Carlsbad, Czechia's best-known spa, found in the valley where the Teplá river joins the stream of the Ohře, some 374 m above the sea level. The town is dipped into a collar of forestclad hills that have been converted into parks of coniferous and deciduous trees. Known for thermal water springs since and for ever, the area had been inhabited by the Celts, Slavs an Germans. Belonging to the Loket castle, the royal deer reserve was here as early as the l4th century. Thermal springs were discovered by the Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV while hunting a stag, the myth says. But the annals of history claim there had been the Wary settlement back in 1325 and Charles IV had built a hunting mansion there in 1358. In 1370, Carlsbad was granted the freedoms of a free royal city. First buildings of the future resort emerged in 1522, the same year the first scientific tract on Carlsbad's healing springs was compiled by Václav Payer of Loket. Carlsbad was centred around the gushing hotspring, the market place and the mansion. But it wasn't until the 30Year War's end, that the place began its way up in terms of balneal tourism, urban development and crafts. The resort prospered during the peaceful period and more guests started coming. Scholars and doctors came to examine the springs and balneal therapies at the beginning of the l8th century. New methods were introduced by Dr. David Becher in 1722. He analysed the composition of Carlsbad spring water, stressed the importance of carbon dioxide in mineral water, recommended swim ming directly at the springs and cut down doses for drinking therapy. He added dieting programs and walks in natural environment. Late-l8th-century Carlsbad was a renowned balneal centre. Carlsbad's most outstanding personality of the l9th century was Jean de Carro. Gifted doctor by education, he not only worked in balneology, but was active in Carlsbad's scientific, cultural and social life. Carlsbad's architectonic character has been influenced by the building boom of the late l9th and early 20th centuries, i.e. by historicism and Art- Nouveau. Some of today's important buildings date back to that time, like Mlýnská kolonáda (Mill Colonnade), the Town Theatre, Grandhotel Pupp, Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) and a number of sanatoriums and villas. Carlsbad's glamour and fame have been promoted by star personalities who either took therapies or just visited the place-Charles IV, Peter the Great of Russia, J. S. Bach, J. W. Goethe, Ludwig van Beethoven, Niccolo Paganini, Gogol, Freud, Kafka, Claudia Cardinale, Juán Carlos I of Spain, Alan Alda. Carlsbad lives an attractive life of cultural and sports events, hosts international film festivals, musical festivals, scientific congresses, international tennis and golf tournaments.

The Mill Colonnade

Overall view of the town

Karlsbad at night

The chamois