Karlovy Vary

We decided to make Karlovy Vary the final stop on our European adventure. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, you’ve probably seen “The Last Holiday.” Queen Latifah chooses Karlovy Vary and the Grandhotel Pupp as the destination for her final getaway. It also sits between Prague and Grafenwoehr. Karlovy Vary is famous because of its many mineral springs and spas. People come from all over Europe to take the water. The town is full of resort hotels with all the relaxation amenities you could want.

Be sure to walk along the rivers and take in the beautiful architecture. If you’re feeling brave and want to try the mineral water, you can buy spa cups at lots of the stores or street vendors. You’ll find springs throughout the town, and you can walk up to most of them to try the water. Many of the springs are located in colonnades. Sulfonated water may not be your thing, so be sure to buy the famous Czech spa wafer cookies to wash down the taste. They’re the size of a small plate and taste most similar to Voortman wafer cookies. As with most tourist or resort towns, Karlovy Vary boasts lots of restaurants and shops. Check with the maitre’d as a lot of the hotel restaurants are only open to guests.

Our Germany trip: Neuschwanstein Castle  |  Munich & Nuremberg Christmas Markets  |  Where we ate: restaurants in Bavaria  |  Exploring Amberg, Germany | Where we ate: restaurants in Prague | Prague in one day