Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The castle was regarded as very defensively secure in earlier times, and was
known as 'the key to Bohemia'. Its present late-Gothic look dates from the late
14th century. From 1788 to 1947 it was used as the town prison. Highlights of
the tour include two rooms filled with the town's lustrous porcelain and views
from the castle tower (96 steps). There's also a gleefully gruesome torture
chamber, complete with stereophonic sound effects.
Ask at the Infocentrum about hiking possibilities in the surrounding forests, in-
cluding a semi-ambitious day hike to Karlovy Vary (around four hours) along a
17km blue-marked trail. Karlovy Vary is also the destination for rafting trips.
There are several decent pensions in town. The nicest hotel is the
Hotel
breakfast 1060/1850Kč; )
, right across from the Infocentrum. This
former post office has recently renovated rooms and the best little microbrewery
in town.
INTERNA
INTERNATIONAL
TIONAL
PROMENÁDA €€€
restaurant of the Hotel Promenáda has appeared in some 'best of' lists for the Czech
Republic and is a perennial favourite on online forums. The elegant dining area is
conducive to a memorable evening, and the food is very good (though perhaps not al-
ways worth the steep prices).
CZZECCH
SKLÍPEK €
checked tablecloths and an emphasis on good steaks, fish and pasta give this place an
honest, rustic ambience missing from the more chi-chi spots in the spa district.
BERNARD €
CZZECCH
