Quick Picks: Top Photography Locations

Karlovy Vary is a dream for photographers. The area around Parkhotel Richmond is especially quiet and scenic. You can find everything from ancient forests to grand monuments. Many spots are just a short walk from the hotel lobby. Here are our top recommendations for your next photo walk.

• Best overall: Japanese Zen Garden
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Mill Colonnade
• Best free spot: Richmond Park Sculptures

10 Best Photo Spots Near Parkhotel Richmond

The south end of the spa zone is full of surprises. You do not have to travel far to see the UNESCO World Heritage site beauty. Most of these locations are accessible on foot. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the hilly terrain. Here are the best photo spots near Parkhotel Richmond for your itinerary.

1. Name: Japanese Zen Garden Type: Experience Why go: It is a meditative space with unique stone circles. Best for: Minimalist and peaceful shots. Where: Next to Parkhotel Richmond. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 1 minute from the hotel entrance. Tip: Visit in the early morning for soft, even lighting on the stones.
2. Name: Beethoven Monument Type: Sight Why go: A grand statue honoring the famous composer. Best for: Historical portraits and wide park shots. Where: Richmond Park. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the hotel gardens. Tip: Use the surrounding trees to frame the monument.
3. Name: Teplá River Bridge Type: Sight Why go: It offers a classic view of the river flowing toward the city center. Best for: Long exposure water shots. Where: Near the Richmond bus stop. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from the hotel. Tip: Capture the reflections of the colorful buildings in the water.
4. Name: Goethe’s Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: A neo-Gothic brick tower with panoramic views. Best for: Sunset photography and landscape shots. Where: On the hill above the hotel. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee for the tower. Getting there: Follow the hiking trails in Karlovy Vary woods from the hotel. Tip: Check the opening hours as they vary by season.
5. Name: Hotel Imperial Type: Sight Why go: This majestic hotel looks like a fairytale castle on the hill. Best for: Architectural photography. Where: Overlooking the Richmond area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (outside). Getting there: 10-minute walk or take the funicular. Tip: Shoot from the valley floor to emphasize the hotel's height.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: The most famous lookout in the city. Best for: Seeing the entire spa valley at once. Where: Diana Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Tower entry is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Walk through the woods or take the funicular near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the butterfly house nearby for colorful macro shots.
7. Name: Deer Jump (Jelení skok) Type: Sight Why go: The iconic chamois statue is the symbol of the city. Best for: Classic Karlovy Vary souvenir photos. Where: Forest path above the Market Colonnade. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike up from the city center. Tip: Stand on the wooden platform for the best angle of the statue.
8. Name: St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Russian Orthodox church with golden domes. Best for: Vibrant colors and intricate details. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the hotel. Tip: The golden domes glow beautifully during the golden hour.
9. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It features 124 Corinthian columns and beautiful statues. Best for: Symmetry and architectural depth. Where: City center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 15-minute walk along the river. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the pillars.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A 12th-century stone castle perched on a rock. Best for: Medieval vibes and drone-style shots from the bridge. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the castle. Getting there: 15-minute drive or local bus. Tip: Walk across the bridge for the best view of the castle walls.

Photography Tips for Karlovy Vary

Timing is everything in this city. The morning light is best for the hidden viewpoints in Karlovy Vary. Most tourists arrive after 10:00 AM. If you want empty streets, start your walk at dawn. The mist over the Teplá River adds a moody feel to your photos. Use the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site to check for local events. Festivals can provide great candid shots but also bring large crowds.