Karlovy Vary is one of the smallest regions in the Czech Republic. It occupies the western part of the Erzgebirge mountain range covered with forests, and its greatest richness is the mineral water found here, exploited in several well-known spas.
The capital of the region is the city of Karlovy Vary, the most famous Czech spa town. In the nineteenth century it was one of the most fashionable resorts in Central Europe. Its old buildings with the spa park, colonnade and pump room have survived to this day.
Around the city there are several well-known spas, including the popularly visited Frantiskovy Lazne and Marianske Lazne. The resorts are surrounded by the Ore Mountains, on whose slopes numerous walking and cycling routes have been marked out. In nearby Jachymov, radioactive waters are used.
In the west of the region, the most important city in historical terms is Cheb. There is a castle here that dates back to the 12th century. One of the most important Czech commanders and magnates Albrecht von Wallenstein was murdered here.
