The Year of David Becher: Experience Karlovy Vary differently

The silence of the colonnades, the steam rising from a cup of spring water, the refinement of the imperial halls and the tones of an open-air concert… More than just beautiful scenery awaits you in Karlovy Vary this year – a story that goes deep into history is unfolding. The year 2025 is dedicated to Dr. David Becher. The man who gave the spa industry a new direction and gave the city its unique rhythm. And now is your chance to experience the tradition that makes every visit a special experience!

You are entering a city that heals not only the body, but the soul. Maybe it’s curiosity that brought you here, maybe it’s the desire for peace or healing springs. Whatever the reason, in Karlovy Vary you are part of a story that began three hundred years ago.

That’s when a man was born here who changed the way we look at the spa industry. Dr. David Becher. Physician, balneologist, chemist and patron. The man who made Varna a place of world importance. He gave treatment a system, understood the power of mineral springs and made spa care a true art. That is why he is also known as the “Hippocrates of Karlovy Vary”.

The year 2025 belongs not only to him, but also to you. Because you have a unique opportunity to look beneath the surface of the traditions that David Becher has shaped. Did you know that water is most effective at its source? That temperature, dose and timing matter? That spring salt has its exact composition and effects?

The Becher family lived in Karlovy Vary since the 16th century and became one of the most respected families in the city. But David Becher went even further, because in the 18th century he fundamentally changed the approach to spa treatment. He scientifically described the chemistry of the local springs, promoted individual treatment and his approach led to the creation of colonnades, pavilions and the modern form of drinking cures. Thanks to him, you don’t just drink mineral water, you enter a well-thought-out healing ritual. And it’s not just about the body. Becher also believed in the power of culture and education. He supported the creation of the town’s theatre and school and left a mark that you can still feel at every turn.

Want to get to know Karlovy Vary in depth? Then now is the right time. The year of David Becher is not just a memory. It is an invitation to a personal experience, to understand the meaning of the spa and to take a new look at yourself.

Celebrations that connect the past with the present

This year in Karlovy Vary is in the spirit of celebration. Take a guided tour and get to know Carlsbad through the eyes of Dr. Becher himself. Take a seat under the colonnade and let yourself be carried away by the tones of Vivaldi in a unique light concert. Watch the new documentary Hippocrates of Karlovy Vary, filmed on location where Becher lived and worked. And in the autumn? You can look forward to a specialist conference dedicated to his legacy, a varied programme during the European Heritage Days and the closing ceremony of the springs. The full programme for this year’s celebrations, which is constantly being updated, can be found here.

When you say goodbye to Karlovy Vary, don’t forget to take a piece of its spirit with you. For this special year, a limited edition souvenir has been created – an elegant blue drinking glass, bath salt with real springwort and a special edition of Becherovka with the Hippocrates of Karlovy Vary label. Each of these items carries a story. Just like your journey.

UNESCO Spa Heritage

Karlovy Vary is part of the prestigious UNESCO list as one of the most important „Great Spa Towns of Europe“. And no wonder. Few other places combine a historic atmosphere with a modern approach to health as naturally as here. You can choose from tailor-made therapeutic and relaxation stays. Are you looking for peace, a fresh start or simply a slow down? Find inspiration for your stay on the SpaHealth website, where you can choose a package to suit your mood, needs and time.

When you visit, don’t miss the Imperial Baths – a gem of spa architecture that has been transformed into a cultural and social centre after extensive renovation. It’s a place where you can literally breathe in history while enjoying exhibitions, concerts and film screenings.

You climb a wide staircase, open a heavy door – and find yourself in a space where even silence has a solemn echo. The Imperial Baths shine again, offering a profound experience and a unique atmosphere. There are two tours to choose from. One takes you through the Imperial Baths, the other focuses on the Imperial Bathroom. The baths are also irregularly guided by the actor Viktor Braunreiter, who adds humorous observations to the historical interpretation and makes various historical contexts in a distinctive way. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online.

And if you want to explore Karlovy Vary and its surroundings thoroughly, don’t forget to get the Karlovy VARY REGION CARD. The card will open the door to more than ninety attractive places throughout the Karlovy Vary Region – from museums and monuments to galleries and cultural events. Many of them can be visited for free or at a significant discount with the card. In addition, during its validity, you will receive a 50% discount on public transport in Karlovy Vary. You can choose a variant for 2, 4 or 7 days – for yourself or for the whole family. More information can be found on the card’s website.

Maybe you’ve been to a spa before. But this year is different. The year 2025 transforms Karlovy Vary into a space where not only history and the present are connected – but also body and soul, silence and music, water and story. The UNESCO-listed spa landscape will embrace you unobtrusively and with respect. It leaves it up to you whether to soak in the hot springs, head to the gallery or just sit on a bench and let the moment pass.

This year isn’t just a commemoration of one personality. It is an invitation. To experience Carlsbad differently. More deeply. More consciously. And above all, to the fullest.