Each region has its own traditional products. However, not everyone can boast so many products that have made the Czech Republic famous all over the world. The products, mostly from local sources, processed with original recipes and technologies, are the living heritage of the Karlovy Vary Region. Traditional products that are inherently associated with Karlovy Vary include mainly glassmaking and porcelain production, as well as the production of a famous herbal liqueur, bottling of mineral waters, or the aroma of traditional spa wafers.
Moser
The history of Moser glassworks is linked to the name of one of the most important figures in the history of glassmaking, Ludwig Moser (1833 - 1916). He first opened his own shop and engraving workshop in the center of Karlovy Vary, then in 1893 he opened his own glass factory, which has been operating successfully ever since. During this short period of time he gained a reputation as the most prestigious crystal manufacturer in the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy. By 1922, Moser glassworks was already the largest producer of luxury drinking and decorative glass in Czechoslovakia. The success of Ludwig Moser, whose legacy has further developed, lies in the production of environmentally pure lead-free crystal, the unique color spectrum, the outstanding design by the most prestigious artists and the perfect handcrafting of all crystal products.
Becherovka
The origin of the traditional and high-quality herbal liqueur Becherovka dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when the druggist Josef Vitus Becher produced this excellent liqueur, which bears his name - Becherovka. He was married twice and fathered 16 children. One of his sons, Jan Nepomuk Becher, took over his father's business. Jan is considered the founder of the company and supported the development and production of Becherovka for almost 40 years. Today, Becherovka is a traditional alcoholic beverage and a completely natural product. It is made from the famous Karlovy Vary water, the highest quality alcohol, natural sugar and a mixture of spices and herbs that are specific to it.
Karlovy Vary Porcelain
The term "Karlovy Vary Porcelain" stands not only for a long tradition lasting almost 220 years, but also for quality and world fame. Since the basic raw material - kaolin - from Karlovy Vary region is one of the finest in the world and its processing is of such a high standard, both large, hand-painted vases and small decorative objects, as well as reproductions of works of art by world artists on porcelain are in great demand. The porcelain manufacturers in the Karlovy Vary Region include Leander 1966 Loučky, Moritz Zdekauer in Stará Role, König Porcelain in Svatava, Thun 1794 and Haas and Czjzek in Horní Slavkov - the first porcelain factory in Bohemia.
Mattoni
Karlovarské minerální vody, a.s. is the largest producer of mineral and spring waters in the Czech Republic. The company was founded in 1873 by Heinrich Mattoni, a native of Karlovy Vary. It acquired its present form in the 1990s thanks to significant investments by new owners. Karlovy Vary Mineral Waters currently bottles mineral and spring waters of the Mattoni, Magnesia and Aquila brands, which it exports to more than 20 countries worldwide. The company is devoting the highest efforts to building world-famous brands with a distinctive image that will contribute to the improvement of quality and drinking culture not only in the Czech Republic.
Karlovy Vary Wafers
Spa wafers are an inseparable part of spa culture. Sources from the late 18th century state that wafers were a popular sweet delicacy among the townspeople. Legend has it that a skilful cook from the Teplá monastery was behind the creation of the famous delicacy. When he was given the task of preparing a dessert in the 18th century, he had the idea of baking a simple wafer in a communion wafer maker and sprinkling it with sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and chopped nuts. He added a second wafer to this improved treat and baked them into one. Today you can enjoy this treat while strolling through the city and its surroundings.
Culture in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary hosts countless cultural and sporting events throughout the year. Many of them have gained not only the favor of the Karlovy Vary public and tourists, but also international fame.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The first event took place in 1946 in Mariánské Lázně. It moved to Karlovy Vary in 1947 and the following year the Crystal Globe Award was presented for the first time as part of the competition. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the Czech Republic and the most prestigious film festival in Central and Eastern Europe. As one of the oldest, it is classified in Category A, along with festivals in Cannes, Berlin and Venice. Each year, the festival presents over 200 films from all over the world and regularly features famous and important filmmakers. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is intended for both the general public and professionals, it offers its visitors a carefully designed program, quality facilities and a wide range of services.
Tourfilm
The Tourfilm Festival is the oldest international travel-themed film festival in the world. It has been held since 1967 and its mission is to showcase and award documentaries and promotional films and spots that contribute to the development of domestic and international tourism through their content and artistic level. The festival is one of the 17 members of the International Committee of Tourist Film Festivals, which brings together and helps develop the most prestigious international festivals focused on audiovisual works in the tourism sector.
½ Marathon Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is on one hand a spa town, on the other a city promised to the cinema. It is also the setting to one of the most picturesque half marathons in the world, which has been held annually in May since 2013. The scenic route (21 kilometers and 97.5 meters) takes runners to the Teplá River, a colonnade with famous promenades and historic buildings. The Karlovy Vary ½ Marathon is an IAAF Gold Label winner.
Dvořák's Karlovy Vary Autumn
A symphony concert takes place in Karlovy Vary, every weekend in September, as part of the Dvořák Karlovy Vary Autumn Festival. The festival has been organized in honor of the world-class Czech composer Antonín Dvořák since 1959, in cooperation with the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra. Festival concerts take place in the concert hall of Spa III and the Municipal Theatre.
Overview of important cultural events in Karlovy Vary