The Iconic Giants: Classic Karlovy Vary Lookouts

You cannot visit this spa town without seeing its two most famous peaks. These spots offer the classic postcards views you see in souvenir shops. They are well-connected by trails and the popular funicular.

Start here if you have limited time. These locations define the skyline and offer excellent facilities for visitors.

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower (Diana rozhledna)
   Type: Historic brick observation tower
   Why go: It is arguably the single best viewpoint in the region. The height of 562 meters offers a complete 360-degree panorama of the spa center and surrounding hills. You can see as far as the Ore Mountains on a clear day.
   Best for: Families and first-time visitors.
   Where: Hilltop above the Grandhotel Pupp.
   Time: Allow 1–2 hours.
   Cost: Free tower entry; Funicular is paid (approx. 150 CZK return).
   Getting there: Take the funicular from Old Meadow or hike 30 minutes up the blue trail to Diana Tower.
   Tip: Take the elevator to the top if you want to save your legs for the walk down.
2. Name: Deer Jump (Jelení skok)
   Type: Rock formation & statue
   Why go: This is the home of the iconic Chamois statue, the symbol of the city. The view looks directly down into the valley floor. It feels much closer to the rooftops than Diana, offering intimate angles of the colorful buildings.
   Best for: The classic Instagram photo.
   Where: Midway station of the Diana funicular.
   Time: 30–45 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk down 15 minutes from Diana Tower or hike up from the town center behind the Grandhotel Pupp.
   Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds queuing for a photo with the statue.

Historic Towers in the Spa Woods

The forests around Karlovy Vary are dotted with architectural marvels from the 19th century. Wealthy spa guests once funded these structures to encourage healthy constitution walks. Today, they serve as romantic reminders of the golden age of balneology.

These spots are slightly quieter than the main funicular stops. They reward hikers with striking designs and peaceful atmospheres.

• Name: Goethe’s Lookout (Goethova vyhlídka)
  Type: Neo-Gothic brick tower
  Why go: This impressive structure looks like a small castle turret. It stands at 638 meters, making it one of the highest points for viewing. The architecture is stunning, featuring arches and intricate brickwork recently restored.
  Best for: Architecture lovers and hikers.
  Where: Infinite walk trail (east of center).
  Time: 2 hours (including the hike).
  Cost: Free (check opening hours for the staircase).
  Getting there: Take bus No. 8 to Hůrky or enjoy a long uphill walk via the yellow tourist trail.
  Tip: Verify it is open before hiking; it sometimes closes for private events or renovations.
• Name: Charles IV Lookout (Karlova vyhlídka)
  Type: Pseudo-Gothic brick lookout
  Why go: Built in 1877, this is the oldest lookout tower in the Karlovy Vary area. It stands on Hamír hill and offers a unique perspective of the southern part of the town. It looks like a miniature minaret rising from the trees.
  Best for: History buffs seeking solitude.
  Where: South of the Grandhotel Pupp.
  Time: 1 hour.
  Cost: Free.
  Getting there: Follow the yellow marked path from the Art Gallery landing.
  Tip: The metal spiral staircase is narrow, so take your time ascending.

Best Spots for Sunsets and Photographers

When the sun dips low, the valley glows in gold and pastel hues. Photographers should head to the eastern hills for the best light. The landscape here is more rugged, offering dramatic foreground elements like wooden crosses or weathered gazebos.

These locations face west or southwest, catching the final rays of the day perfectly and are considered the best photo spots in Karlovy Vary.

1. Name: Three Crosses (Tři kříže)
   Type: Historic religious landmark
   Why go: Three massive wooden crosses stand atop a rocky outcrop directly facing the sunset. The legend says they symbolize the deaths of three brothers, but today they symbolize the best evening view. The panoramic sweep covers the entire spa center and the opposing Diana hill.
   Best for: Sunset chasers and romantics.
   Where: Dalovice area, above the Drahovice district.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: A steep hike via the green tourist trail starting near Vřídelní street.
   Tip: Bring a flashlight for the walk back down after the sun sets.
2. Name: Camera Obscura Lookout
   Type: Wooden arbor
   Why go: It is a charming wooden gazebo located just below the Three Crosses level. The view is framed by trees, creating a natural vignette for photos. It is often completely empty, offering a private moment above the city bustle.
   Best for: Quiet contemplation.
   Where: On the trail descending from Three Crosses.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Follow the yellow trail branching off toward the forest from high street.
   Tip: Combine this with the Three Crosses for a varied hike.

Central & Accessible Viewpoints

Not everyone wants a strenuous hike to see the sights. Fortunately, some excellent vantage points are right in the town center or easily reached by paved paths. These are great for a quick look between spa treatments.

Access is often possible in regular street shoes. You won't need hiking boots for these convenient stops.

• Name: Castle Tower (Zámecká věž)
  Type: Medieval tower fortification
  Why go: Perched on a rock directly above the Market Colonnade, this is a remnant of Charles IV’s original hunting lodge. It houses a UNESCO exhibition and lookout. The view is intimate, looking straight down onto the colorful umbrella roofs of the promenade.
  Best for: Travelers with limited mobility or tight schedules.
  Where: Directly above the Castle Colonnade.
  Time: 20 minutes.
  Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 50-100 CZK).
  Getting there: Take the interior elevator from the Castle Colonnade or walk the short zigzag path.
  Tip: The café inside serves excellent coffee with a view.
• Name: Petro’s Height (Petrova výšina)
  Type: Stone terrace with bust
  Why go: Named after Peter the Great, who reportedly rode his horse up this steep hill. The terrace features a bust of the Tsar and looks directly across to the Imperial Hotel. It offers a majestic profile of the city’s grandest buildings.
  Best for: History enthusiasts.
  Where: West of the Deer Jump area.
  Time: 45 minutes.
  Cost: Free.
  Getting there: Follow the yellow marked paths from the Westend district.
  Tip: The path is paved but steep; take breaks to admire the forest.
• Name: Mayer’s Gloriette (Mayerův gloriet)
  Type: Wooden pavilion
  Why go: This is arguably the most romantic gazebo in the woods. It sits at a lower elevation than Diana, offering a detailed view of the Deer Jump rock formation from the side. It is a fantastic spot to rest during a longer walk.
  Best for: Couples and picnics.
  Where: Jelení skok station area.
  Time: 30 minutes.
  Cost: Free.
  Getting there: A short flat walk from the Jelení skok funicular stop.
  Tip: Visit in autumn when the surrounding leaves turn vibrant orange.

Worth the Trip: A Bonus Viewpoint Nearby

Karlovy Vary makes an excellent base for exploring western Bohemia. One specific site nearby rivals any view within the city limits. It is a must-visit for castle lovers.

While strictly outside the city, it is close enough for a morning trip. The transport connections are frequent and reliable.

1. Name: Loket Castle Tower
   Type: Medieval castle keep
   Why go: Loket is a fairytale town surrounded on three sides by the Ohře River. The castle tower offers a dizzying view of the town square and the river bend. It was famously featured in the James Bond movie Casino Royale.
   Best for: A half-day adventure.
   Where: Town of Loket (14 km from Karlovy Vary).
   Time: 3–4 hours total.
   Cost: Castle entry fee applies.
   Getting there: Take a train or bus from the main station; the ride takes about 20 minutes.
   Tip: Be sure to climb the tower all the way to the wooden gallery for the unobstructed view.