Planning Your Church of St Mary Magdalene Excursions

The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a high baroque building. It was designed by the famous architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. You can find it right in the heart of the spa district. It is one of the most important best attractions in Karlovy Vary. The church is easy to reach from any part of the city. Most walking tours pass by its impressive twin towers.

Inside, you will find beautiful religious art and a peaceful atmosphere. The church serves as an active place of worship. You should check the st-mary-magdalene-church-mass-schedule before your visit. This helps you avoid arriving during a private service. The area around the church is always bustling with activity. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the town.

The city is part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. It is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the historic buildings are well-preserved. You will see stunning details on every corner. The church is surrounded by thermal springs and elegant colonnades. It is truly the spiritual heart of this world-famous spa town.

12 Best Church of St Mary Magdalene Excursions & Sights

There are many ways to experience this historic area. From underground tours to mountain hikes, the options are diverse. Here are the top items for your itinerary.

• Best overall: The Underground Crypt
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free activity: Drinking from the Thermal Springs

1. Name: The Underground Crypt Type: experience Why go: It is a unique journey beneath the church floor. You can see ancient remains and unique geological formations. Best for: History buffs Where: Directly under the Church of St Mary Magdalene Time: 45 minutes Cost: Small fee for guided tours Getting there: Entrance is inside the church Tip: Check out the underground crypt guide for tour times.
2. Name: The Main Baroque Altar Type: sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of 18th-century religious art. The altar features stunning sculptures and gold leaf. Best for: Art lovers Where: Inside the main nave of the church Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free (donations welcome) Getting there: Walk through the main front doors Tip: Visit during the morning for the best natural light.
3. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vridlo) Type: sight Why go: It is the most famous spring in the city. The geyser shoots water up to 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone Where: Directly across from the church Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the church steps Tip: Read about the Vridlo geyser before you go.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure is incredibly photogenic. It houses several healing springs. Best for: Photography Where: 5-minute walk from the church Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk along the river towards the town center Tip: Look for the relief showing the discovery of the springs.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: experience Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. You can take a funicular to the top. Best for: Viewpoint seekers Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Funicular fee; tower entry is free Getting there: Use the Diana funicular near the Grandhotel Pupp Tip: There is a mini-zoo at the top for children.
6. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This medieval fortress is just a short trip away. It feels like stepping back in time. Best for: History enthusiasts Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary Time: 4-5 hours Cost: Moderate entry fee Getting there: Follow this Loket day trip guide for bus info Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle basement if you are brave.
7. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian glass is made. You can watch master glassblowers at work. Best for: Culture seekers Where: On the outskirts of the city Time: 2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Take a local bus from the city center Tip: Check the Moser visitor guide for booking details.
8. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka liqueur. The tour includes a tasting session. Best for: Adults Where: Near the main bus station Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the spa zone Tip: Buy a bottle at the gift shop for the best price.
9. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: nature Why go: It is home to the iconic statue of a mountain goat. The hike through the woods is very peaceful. Best for: Active travelers Where: Forested hills above the Market Colonnade Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the marked trails from the center Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be steep.
10. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: sight Why go: This church has beautiful golden domes. It is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. Best for: Architecture fans Where: West end of the spa zone Time: 30 minutes Cost: Small donation Getting there: Walk uphill through the residential spa district Tip: Be respectful of the dress code inside.
11. Name: Christmas House Type: experience Why go: It is Christmas all year round here. The decorations and exhibits are magical. Best for: Families Where: Doubi district Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Take a taxi or local bus Tip: Try the hot chocolate in their themed cafe.
12. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has appeared in many Hollywood movies. Best for: Luxury lovers Where: At the end of the main spa promenade Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free to view outside Getting there: Walk south along the Tepla river Tip: Have a coffee in the grand cafe to soak up the atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Visiting Karlovy Vary

Getting around the city is very easy on foot. Most Church of St Mary Magdalene excursions are located within the pedestrian zone. If you need to go further, use the local buses. You can check schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. The town is very safe and welcoming to tourists. Most locals in the tourism sector speak English or German.

The best time to visit is during late spring or early autumn. The weather is mild and the gardens are in bloom. Summer can be very crowded, especially during the Film Festival. Winter is also beautiful but can be quite cold. Always bring a small porcelain cup for tasting the spring waters. You can buy these at any local stall near the colonnades.

If you are arriving by train, the station is a bit far. You will likely arrive at the Karlovy Vary railway station. From there, take a bus or taxi to the spa center. Most hotels are located near the river. Staying in the center makes it easier to visit the church multiple times. It is a truly magical place to explore at your own pace.