I don‘t write that much about Czech Republic, perhaps because the place where you live is taken for granted, but over the years, as in all things taken for granted, it is precisely there where we live that it is necessary to go deeper.
Karlovy Vary, that is one of the most important European thermal towns with almost 50,000 inhabitants, that I have always and exclusively visited it for work during the many international film festivals “Mezinárodní filmový festival Karlovy Vary” which as usual takes place in summer. (continues below)
My stays were dedicated to organization and public relations that took place in hotels, meeting rooms and restaurants, brought to life the essence of Karlovy Vary only and exclusively encapsulated in a cloud that disappeared after a week.
And just like when it rains heavily and after a while the rainbow appears, we decide to go to Karlovy Vary outside the festival season and especially after a Covid year. Needless to say that, like every city, KV has also suffered enormously from the serious tourist crisis that inevitably affects the economic one, given that it is a town that lives mostly on this sector. The sadness of living it, at the opposite to its thermal and cinematic tourist frenzy, is however replaced by its immense attractions compacted in a small kilometer radius. And there is no better time than to visit it now. (continues below)
Our stay could only be at the Grandhotel Pupp, one of the most fascinating neo-baroque – neo-Renaissance style hotels founded in 1700 and which has seen pass through the centuries historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Franz Kafka, Giacomo Casanova, Karl Marx or Ludwig van Beethoven just to list some and countless international stars of today. Its very particular ambience have also hosted many film sets including 007, Casino Royale (2006). (continues below)
Initially, the two days that seemed too long at the beginning, proved to be necessary to experience the city differently and that is why if you happen to be in the area, you cannot miss at least 5 of these experiences:
BECHER E MATTONI MUSEUM
The walk could start unexpectedly at an unofficial and not a-strictl-thermal source, the BECHEROVKA. The historic “Steinberky” building was built by Jan Becher in 1867 and served as the original factory for more than 100 years. In the visitor center you have the opportunity to see historical bottles and unique items that belonged to the Becher family, such as a cookbook, exhibition awards, account books and many other exhibits. The interactive part of the exhibition allows you to see and absorb the aroma of the herbs and spices of which Becherovka is made; taste the Karlovy Vary water, which is used for the production, and with the help of the VR glasses find yourself directly on the bottling line. Obviously the tasting of Becherovka in the place of its production is a must, but you need to be careful: the walk to see KV has several kilometers.
For those who want to see KV in a more sober way, the MATTONI museum is the right choice. A journey that starts in 1873 and leads into the history of the famous Mattoni brand and its founder Heinrich Mattoni. The building, where the first Mineral Water Bottling Museum was founded, is named after Dr. Josef Löschner and is located in the municipality of Kyselka. The museum’s collection consists of a wide range of historical documents such as photographs, trademark certificates, business correspondence, maps and plans of buildings that were built and some others not. The museum also has interactive exhibits and animated screenings.
COLONNADE – THERMAL SOURCES
If you want to try these or other sources in the city, they should not be combined with alcohol and nicotine and above all the thermal water is only to be tasted and not to drink too much, as it is used exclusively on medical prescription. Mineral water is tasted in special glasses that can be bought at any newsstand or souvenir shop.
The heart of the spa is the Vřídelní Colonnade and the Vřídlo spring, which flows up to 12 m high. The most famous spring in Karlovy Vary supplies thermal water to all spa facilities and provides the basic raw material for the production of Karlovy Vary thermal salt. Absolutely to visit is the undergrounds of the spring where you can see, for example, the famous stone roses and other petrified objects in various stages of processing. (continues below)
PRIVATE VISIT TO MOSER GLASSWARE
MOSER is a brand of glass products of the highest quality, known all over the world and its visitors center is a must during your stay in Karlovy Vary. During the excursion, you can see how unique products are created from hot glass in a close encounter with the glass masters and savor a unique insight into the history and present of the glassworks. In my next article, we’ll go into more details with the hope to be able to convey an unique experience that we have experienced firsthand. (continues below)
FUNICULAR – PANORAMIC VIEW, ZOO AND BUTTERFLIES
The funicular is located in a narrow alley on the right side of the PUPP hotel. It takes you to 556 mt l. m. and thanks to its “Diana” tower 40 meters high, you can admire a paronamic view of the city. Absolutely not to be missed is the small zoo with the famous white peacock proudly displaying all its feathers in the company of ponies, goats and pigs. To continue the journey in the small butterfly garden of PAPILONIA (continua sotto)
SPA
If you have time, desire or pure necessity, I suggest to try the traditional spa treatments to be selected and booked in time by selecting the SPAs that use real thermal waters. One of the most well-known structures is the Elizabeth Baths “ALŽBĚTINY LÁZNĚ” (named after the Empress Elizabeth alias Sissi). Unfortunately, the structure does not have a thermal-architectural flair, but its procedures certainly meet the required care.
Since two days cannot be lived on an empty stomach, the Embassy (with its baked duck) is my must once in town, although I must say that the fried cheese, french fries and cold beer eaten by the Diana tower, has exceeded all expectations.
Yours, Moni
