This area is nicknamed \u201cthe Czech Iceland\u201d for a good reason. The plateau in the centre of the spa triangle is interwoven with deep forests, in which rays of sunlight perform amazing shadow plays. Over one thousand mineral springs source here, and lakes coloured by minerals or endless peat bogs are found along the trails.<\/p>\n
Stress, disorders, and foul moods dissipate in the spa triangle. Karlovy Vary, Franti\u0161kovy L\u00e1zn\u011b, and Mari\u00e1nsk\u00e9 L\u00e1zn\u011b are ideal stops during your trip to the Slavkovsk\u00fd Forest. In these towns, you will recharge your batteries, and after conquering one of the hiking trails, spoil yourself a bit and regain your fitness. Aside from the famous springs of the Karlovy Vary Region, you will also find countless undiscovered ones. For example, there\u2019s St Siard Spring, to which an educational trail leads.<\/p>\n
If, however, the spa triangle is too mainstream for your taste, we have a tip for you. L\u00e1zn\u011b Kyn\u017evart is one of the four areas in the Czech Republic whose climatic conditions are declared a natural healing resource. The town is obviously more peaceful than the aforementioned spa towns, but there are still enough procedures, caf\u00e9s, or sports grounds here for every tired pilgrim.<\/p>\n
Aside from the castle and the chateau with the mysterious Reliquary of St Maurus, you will also find the botanical gardens in Be\u010dov nad Teplou with a collection of flora from various continents and many gazebos or boats on the pond for a relaxing day in enchanting nature. Those who like to climb will appreciate the bioferrata with several routes of various difficulties leading directly through the premises of the botanical gardens. You can rent the necessary equipment on site.<\/p>\n
Four significant nature formations and locations are found on a rather small area, so they can be visited by car all in one day. The first is the monumental Basalt Organ near Hlinky in the vicinity of Be\u010dov. They point to the lava flow from tertiary volcanoes millions of years ago.<\/p>\n
The second is the significant technological monument dating from 1536 known as Dlouh\u00e1 stoka – the Long Ditch, which served to collect water for powering pumping equipment, as well as grinding stamping mills and ore mills during tin mining.<\/p>\n
The third location is found several kilometres to the south and is known as the Globeflower Meadow under the Crosses, where the rare and endangered globeflower, as well as other rare plant species, bloom in their full glory each spring. A pavement with vistas leads through the area.<\/p>\n
And the fourth site is located practically a stone\u2019s throw away. The Kladsk\u00e1 Peat Bogs is an extensive complex of mountain highland peat bogs and is considered the most valuable area of the Slavkovsk\u00fd Forest. The educational trail is nine kilometres long and leads through the primeval forest growth around countless lakes. Along the way, you might encounter or hear a black stork, cranes, or woodpeckers, and if you are lucky, even a bobcat.<\/p>\n
Somewhat further north – between Loket and Karlovy Vary – is the rock formation known as Svato\u0161 Rocks. It is made up of massive granite columns, and legend has it that it is a petrified wedding party. You can reach it along the cycle path or on a boat, and it is appreciated by mountain climbers and children alike, who can look forward to the Svato\u0161ky Fun Park.<\/p>\n
When visiting the Slavkovsk\u00fd Forest, you should not miss seeing at least two buildings. The first is the significant residence of the Metternichs with the adjacent English park – Kyn\u017evart Chateau. Prince Metternich was a known globetrotter, and he collected many curiosities on his journeys, which are today to be seen at the chateau. For instance, there is the mummy collection, or the amazing items in the Cabinet of Curiosities. However, the rarest exhibit is the Kyn\u017evart daguerreotype (the predecessor of photographs), which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.<\/p>\n
And if you should wish to see the whole region from the bird\u2019s-eye-view, go to the Kr\u00e1sno Lookout Tower. It reaches far above the surrounding forests, and regularly wins contests for the prettiest Czech lookout tower. Its constructors were inspired by the minaret in the Iraqi city of Samarra.<\/p>\n<\/div>