendable)
There are various ways to combine a visit to Seeberg (one of west Bohemia’s oldest castles) with an easy walk in pleasant countryside, including a number of education trails near the castle.
A circuit in the Slavkovský forest around the spa village of Lázně Kynžvart: 19 km to 21 km
This varied circuit in the upland Slavkovský forest area visits the famous 19th century Kynžvart chateau, an old castle ruin and an excellent peat bog nature trail at Kladská.
*An easy walk along the unique Kladská peat bog nature trail: 3 km*
There are several protected upland peat bogs in the Slavkovksý forest area. One of the most accessible is next to the historic Kladská hamlet where there is an excellent nature trail around a lovely pond to discover.
A walk around the English park at the historic Kynžvart chateau: 3 km
Kynžvart chateau, owned for over 300 years by the Metternich family is one of the finest neoclassicist buildings in Bohemia. Tour the chateau and its attractive English park area on this easy walk.
*A walk around the Söos nature reserve, with an extension to Vildštejn Castle: 2 km to 11 km*
Söos is a unique peat and mineral bog located close to Františkovy Lázně, well known for its bubbling ‘mud volcanos’. Visit the reserve and then extend the trip to see the 12th century Vildštejn fortress.
*The ‘path of legends’ – a circular tour from Žlutice around the remarkable Vladař hillfort: 16 km*
The prominent volcanic hill of Vladař (693m) is a notable western Bohemian landmark. It is also the location of a large Celtic fortress and also the site of one of Jan Žižka’s famous battles…
*A circuit to the Diana lookout tower and viewpoints in the hills above Karlovy Vary – 6 km*
Probably the most famous viewpoint at the UNESCO listed spa of Karlovy Vary is from the Diana lookout tower. Take the long route up and down to enjoy multiple views of this elegant resort town.
Andělská Hora and the viewpoint at Šemnická skála, a 9 km trip near to Karlovy Vary
Andělská Hora castle is a prominent landmark for those approaching Karlovy Vary by road. Visit the extensive ruins and then scale the nearby volcanic rocks on Šemnická skála for some super views.
Along the river Ohře from Karlovy Vary to Loket – 11 km to 16 km
Take the easy trail from Karlovy Vary to the spectacular medieval town of Loket, following the river Ohře, which is scenically lined with cliffs, cool forests and dotted with granite boulders.
An easy walk along the river Ohře from Doubí (Karlovy Vary) to the Svatoš rocks – 7 km
The towering Svatošské skály are a highlight of a trip along the scenic Ohře river near Karlovy Vary. Take the easy route along a quiet side road to visit these majestic granite pillars.
A tour around the ‘Key to the Kingdom of Bohemia’: the royal town of Loket – 3 km
The medieval castle and surrounding small town of Loket are majestically situated on a rock outcrop above the river Ohře. Explore the old town and viewpoints above the river, on this scenic short walk.
Exploring the Slavkovský forest north of Mariánské Lázně: 16 km
If visiting the famous spa town of Mariánské Lázně, spend a little time exploring the surrounding forest, which is dotted with bubbling springs and forgotten medieval village sites.
Discovering the different mineral springs around the center of Mariánské Lázně: 8 km
Walk around the central spa areas of UNESCO listed Mariánské Lázně, for the chance to taste the famous waters from different springs dotted around the valley and view the grand Classicist architecture.