10 Must-See Stops for Your Grandhotel Pupp Visit

Planning your visit is easy with our list of best attractions in Karlovy Vary. These items cover the hotel itself and the most popular nearby spots. You can see most of these locations on foot within a few days. Each entry provides the essential details for your 2026 travel planning.

• Best overall: Grandhotel Pupp Main Hall
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free: The Colonnades

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: historic landmark Why go: It is the most famous hotel in the Czech Republic. It features stunning Neo-Baroque architecture and a rich history. Best for: History buffs and film fans. Where: Mírové náměstí, Karlovy Vary. Time: 1-2 hours for a tour or tea. Cost: Free to view; costs for dining. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the city center. Tip: Visit the Café Pupp for their famous traditional cake.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire spa valley. You can take a funicular ride directly from near the hotel. Best for: Photographers and nature lovers. Where: Forest heights above the hotel. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; small fee for the funicular ride. Getting there: Use the funicular station located behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths to see the local statues.
3. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: iconic sight Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful thermal spring in the city. It shoots water up to 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the natural power of the spa waters. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the hotel. Tip: Go downstairs for the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
4. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings" and has a world-class reputation. You can see glassblowers working at the furnace in the factory. Best for: Craftsmanship fans and shoppers. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee for the museum and glassworks. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 2 from the center. Tip: Book the factory floor tour in advance to ensure a spot.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn about the secret recipe for Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. The museum is located in the original production building. Best for: Adults looking for a local tasting. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate, includes a tasting experience. Getting there: A 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the hotel. Tip: Buy a bottle here as it is often cheaper than in gift shops.
6. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: iconic sight Why go: This church features beautiful golden domes and bright blue walls. It was built for the wealthy Russian nobility who visited the spa. Best for: Architecture and religious history. Where: Westend district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk uphill for 15 minutes from the hotel. Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders and knees.
7. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: neighborhood/walking Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 Corinthian columns. It houses five different thermal springs for public drinking. Best for: A relaxing stroll and drinking the thermal springs. Where: Along the Teplá River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup from a nearby kiosk before you start.
8. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: nature/viewpoint Why go: This is the site of the famous chamois statue. Legend says a deer jumped from here to discover the hot springs. Best for: Hikers and local folklore enthusiasts. Where: Forest trails above the Mill Colonnade. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up the paths from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: The path is steep, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This 12th-century Gothic castle sits on a massive rock above the river. It is only a short distance from Karlovy Vary. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: Loket town, 12km away. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry for a day trip. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you enjoy spooky history.
10. Name: Christmas House Type: unique local experience Why go: It is a year-round Christmas museum and shop in a small castle. It is filled with thousands of decorations and a teddy bear collection. Best for: Families and fans of holiday magic. Where: Doubí district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take bus number 6 from the city center. Tip: The café inside serves excellent hot chocolate and seasonal treats.

History of the Grandhotel Pupp Historic Landmark Guide

The history of Grandhotel Pupp began in 1701. Jan Jiří Pupp was a confectioner who bought the original social halls. Over many decades, his family expanded the buildings into a grand hotel. By the late 1800s, it became a world-class luxury destination. It welcomed kings, composers, and famous writers from across the globe.

The current Neo-Baroque look was finished in 1907. Architects from Vienna designed the impressive facade and the grand ballroom. During the world wars, the hotel faced many challenges. It was even nationalized for a time during the communist era. However, it regained its status and name after 1989.

Today, the hotel is a centerpiece of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. You can see photos of famous guests in the hallways. The hotel represents the peak of Bohemian spa culture. It remains a vital part of the Karlovy Vary tourism scene. Visitors love to explore its halls and imagine the grand parties of the past.

Planning Your Grandhotel Pupp Historic Landmark Guide

Getting to Karlovy Vary is simple from Prague. You can take a direct bus or train which takes about two hours. For those flying, the Karlovy Vary Airport offers limited seasonal flights. Most visitors prefer the scenic train ride through the Czech countryside. The Karlovy Vary railway station is well-connected to the city center.

The best time to visit is from May to September. This is when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. July is very busy due to the famous film festival. If you want a quiet trip, consider visiting in the spring or fall. Winter is also magical, especially with the local Christmas markets.

Once you arrive, the city is very walkable. Most major sights are located along the river. You can use the local public transport authority for longer trips. Buses are frequent and very affordable for tourists. Always carry some cash for small purchases at the spring kiosks.