Sometimes known as the West Bohemian Spa Triangle, Karlovy Vary is one of the smalles and less inhabited regions of the Czech Republic, neighbourh to the Germans regions of Saxony and Bavaria,with whom enjoys a mutual advantageous cooperation. The area is gifted by an underground network of hot and cold mineral springs – about 100 rising naturally to the surface with different temperatures – which have made Karlovy Vary one of the largest spa treatment centres in Europe.
The spa towns of the region offer a wide variety of medical, wellness and beauty treatments, all based around the healing waters, useful to treat digestive tract, metabolic and certain arthritic disorders. Water is freely available to drink in the many beautiful colonnades which are characteristic of the region, while prestigious hotels and spa resorts provide a variety of treatments, from mineral baths and warm peat body wraps to gas inhalations and injections.
Walking is an important aspect of the traditional water cure in the Karlovy Vary Region, and the many woods and hills surrounding the spa towns offer welcoming opportunities to do it.
There are many kilometres of marked wooldland trails, with many pavilions, rest places and stunning viewpoints of the towns.
Cultural and social events are an important part of life in the Karlovy Vary Region.
Many of these events are well known all over the world, like the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, which welcomes international film-stars every year; the Chopin Music Festival of Mariánské Lázně and the summer concerts honouring of Františkovy Lázně, dedicating one week to the works of the great composer Johann Strauss.
