How to Use the Three Crosses Viewpoint Karlovy Vary Trail Map

The Three Crosses viewpoint Karlovy Vary trail map is easy to follow once you understand the markers. Most trails start near the city theater or the Grandhotel Pupp. You should look for the yellow-marked path for the most direct route. These markers are painted on trees and posts throughout the forest. They ensure you stay on the right track even without a phone signal. Digital maps are also available on the official tourism site for your convenience.

The hike to Three Crosses usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the valley. It is a steady climb through a beautiful beech forest. The path is well-maintained but can be slippery after rain. Many hikers prefer to combine this route with other nearby trails. You can easily find connections to the hidden gems in Karlovy Vary by following the green markers. Always bring a bottle of water as there are no shops on the trail itself.

10 Secret Viewpoints Karlovy Vary for Incredible Views

Karlovy Vary offers a unique mix of historic towers and natural rock outcrops. Each spot provides a different perspective of the UNESCO World Heritage city. Below are the top locations to add to your itinerary. These picks include iconic sights and quiet nature escapes.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Three Crosses
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Camera Obscura Pavilion
• Best free: Deer Jump Lookout

1. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous panoramic view of the city center. Best for: Sunset photography and history buffs. Where: Drahovice hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Municipal Theater. Tip: Visit at dusk to see the city lights turn on.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Iconic sight Why go: This historic brick tower features a funicular ride and a mini-zoo. Best for: Families and those who prefer not to hike up. Where: Friendship Hill. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: The restaurant at the top serves traditional Czech meals.
3. Name: Deer Jump (Jelení skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: See the famous chamois statue that symbolizes the city's founding legend. Best for: Classic Karlovy Vary photos. Where: Steep slope above the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Stará Louka street. Tip: The wooden gazebo nearby offers great shade on hot days.
4. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Tower Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning neo-Gothic tower located further in the woods. Best for: Hikers seeking peace and quiet. Where: Heights of Eternal Life. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for the tower. Getting there: Learn how to hike to Goethe's Lookout Tower using the green trail. Tip: Check the tower opening hours before you start your walk.
5. Name: Charles IV Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: A romantic brick lookout resembling a mini castle. Best for: Couples and architecture lovers. Where: Hamerský vrch. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Diana Tower. Tip: This is one of the oldest lookout structures in the city.
6. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: Commemorates the Russian Tsar's visit and offers a narrow, dramatic view. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Near the Deer Jump statue. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the forest paths near the funicular mid-station. Tip: Look for the bust of Peter the Great carved into the rock.
7. Name: Mayer’s Gloriette Type: Experience Why go: A small, charming wooden pavilion with a direct view of the colonnades. Best for: A quiet picnic spot. Where: Slopes above the Tepla river. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the path leading up from the Richmond Hotel. Tip: It is much less crowded than the Diana Tower.
8. Name: Camera Obscura Pavilion Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: A unique wooden structure designed for viewing the landscape through light. Best for: Art and science enthusiasts. Where: Near the Three Crosses. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is located right on the Three Crosses trail. Tip: It provides great shelter if a sudden rain shower starts.
9. Name: Svatoš Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: Day trip Why go: Massive granite pillars that look like a petrified wedding procession. Best for: Nature lovers and rock climbers. Where: 7km outside the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Svatos Rocks hike guide for the best river path. Tip: Rent a bike in the city for a scenic ride along the river.
10. Name: Findlater’s Temple Type: Viewpoint Why go: A classicist semi-circular hall dedicated to a Scottish patron. Best for: History lovers. Where: Forested slopes near the Tepla river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk the forest trails starting behind the Imperial Hotel. Tip: The view of the valley from here is particularly lush in spring.

Essential Planning Tips for Karlovy Vary Hikers

Hiking in Karlovy Vary is a year-round activity. However, the paths are most beautiful during the autumn months. The changing leaves create a golden backdrop for your photos. Always wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Some forest paths can be quite steep and rocky. You should also carry a light jacket even in summer.

Public transport is very efficient in the city. You can take local buses to reach trailheads further from the center. Check the schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Most trails are free to access and open 24 hours. Please stay on the marked paths to protect the local environment. This ensures the trails remain beautiful for everyone to enjoy in 2026.