Karlovy Vary Region

Official name: Karlovarský kraj (Karlovy Vary Region)
Population: 305,000
Area: 3,314 km²
Number of municipalities: 132, of which 30 are towns
NUTS II: North-West

People come, literally, from all over the world to visit, not only the most famous spa in Karlovy Vary, but also spas in Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Lázně Kynžvart and Jáchymov. The Karlovy Vary Region, located in the northwest corner of the Czech Republic, borders the German federal states of Saxony and Bavaria and is famous, first and foremost, for its spas.

Františkovy Lázně Along with its curative springs, the Region is rich in natural mineral waters, the most famous of which is Mattoni. In connection with the spas, visitors will surely remember the well-known, round spa wafers, sought after not only by the local population, but primarily by spa visitors from the Czech Republic and abroad. Karlovy Vary is also famous for its herbal liqueur Becherovka and for glass made by Moser Company.

The town of Chodov has become famous thanks to its pink porcelain, which is exported to all over the world. The most famous cultural event in the region is the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, which ranks, along with film festivals in Berlin, Cannes or Venice, among Europe’s most important.

Destination for domestic and international clientele

The region’s economic structure is very diverse. In the Karlovy Vary and Cheb Districts, it is mostly based on spa treatments and tourism. The Sokolov District is known for a concentration of lignite mining, energy, chemical and machinery production. The region is also a base for traditional industry sectors such as production of glass, porcelain, liqueur (Becherovka), mineral water, musical instruments and textiles.

Jáchymov Tourism in the Karlovy Vary Region is one of the most significant economic sectors. Predominantly spa treatments have made the region a destination for domestic as well as international clientele. Tied to the spa tourism are ample opportunities to attend cultural events and see interesting sites. The region has eleven theatres, twenty-six cinemas and more than sixty museums and galleries. A number of spa symphonic orchestras and several festivals also provide entertainment. In addition to the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, these include the Loket Summer of Culture, the Chopin festival in Mariánské Lázně and Kanoe Mattoni.

The Karlovy Vary Region is also quickly becoming a paradise for golfers. Currently, fans of this British, gentlemen’s sport can enjoy nine golf courses. The region is also attractive for cyclotourists, who can use more than twelve hundred kilometres of cycle tracks.

Regional projects

In addition to its natural and cultural heritage, the region boasts a variety of successful projects. The most interesting among them have been selected by the region itself.

Modernisation of the Karlovy Vary Airport

During this phase, the existing runways were completely reconstructed. As part of the construction projects in this phase, the height ratios on the runways were levelled, a necessary prerequisite for runway use in highly adverse visual conditions, as specified by air travel regulations. With these improvements, the safety of the airport during approach and landings has increased and, as a result, the runway can be extended and broadened in the future without major intervention to the newly constructed runway.

Modification of the terminal of the Karlovy Vary Airport

The first part addresses internal modifications and an extension of the terminal in order to comply with the Schengen Agreements, which became effective for Czech international airports on March 30, 2008. Nevertheless, even after this renovation, the terminal is not expected to remain sufficient due to an expected increase in travellers and to the need to be capable of handling three or more flights simultaneously. The second part of phase III of the modernisation of the Karlovy Vary Airport will thus address the expected future development by constructing a new terminal with modern and comfortable facilities for travellers and provision of related services. The construction of this new terminal is expected to begin in the spring of 2008 and to be completed in the spring of 2009.

The Regional Library – multi-functional regional information centre

Between 2004 and 2007, the mess hall of the former barracks located in the complex of the Regional Authority Offices was transformed into the Regional Library – a multi-functional regional information centre. The project cost nearly ninety million Czech Crowns.

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