The Identity of the Westend Orthodox Church

The Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church is the most striking building in Westend. It was built between 1893 and 1897. The church served wealthy Russian guests who visited the spa. Its design was inspired by a church near Moscow. The bright blue walls and gold domes stand out against the forest. This area is full of hidden spots in Karlovy Vary that tell unique stories.

Karlovy Vary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Westend district played a major role in this honor. The architecture here shows the luxury of the 19th century. You can see many different styles in one short walk. From Gothic to Renaissance, the villas are very impressive. Most were built as private homes for the elite.

Finding the church is quite easy. It sits on a hill overlooking the valley. You can see the domes from many parts of the city. The interior is just as beautiful as the outside. It features a rich wood-carved iconostasis. Entry is usually allowed during the day. Please remember to dress respectfully when you go inside.

11 Must-See Sights on a Westend Architecture Walk

The Westend district is perfect for a self-guided tour. Use this list to find the best spots. These items include the famous church and nearby gems.

• Best overall: Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
• Best for views: Diana Lookout Tower
• Best for history: Villa Lützow
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade walk

1. Name: Saint Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Type: sight Why go: To see the stunning Byzantine-style architecture and golden domes. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Krále Jiřího street, Westend. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small donation requested. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes uphill from the city center. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light on the gold domes. Check the official tourism site for service times.
2. Name: Villa Lützow Type: sight Why go: It is one of the oldest villas in the district with a unique cat statue. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Stezka Jeana de Carro. Time: 15 minutes (exterior only). Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Follow the path from the church toward the forest. Tip: Look for the cat statue on the terrace which faces away from the city.
3. Name: Villa Savoy Type: sight Why go: A grand example of the luxury spa villas in Westend. Best for: Seeing high-end historic design. Where: Westend district. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is a short walk from the Orthodox Church. Tip: This villa is a great stop on a best walking route for Westend villas.
4. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the entire city. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk down the forest paths back to Westend after seeing the view.
5. Name: Jelení skok (Deer Leap) Type: viewpoint Why go: See the famous chamois statue that represents the city's legend. Best for: Iconic photos. Where: Forest hills above the center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk the forest trails from Villa Lützow. Tip: The path can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
6. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with many springs. Best for: Tasting the mineral waters. Where: City center, near Westend. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the hill from the Westend district. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup to drink the water like a local.
7. Name: Villa Bristol Type: sight Why go: A massive and beautiful palace-style villa. Best for: Fans of grand scale architecture. Where: Zámecký vrch. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Located on the edge of the Westend forest. Tip: The gardens around the villa are very peaceful for a quick rest.
8. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: museum Why go: To see world-famous Czech crystal being made. Best for: Art and craft enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Book the glassworks tour in advance to see the blowers in action.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A medieval stone castle in a very charming village. Best for: History buffs and families. Where: 12 km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4–5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Use the local public transport or a short train ride. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you like spooky history.
10. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: nature Why go: Amazing granite rock formations along the Ohře river. Best for: Nature lovers and cyclists. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike or bike the trail from the Doubí district. Tip: There is a nice outdoor restaurant near the bridge for lunch.
11. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: experience Why go: To see the "Vřídlo" geyser shoot water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Heart of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to see the spring. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the bottom of Westend. Tip: Check out the underground tour to see how the pipes work.