Karlsbad’s reputation as a spa town has attracted a growing number of visitors since the late Middle Ages, including many prominent figures from around the world. The town hall on the market square was built as early as 1520. The oldest church, with its walled cemetery, is first mentioned in a document from 1485. Around 1500, the Little St. Andrew’s Church was built, and the magnificent Baroque structure of the town parish church was erected by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer between 1732 and 1736.

The town’s development as a spa resort took off in the 18th century. Whereas previously every house had its own small bathing room, large bathhouses were now built. By 1938, Karlovy Vary had 16 healing springs and boasted six bathhouses offering effervescent, steam, mud, and carbonated baths, as well as various prominent spa facilities.

Karlsbad’s origins lie in its healing thermal springs. Although these may have been known to the Romans as well, the history of the spa town, as recorded in written sources, did not begin until the 14th century. Emperor Charles IV (1346–1378), after whom the city is named, is considered the founder of the spa town.

Through this partnership, the city of Wiesbaden expresses its connection to the historic world-renowned spa and bathing town of Karlovy Vary, which today has a population of around 50,000.

As a sign of its bond with Karlovy Vary, the city of Wiesbaden named a square in the Rheingau district “Karlsbader Platz” at the same time it assumed the partnership. (opens in a new tab)