Hi fellow travelers,
I am planning a two day trip to Karlovy Vary with my husband and three kids. They are ages: 10 and two 13 year olds. What are the things that we should absolutely do here? I am hoping the weather will be nice, so we will be able to be out and about. In case of spring rains, would love to hear the best indoor options as well as nice weather outside stuff to do.
Thank you!
Ahoj,
With 10 and 13 year olds, take the Diana Funicular to the observation tower. There is a minor petting zoo at the top and the tower has great views. Hike down arriving back by the GrandHotel Pupp for a slice of Pupp cake in the cafe. Explore the halls of this grand dame of hotels and read up on former guests such as Goethe, Bach, Beethoven as well as modern day whos who.
Then catch a city bus or rent electric bikes for an excursion to the town of Loket. Often used in films, including as a stand in for Montenegro in the James Bond filmed at the GrandHotel Pupp, it’s picture perfect. It has one of the most approachable medieval castles dead center in town with a wild dragon at the castles heart. Not to mention the notoriety of having a meteor land dead center in its courtyard that drew observers for years. There is a dungeon that has some gory so might want to pop through first before sending the pups through.
If rain is a concern, book a hotel with natural mineral springs pumped in for a pool day. I’d highly recommend the GrandHotel Pupp with their crazy, huge, stainless steel mineral baths pools and maze of saunas, ham mans and salt caves that make for spa heaven. Prices can be surprisingly affordable.
Eat at Pizzeria Asti. The pizza is solid and live music on the weekends is fun.
That’s my two cents.
If it rains then hire a car and spend the day at the Techmania Science Centre in Plzen (just over an hour drive). Great for the kids.
Thanks for the suggestions. We will have our car with us, so even driving to suggested areas won't be a problem. I had heard about a Butterfly House, but not the petting zoo. The kids will love that. Is it a walkable city? We are hoping to park and car and do most things in Karlovy Vary by foot.
We just got back from Prague and while there, took the train to Karlovy Vary. It is definitely a place for walking (lots of walking), but they have many benches all along the river and it is very pleasant to just sit
every now and then, listening to the river and birds as well as people watch. All kinds of outdoor eateries along the river that runs through the town (several bridges cross over from one side to the other and there are shops and eateries on both sides). There are horse and buggy rides to be had through the town and I think I recall a small tourist "train" one could ride on. It is a lovely town.
