Planning Your Three Crosses Lookout Walk

The Three Crosses lookout walk is a moderate hike. It is suitable for most fitness levels. The trail is well-marked with yellow markers. You can start the walk from the city center. Most hikers begin near the Grandhotel Pupp or the funicular station. The path winds through a lush, peaceful forest. You should allow about two hours for the full loop. This allows time for photos and breaks.

The best time to visit is during spring or autumn. The colors of the forest are stunning in October. In 2026, the trails are expected to be in excellent condition. Always check the weather before you head out. Heavy rain can make the forest paths slippery. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. This helps you stay updated on local events.

Top 11 Highlights on the Three Crosses Route

The Three Crosses lookout walk features several unique stops. Each offers a different perspective of the city. The route is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site area. This adds a layer of historical importance to your journey. Here are the top items to see on your walk.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: The Three Crosses summit.
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower.
• Best rainy-day: Mill Colonnade.
• Best free: The Three Crosses trail.

1. Name: The Three Crosses (Tri Krize) Type: Sight Why go: This is the main destination of the walk. The crosses were erected in the 16th century. They symbolize the re-Catholicization of the area. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: At the peak of Three Crosses Hill. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow trail from the Tepla River. Tip: Visit at sunset for amazing golden hour photos.
2. Name: Camera Obscura Type: Sight Why go: This is a charming wooden gazebo located near the crosses. It offers a framed view of the valley. It is a great spot to rest. Best for: Relaxing and taking quiet photos. Where: Just below the Three Crosses summit. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located directly on the main lookout path. Tip: Bring a snack to enjoy while sitting in the gazebo.
3. Name: Peter the Great Lookout Type: Sight Why go: This spot commemorates the visit of the Russian Tsar. He reportedly rode a horse up this steep hill. The view from here is spectacular. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the ridge between the city and the crosses. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via the green or yellow forest trails. Tip: Look for the memorial plaque dedicated to the Tsar.
4. Name: Little Versailles Type: Experience Why go: This is a beautiful park and restaurant area. It serves as a gateway to the forest trails. The atmosphere is very romantic. Best for: A pre-hike meal or coffee. Where: West of the city center, near the forest edge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Varies by meal choice. Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Check their opening hours if you plan to dine.
5. Name: Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church Type: Sight Why go: This Baroque masterpiece is located at the base of the hill. It is one of the most important churches in the city. The architecture is stunning. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Usually free to enter. Getting there: Walkable from any central city point. Tip: Respect quiet hours if a service is taking place.
6. Name: Imperial Hotel Viewpoint Type: Sight Why go: The Imperial Hotel looks like a castle on the hill. From the Three Crosses path, you get a great view of it. It is a landmark of the city skyline. Best for: Iconic city photos. Where: Visible from several points on the yellow trail. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the trail upward from the river. Tip: Use a zoom lens to capture the hotel's detail.
7. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the most famous statues in the city. It depicts a chamois jumping over the rocks. You can easily add this to your Deer Jump lookout path detour. Best for: Seeing the city's mascot. Where: On the hills opposite the Three Crosses. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the funicular or walk the forest paths. Tip: The path between Three Crosses and Deer Jump is very scenic.
8. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Experience Why go: This tower offers the highest view in the immediate area. There is also a mini-zoo and a butterfly house. It is a great addition to the Diana observation tower hiking trail. Best for: Families and children. Where: At the top of the Diana funicular. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower entry is often free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Use the funicular from the Grandhotel Pupp area. Tip: The restaurant at the top is great for lunch.
9. Name: Svatos Rocks Type: Day trip Why go: These are amazing granite rock formations by the river. Legend says they are a petrified wedding procession. It is a fantastic Svatos Rocks nature hike for active travelers. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: About 7 kilometers from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail along the Tepla River. Tip: Rent a bike in the city for a faster trip.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This is a massive medieval castle in a nearby town. It is surrounded by the river on three sides. It feels like stepping back in time. Best for: History and castle fans. Where: The town of Loket, 12km away. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Moderate entry fee for the castle. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Walk through the castle dungeons for a spooky experience.
11. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. It houses several mineral springs. It is the perfect place to end your Karlovy Vary colonnade walking route. Best for: Tasting local thermal water. Where: In the heart of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from the base of the Three Crosses hill. Tip: Buy a traditional porcelain cup for tasting the water.

Practical Tips for Karlovy Vary Hikers

When preparing for the Three Crosses lookout walk, wear sturdy shoes. The forest paths can be uneven. Bring a bottle of water, especially in summer. There are few shops once you enter the forest. You can check the local bus schedules at Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary. This helps if you want to start your hike further out. Most trails are well-signed for tourists.

If you have mobility concerns, some paths are easier than others. You might prefer the accessible walks in Karlovy Vary instead. These stay closer to the flat colonnade areas. Always carry a small map or use a GPS app. The forest is large and paths can intersect. Safety is generally very high in the region. Just stay on the marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Best Day Trips Near the Three Crosses

If you have more time, explore the wider region. The Czech Republic is full of hidden gems. You can find more inspiration on the Visit Czechia website. Many people enjoy visiting the nearby Ore Mountains. They offer even more challenging hiking opportunities. These are perfect for experienced trekkers.

For a more relaxed day, visit the smaller spa towns nearby. Frantiskovy Lazne is very peaceful and pretty. It is easy to reach by train. You can also look into the Goethes lookout tower hike for more views. This tower is another historical landmark worth seeing. The variety of trails ensures you never get bored.