Karlovy Vary
The Cure
The Karlovy Vary mineral springs are beneficial for a wide range of conditions. The Karlovy Vary treatment is particularly effective for those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, and conditions of the digestive tract, as the mineral properties of the water combine to effectively combat gastrointestinal illnesses. Going to Karlovy Vary is also recommended for people with metabolism-related illnesses (such as diabetes) and gastrointestinal conditions. As well as treatment programs for specific conditions, many Wellness, anti-aging, stress release, and beauty spa treatments are offered. Even though the basis of the treatment is the drinking cure, in which guests drink a prescribed amount of water daily from the thermal springs and other natural sources, the therapy is completed with various types of massages, wraps, and other therapies. The range of therapeutic procedures differs to a certain degree between each hotel and spa center, depending on the specialization of each specific facility.
The Town
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad in German) is located in Western Bohemia, around 80 miles from Prague in the Czech Republic, at the meeting of the rivers Teplá and Ohře. It has long been famous for the healing properties of its springs, which number around 300. It is the most popular and visited of the Czech spa towns. The city was founded in 1370 by the Holy Roman Emperar Charles IV. According to legend, the first spring was discovered by his hunting party. He was extremely impressed by the healing effect of the water on an injured foot and ordered the city Karlovy Vary to be built around the spring so that others may take advantage of the waters. By the 16th century, Karlovy Vary had acquired international fame for the curative properties of its springs and during the 18th and 19th centuries was a popular destination for the political and cultural elite.
Karlovy Vary has long welcomed illustrious visitors, including Sigmund Freud, Goethe, and Leo Tolstoy, and has an especially impressive musical history, with Wagner, Chopin, Beethoven and Mozart all spending time in the city. Classical music concerts are frequently held in the open air during the summer. Much of today’s architecture was constructed in the 19th century in the Art Nouveau style. The five Colonnades, which house the springs, are the city’s most recognizable feature. Probably the most impressive is the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda), which stretches over five springs.
The Hot Spring colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) houses the hottest spring in Karlovy Vary, which maintains a constant temperature of 163°, as well as a 14-meter high fountain that constantly gushes from the Vřídlo. The town is also famous for its International Film Festival held there, which is one of Europe’s most important film industry events. Begun in 1946, for over 40 years the festival was used as a platform to showcase the country’s recently nationalized film industry. In the 1990’s, the festival underwent drastic changes and is now a major stop on the international film circuit. Celebrities such as Robert de Niro, Sharon Stone and Robert Redford are regularly seen in the town each July, attending the film festival and receiving treatment in the spas.
