Train from Karlovy Vary to Mariánské Lázně is a regional train between two spa resorts in western Bohemia. Currently, the trains are operated by GW Train Regio.
The route is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in the Czech Republic. It’s a local railway line with tunnels, sleepy villages and charming atmosphere.
The trains start from Karlovy Vary dolni nadrazi (it may change in the future).
The connection is served by diesel multiple units called RegioSprinter. The low-floor trains are equipped with air-conditioning, vacuum toilet and have designated spaces from wheelchairs and bikes.
Useful websites:
GW Train Region – timetable
Train travel in the Czech Republic – a general overview
Most important cities and towns:
Karlovy Vary – the largest and most famous spa town in the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s historic spa destinations. Karlovy Vary has around 80 thermal springs, with several major springs used for traditional spa treatments. The impressive Neo-Renaissance colonnade is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The Vřídlo spring produces the hottest and most powerful thermal water in the city.The famous historic Grandhotel Pupp hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale. There are two funiculars in the city. One of them carried passenger to the Diana Lookout Tower located on a wooded hill above the town and offering panoramic views. The famous Czech herbal liqueur was created in Karlovy Vary in the early 19th century – the manufacture and museum of the liqueur are available to visitors. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – one of the most prestigious film festivals in Central and Eastern Europe takes place annually in the town.
Bečov nad Teplou – a small town in a wooded valley, famous for its medieval castle and an extraordinary medieval reliquary. The town is known for Bečov Castle and Château – the complex combines a medieval castle on a rocky hill with a later Baroque château. Bečov is famous for the Reliquary of St. Maurus, one of the most valuable Romanesque reliquaries in the Czech Republic. The reliquary was hidden in the château for decades and rediscovered in 1985. The town contains traditional houses, a church and remnants of its medieval character. Bečov is surrounded by forests and protected countryside, making it a good destination for hiking.
Teplá Monastery – a historic Premonstratensian monastery near the spa towns of western Bohemia. The monastery was founded in 1193 by the Premonstratensian order. It was established by Hroznata of Ovenec, an important medieval nobleman who later became a religious figure. The Church of the Annunciation of the Lord is a major Romanesque-Gothic basilica and the centrepiece of the complex. The monastery contains a remarkable historic library with tens of thousands of volumes and manuscripts. Much of the complex was rebuilt and expanded in the Baroque period.cThe founder’s tomb is located in the monastery and became an important pilgrimage destination. The monastery suffered during the Nazi occupation and communist period but was later returned to the Premonstratensians. Extensive restoration has taken place since the return of the religious order.
Teplá is located on the railway between Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, although the monastery itself is several kilometres from the station.
Mariánské Lázně – one of the most beautiful spa towns in the Czech Republic and part of the UNESCO Great Spa Towns of Europe. Together with Karlovy Vary and nearby Františkovy Lázně, it forms the famous West Bohemian Spa Triangle. The modern spa town developed in the early 19th century on land belonging to the Teplá Monastery. The town has dozens of mineral springs, used for drinking cures and spa treatments. The Neo-Baroque Main Colonnade is the town’s most famous architectural landmark. The Singing Fountain in front of the colonnade combines water, music and illuminated performances. Numerous European rulers and aristocrats visited the spa during its golden age in the 19th and early 20th centuries.The town is characterized by elegant Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Especially popular among tourists is a Miniature Park Boheminium.
Note: The Mariánské Lázně main train station is a very nice renovated building located 3 km from the city centre. There are trolleybuses connecting train station with many attractions of the town. Mariánské Lázně město small train stop is situated about 1.5 km from the city centre but the public transport is worse than from the main station.
