Diana Observation Tower for Panoramic Views

The Diana Observation Tower is the most famous peak in the city. It stands 547 meters above sea level on a lush hill. This spot offers a full 360-degree view of the entire valley. You can see the historic center and the surrounding green forests clearly. It is truly one of the best sunset spots in Karlovy Vary for 2026.

Getting to the top is very easy for all visitors. You can take the funicular from the Grandhotel Pupp area. The ride takes about three minutes and runs every fifteen minutes. Check the Diana funicular railway tickets and schedule before you head out. This ensures you arrive before the sun starts to set.

Once at the top, you can use the elevator or stairs. The tower itself is 35 meters tall and free to enter. There is a nice restaurant next to the tower for drinks. You can enjoy a local beer while watching the sky change colors. The terrace provides a great atmosphere for a relaxing evening with friends.

The view from Diana covers the Ore Mountains in the distance. During the golden hour, the mountains turn a deep purple color. The city lights below begin to twinkle as darkness falls. It is a magical experience that every traveler should enjoy. Make sure to bring a light jacket as it gets windy.

For more details on this location, read our Diana Observation Tower guide for visitors. You will find tips on the best photo angles there. The tower is open year-round, but hours vary by season. Plan to arrive at least one hour before the actual sunset time.

Deer Leap Lookout and the Iconic Stag

The Deer Leap Lookout is home to a famous metal statue. This statue of a mountain goat is a symbol of the city. Legend says a stag jumped from here during a royal hunt. Today, it serves as a fantastic place to watch the evening sky. The view overlooks the colorful buildings of the spa district.

This spot is very close to the main walking colonnades. You can hike up the forest paths in about fifteen minutes. The trail is well-marked and winds through beautiful old trees. If you prefer not to walk, the funicular stops nearby. Visit the Deer Leap Lookout Jeleni Skok page for trail maps.

Photographers love this location for its unique framing opportunities. You can capture the statue with the city spread out below. The sun sets behind the hills, casting long shadows across the valley. It creates a dramatic look for your travel photos in 2026. The orange light hits the yellow facades of the hotels perfectly.

There is a small wooden gazebo nearby for sitting and resting. It provides shelter if the weather turns cold or rainy. Many locals come here for a quick evening stroll after work. It feels very authentic and less crowded than the main tower. You can hear the distant sounds of the city bells from here.

Three Crosses Hill for Quiet Moments

Three Crosses Hill offers a more peaceful sunset experience for visitors. It is located on the opposite side of the valley from Diana. Three large wooden crosses stand at the very top of the peak. They were built in the 17th century as a religious monument. Now, they mark one of the best sunset spots in Karlovy Vary.

The climb to this hill is slightly steeper than other paths. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes from the city center. You will walk past historic villas and through quiet residential streets. The effort is rewarded with a wide view of the spa zone. You can see the Vridlo spring steaming in the distance.

This location is perfect for a quiet sunset picnic with a view. Bring some local snacks and a blanket to sit on the grass. You will likely have the spot mostly to yourself in the evening. It is a great place to escape the busy tourist crowds. Check our guide to the Three Crosses Hill viewpoint for more information.

The sun sets directly across from this hill in the summer. This means you get a front-row seat to the light show. The sky often turns vibrant shades of red and violet here. It is a favorite spot for local artists and landscape photographers. The crosses add a striking silhouette to your sunset images.

Charles IV Lookout Tower Historic Charm

The Charles IV Lookout Tower looks like a small castle. It was built in 1877 in a beautiful Gothic Revival style. The tower is made of red brick and has two galleries. It is tucked away in the forest above the city center. This location feels like a hidden gem for sunset lovers.

The walk to this tower is a pleasant forest journey. You can follow the yellow-marked trail from the main spa area. The path is paved and suitable for most fitness levels. It takes roughly twenty minutes to reach the base of the tower. Look at the Charles IV Lookout Tower hiking route for specific directions.

From the top gallery, you can see the Ore Mountains clearly. The forest surroundings make the air feel fresh and cool. At sunset, the brickwork of the tower glows in the light. It is a very romantic setting for couples visiting the town. You can see the sunset over the rolling hills of Bohemia.

Entry to the tower is free and it stays open late. There are no elevators here, so you must climb the stairs. The view from the top is worth every single step you take. You can see how the city is nestled in the river valley. It provides a unique perspective on the local geography.

Goethe’s Lookout for Distant Horizons

Goethe’s Lookout is the highest and furthest tower from the center. It was named after the famous German poet who loved this city. The tower is a grand brick structure that resembles a fortress. It offers the most expansive views of the surrounding Slavkov Forest. This is a top choice for those who love nature.

You can reach the trailhead by taking a local bus. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website has bus schedules for line number 8. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the tower. The area is very quiet and surrounded by tall pine trees. It feels very different from the busy colonnades below.

The sunset here is spectacular because of the high elevation. You can see the sun dip below the very edge of the horizon. The vast landscape turns into a sea of dark green and gold. It is a great spot for golden hour photography in the evening. You can capture the immense scale of the Czech countryside.

There is a small café at the base of the tower for snacks. It is a good place to wait for the perfect light. The tower has been recently renovated for the 2026 season. It features new information boards about the history of the site. For more planning tips, see the Goethe’s Lookout Tower visit guide today.

Peter the Great Lookout Cityscape

The Peter the Great Lookout is a historical terrace on a cliff. It commemorates the visit of the Russian Tsar to the city. He famously rode a horse up this steep hill on a bet. Today, a small bust of the Tsar marks the exact spot. It offers one of the best close-up views of the town.

You can find this lookout just above the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. The walk up the stairs is short but quite steep. It only takes about ten minutes from the Hot Spring Colonnade. This makes it the most accessible spot for a quick sunset view. You don't need to spend hours hiking to get here.

From this terrace, the Imperial Hotel looks particularly impressive. The setting sun hits the grand hotel and makes it shine bright. You can also see the Tepla River winding through the city streets. The architectural details of the spa houses are very clear from here. It is perfect for seeing the city's intricate rooflines.

Many people visit this spot just before dinner in the center. It is a great way to end a day of spa treatments. The atmosphere is lively as people gather to watch the sky. You can find more information on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. They list all the local events happening near the viewpoints.