Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary (known historically as Karlsbad) is one of the Czech Republic's most elegant towns, and one of three Czech spa towns recognized together as part of UNESCO's "Great Spa Towns of Europe" designation in 2021. Founded in the 14th century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, legend holds the springs were discovered when one of his hunting dogs fell into a hot spring while chasing a deer. The town's more than a dozen active thermal springs include Vridlo, the hottest and most dramatic, gushing a 162°F geyser up to 37 feet high. The Mill Colonnade and Market Colonnade are the town's architectural centerpieces -- elegant covered walkways built directly over spring sites, letting visitors drink the mineral water (traditionally from small spouted cups sold throughout town) regardless of weather. For something genuinely different, several spas in town offer beer spas -- soaking in warm baths of beer-derived ingredients, a novelty specific to this part of the world. Karlovy Vary also hosts a well-known international film festival every July, and its own Christmas market takes over the Market Colonnade at the end of the year. Important for anyone making this trip: you're leaving Germany, so bring your passport -- your SOFA status doesn't apply once you cross the border. A Czech road vignette is required before driving on Czech highways, available at the border or gas stations.