Diana Observation Tower: The City Icon

Diana Observation Tower stands high above the famous Grandhotel Pupp. You can reach it by a historic funicular or a forest walk. The tower is 35 meters tall and free to enter for everyone. Check this Diana observation tower guide for more details.

The view from the top covers the entire city and the Ore Mountains. A lift is available for those who prefer not to climb stairs. You will also find a mini-zoo and a butterfly house nearby. It is a perfect spot for families and photographers alike.

The on-site restaurant serves traditional Czech meals throughout the day. Prices are reasonable for such a popular tourist location. Most visitors spend about two hours exploring the tower and surroundings. The funicular runs every fifteen minutes during the peak season.

In 2026, the tower remains a central part of any city visit. The surrounding forest paths are well-marked and safe for walking. You can easily walk back down to the town center from here. The path takes you past several other minor lookouts.

Goethe's Lookout: The Oldest Stone Tower

Goethe's Lookout is the oldest tower in this famous spa town. It was built in 1889 and looks like a small castle. The location is on the Heights of Eternal Life. You will love the brick architecture and the quiet forest setting.

This tower is named after the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He loved visiting Karlovy Vary for its peaceful atmosphere. The tower stands at an altitude of 638 meters above sea level. It offers a unique perspective on the eastern side of the city.

You can reach Goethe's Lookout by taking a scenic forest trail. The walk is moderately difficult but very rewarding for nature lovers. It is a key stop on any Karlovy Vary viewpoints map route. Many locals come here for morning exercise.

Charles IV Lookout: Gothic Style Views

Charles IV Lookout Tower looks like a Gothic castle turret. It was built in 1877 on Hamerský Hill. The tower has two observation galleries at different heights. It is a great stop for those seeking best viewpoints in Karlovy Vary today.

The structure is made of yellow and red bricks. It stands 15 meters tall and is free to the public. The stairs are narrow but the climb is relatively short. From the top, you can see the historic spa district clearly.

The tower is surrounded by lush beech and oak forests. It feels very secluded despite being close to the city. You can combine this visit with a trip to the nearby Deer Jump lookout hiking trail. This area is beautiful during the autumn months.

Aberg Lookout: Panoramic Forest Vistas

Aberg Lookout is also known as Doubská hora. It sits at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level. The tower is part of a hotel complex in the woods. You can drive directly to this location or hike from town.

The stone tower was rebuilt in 1905 to its current form. It offers wide views of the Slavkov Forest and the city. The hotel nearby provides a nice place for a coffee break. It is less crowded than the Diana Tower during peak times.

Walking trails from Aberg lead deep into the protected landscape area. You should check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal hiking tips. The area is particularly famous for its diverse bird species. It is a quiet retreat for nature enthusiasts.

Locations of All Towers in Karlovy Vary

Most towers are open daily from morning until early evening. Wear comfortable shoes because the forest paths can be quite steep. Use the public transport authority website to find bus routes. Many visitors prefer walking to see the hidden forest chapels.

Planning your route is easy with a local map. You can find detailed maps at the Karlovy Vary official tourism office. Start early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Sunset is the best time for taking beautiful landscape photos.

Entrance to most of these lookout towers is currently free. However, always carry some small cash for snacks or the funicular. The paths are well-maintained by the city forest service. Enjoy the fresh air and the historic charm of Karlovy Vary.