Top Secret Viewpoints in Karlovy Vary

The hills surrounding the city are filled with history. Many trails lead to spots that locals love but tourists often overlook. These locations offer a mix of architectural beauty and natural scenery. Here are the top picks for your next visit.

• Best Overall: Goethe’s Lookout Tower
• Best for Sunset: Three Crosses Viewpoint
• Best for History: Peter the Great’s Lookout
• Best for Families: Saint Linhart Ruins

1. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Tower Type: Architecture/Viewpoint Why go: This is the oldest lookout in the city. It offers a romantic, neo-Gothic design and sweeping views. You can read more in our Goethe’s Lookout Tower guide. Best for: Quiet photography and history buffs. Where: Výšina věčného mládí hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small fee for tower access; grounds are free. Getting there: Take bus 8 or hike from the city center. Tip: The cafe nearby is perfect for a quick break.
2. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže) Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It offers one of the most iconic vistas of the valley. It is less crowded than the Diana Tower. Learning how to hike to the Three Crosses viewpoint is essential for any visitor. Best for: Sunset views and panoramic city photos. Where: Above the colonnades on the eastern hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: A steep but rewarding walk from the main spring area. Tip: Bring a jacket as it gets windy at the top.
3. Name: Peter the Great’s Lookout Type: Experience/History Why go: Legend says the Russian Tsar rode his horse up here. It provides a unique angle of the Grandhotel Pupp. It is one of the most interesting sunset spots in Karlovy Vary without crowds. Best for: History lovers and hikers. Where: Near the Deer Leap (Jelení skok) statue. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the forest paths from the Teplá river. Tip: Look for the commemorative plaque dedicated to the Tsar.

Hidden Forest Gems and Architectural Altans

The forest paths are dotted with beautiful wooden and stone gazebos. These "altans" were built for wealthy spa guests in the past. Today, they serve as perfect rest stops for hikers. You can find them along the quiet spa forest walking trails that crisscross the hills.

1. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: Sight/Architecture Why go: This wooden gazebo offers a charming, old-world feel. It looks directly down onto the Imperial Hotel. Best for: Romantic walks and sketching. Where: On the path toward the Diana Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow-marked trail from the funicular station. Tip: Visit in autumn for stunning colorful foliage.
2. Name: Findlater’s Temple Type: Architecture/Viewpoint Why go: It was built to honor the Earl of Findlater. The classicist style is very elegant. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: In the forest above the Teplá river valley. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike the forest paths starting near the Richmond Hotel. Tip: The trail is quite steep, so wear good shoes.
3. Name: Charles IV Lookout Tower Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It is a pseudo-Gothic brick tower with a great history. It provides a 360-degree view of the Bohemian landscape. Best for: Seeing the Ore Mountains in the distance. Where: Hamerský vrch hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Diana Tower through the woods. Tip: It is a great spot to see the city's outskirts.

Ancient Ruins and Nearby Panoramas

If you want to go further, the surrounding area has even more to offer. Some of the best secret viewpoints in Karlovy Vary are found near ancient ruins. These spots combine nature with a sense of mystery. You can easily reach them with local transport or a longer hike.

1. Name: Saint Linhart Ruins Type: Experience/Nature Why go: The ruins of this old church are surrounded by a deer park. It is a peaceful escape from the city. Check out our Saint Linhart ruins hiking guide for details. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: The forest district west of the center. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take bus 6 or walk through the forest trails. Tip: Visit the nearby rope park if you have kids.
2. Name: Andělská Hora Ruins Type: Day trip/Sight Why go: This is a dramatic castle ruin on a rocky hill. The views of the countryside are breathtaking. It is a top choice for an Andělská Hora ruins day trip. Best for: Photographers and castle fans. Where: About 10 km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a regional bus from the main station. Tip: Go in the late afternoon for the best lighting.
3. Name: Petrova vyhlídka Type: Viewpoint/Sight Why go: This spot is very close to the center but often missed. It offers a direct view of the Mill Colonnade. Best for: A quick view without a long hike. Where: Just above the main spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Stairs lead up from near the Market Colonnade. Tip: It is a great place to see the city lights at night.
4. Name: Aberg (Doubská hora) Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: This stone tower is located on one of the highest points. It offers a restaurant and a quiet atmosphere. Best for: A lunch with a view. Where: Doubská hora hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free entry to the area; tower may have a fee. Getting there: Drive or take a taxi; hiking is also possible. Tip: The road up is very scenic.

Practical Tips for Finding Viewpoints

Navigating the hills of Karlovy Vary requires some planning. Most trails are well-marked with color-coded signs. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary provides excellent bus connections to trailheads. Always carry a map or use a digital navigation app. The weather can change quickly in the Bohemian forests.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the forest paths. Many of these viewpoints involve steep climbs or uneven terrain. Bring water, as there are few shops once you leave the colonnades. Most viewpoints are open year-round, but winter can be slippery. Early morning is the best time to avoid any crowds.

Respect the local environment while exploring. This area is part of a protected landscape. Stick to the marked paths to protect the flora. You can find more information on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. Enjoy the fresh air and the history of this unique city.