Christmas Markets in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, known in German as Karlsbad, ranks among Central Europe's most celebrated spa towns. Legend attributes its discovery to Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, when he found its thermal springs. The town became a favoured retreat for European royalty, aristocracy, and intellectuals, attracting visitors including Goethe, Beethoven, and Peter the Great. Its distinctive character emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries, when elegant colonnades, grand hotels, and ornate villas were constructed in the Belle Époque style—much of which survives today. The western Bohemian region developed a parallel tradition of glassmaking and porcelain craftsmanship that shaped the local economy for generations. The town's compact, pedestrian-friendly centre and wooded hillside setting create a particularly atmospheric quality in winter months.