Karlovy Vary: The Timeless Elegance of a Premier Spa Town
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"I feel as if I am in a sort of paradise of innocence and playful joy," wrote Goethe, who spent sixteen summers in Karlovy Vary, better known abroad by its German name, Karlsbad.
Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Liszt, and many others found inspiration during their frequent visits to this spa town. Thanks to geological fault lines, there are still around thirty spas operating in this area. Its reputation is rivaled only by its long-time competitor, Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad). For more than four centuries, the rich and powerful have been drawn to the waters of the twelve hot springs of Karlsbad, whose temperatures range from 24.4 to 77.7°C. (The "thirteenth spring" is Becherovka, a famous local herbal liqueur said to have healing properties.) Karlsbad, situated in a beautifully wooded valley, still exudes an air of elegance and grandeur, dominated by its stunning 19th-century architecture.
The first-class Grand Hotel Pupp, established in 1701, was once one of the most renowned in Europe, its guestbook filled with famous names, including Goethe, Paganini, and Freud. 
Grand hotel Pupp Lobby, picture by booking.com
A 45-minute drive to the south leads to the smaller, quieter Mariánské Lázně, where over thirty mineral springs were favorites of Kafka, Chopin, and King Edward VII of England.
Given the somewhat formal atmosphere, it may come as a surprise that the town has a first-rate golf course, considered the best in the country. Those with time and transport can continue their journey to two other well-known spa towns in this region: Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad), which lies almost on the German border.
Best time to visit Karlovy Vary
The best time to visit Karlovy Vary is typically during late spring (May) or early fall (September), when there are less crowds. Also during this time the weather is mild and pleasant, ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F). You'll enjoy the beautiful scenery, with spring blooms or autumn foliage coloring the town.
Summer (June to August) can be ideal if you prefer warmer weather and don't mind more tourists. Winter visits can have a unique, snowy atmosphere and Christmas markets. For detailed monthly temperature and rainfall data, check the official climate statistics for Karlovy Vary.