How to Pronounce Karlovy Vary

Meaning and Context

Karlovy Vary, a historic spa town nestled in the western Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, has been a premier destination for wellness tourism and cultural enrichment since its founding. Established by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, the city is architecturally distinguished by its ornate 19th-century colonnades and grand hotels that line the Teplá River. Its core identity is inextricably linked to its thirteen main natural hot springs, whose mineral-rich waters are both consumed for curative purposes and form the basis of its global reputation as a leading spa resort. This heritage, combined with its annual hosting of the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival—one of the oldest in Europe—cements its status as a cornerstone of Czech cultural heritage. The well-preserved Spa Cultural Landscape of the city is a strong contender for UNESCO World Heritage designation, drawing visitors seeking both restorative thermal springs and a deep immersion into Central European history and luxury.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling in English is "Karlovy Vary," which is a direct transliteration from the Czech. A common historical German exonym, "Karlsbad" (meaning "Charles's Bath"), is frequently encountered in older historical texts and is still used in some German-language contexts. Common misspellings and typos include "Karlovy Vary" (missing the 'y'), "Karlovy Var," or "Karlsbad" misspelled as "Carlsbad" by analogy with other place names. Travelers may also mistakenly refer to it simply as "Vary," but this is imprecise as "Vary" is a common suffix in Czech for spa towns (e.g., Mariánské Lázně). When writing, it is important to maintain the correct diacritical marks in the Czech form (Karlovy Vary), though they are often omitted in international English usage.

Example Sentences

After a week of indulging in the therapeutic treatments, we found ourselves strolling the elegant colonnades of Karlovy Vary, sipping the warm, mineral-rich water from a traditional porcelain spa cup.

The entire city transforms each summer during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, attracting cinephiles from across the globe to its historic theaters.

Many visitors combine a trip to Prague with a relaxing retreat to the hot springs of Karlovy Vary to experience the quintessential Czech spa culture.

The proposal to inscribe Karlovy Vary on the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights its exceptional value as a preserved spa town from the 18th through 20th centuries.

Architectural enthusiasts admire how the landscape of Karlovy Vary seamlessly integrates its natural geothermal resources with stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings.

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