The West Bohemian region of Karlovy Vary will strategically expand its tourism profile in 2026 beyond its traditional spa culture.
While the traditional West Bohemian spa triangle, comprising Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, continues to form the foundation of regional tourism as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Spa Towns of Europe," regional development is increasingly focusing on diversifying the offerings. By linking historical infrastructure, major international events, and high-quality gastronomy, the region aims to attract new visitor groups year-round and increase economic activity beyond traditional spa tourism.
A key milestone in the field of active tourism is the hosting of the European hiking event "Eurorando 2026," taking place in the Ore Mountains from September 20th to 27th. Under the motto "Hiking in the Heart of Europe in the Ore Mountains," a section of the European long-distance hiking trail E3 will be the stage for this major logistical event. The Czech town of Boží Dar and the Saxon town of Oberwiesenthal will serve as the main cross-border hubs. The event combines guided tours along the historic ridge trail with a presentation of the Ore Mountains Mining Region, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus guaranteeing the destination significant international attention.
In parallel, the dense network of historical monuments is positioned as a key pillar of cultural tourism. Complexes such as Bečov Castle and Palace, which houses the valuable Romanesque Maurus Reliquary, as well as Loket Castle, open year-round, enjoy steady visitor numbers. This offering is complemented by the Baroque Valeč Palace with its audiovisual art exhibitions, Kynžvart Castle, the state-owned residence of former Chancellor Metternich, and the monumental Teplá Monastery. These sites provide a weather-independent cultural infrastructure that is strategically integrated into supra-regional marketing concepts.
The strategic upgrading of the region is also reflected in current international gastronomy rankings. Following the Czech Republic's inclusion among the world's most important destinations for gourmets in 2026, the current Michelin Guide lists several top establishments in Karlovy Vary, including the Grand Restaurant and the Malá dvorana at the Grandhotel Pupp, as well as the Restaurant Le Marché. According to economic analysts, the establishment of creative and artisanal gastronomic concepts, which are also increasingly being recognized with awards by the Gault&Millau guide, as in the case of the Restaurant Royal Leaf near Ostrov, is a key growth factor for discerning weekend and wellness tourism.