Karlovy Vary Region

The Karlovy Vary Region was formed from the former districts of Karlovy Vary, Cheb and Sokolov. Out of the 14  regions in the Czech Republic, the Karlovy Vary Region is the third smallest in area and has the fewest inhabitants. It is located in the western part of the Czech Republic on the border with Germany. Its neighboring German regions are Saxony and Bavaria with which it enjoys mutually advantageous cooperation.

Forested area covers 43.1 % of the Karlovy Vary Region. The nature reserve of Slavkovsky Les is a unique natural area with forests, meadows, rock formations, mineral springs and gas geysers. Most important environmentally are the peat bogs near Kladská and Snaky Ridge near Prameny. There are 80 more protected areas of all classes including Soos near Cheb and the Svatošské Skály rock formations near Loket. Klínovec in the Krušné hory mountains is the highest peak in the region at 1244 m above sea level and Komorní Hůrka is the youngest extinct volcano in the Czech Republic. The Ohře, Teplá, Rolava, Svatava and Střela rivers run through the region.

The Karlovy Vary Region sets itself apart from the rest of the Czech Republic because of its underground network of hot and cold mineral springs which have made Karlovy Vary one of the largest spa treatment centres in Europe. These mineral springs of various temperatures have medical properties which can help people who suffer from digestive tract, metabolic and certain arthritic disorders, to name but a few. About 100 springs rise naturally from underground, but only 12 are used in the treatment of health problems.
Mariánské Lázně is another spa town famous for its carefully manicured parks, woods and historical architecture. Františkovy Lázně near the German border is an old spa town which has retained its architecture and monuments, making it one of the most attractive towns in the region. Jáchymov became famous just after its founding in 1516 for its silver mines, and it went on to mint silver coins. The world’s first radium spa was established here by Nobel Prize winners Marie and Pierre Curie.