Top German Border Towns Near Karlovy Vary

Exploring the region around Karlovy Vary reveals many hidden gems. You can find everything from high-altitude resorts to quiet spa villages. Most of these destinations are less than an hour away by car. Some are also accessible by local trains or buses. Here are the top 10 towns you should consider for your next trip.

• Best overall: Oberwiesenthal
• Best for families: Klingenthal
• Best for shopping: Selb
• Best free activity: Marktredwitz town walk

1. Name: Oberwiesenthal Type: nature/viewpoint Why go: It is the highest town in Germany. You can take a cable car to the top of Fichtelberg mountain. Best for: Hikers and skiers. Where: Directly north of Bozi Dar. Time: 4–6 hours. Cost: Free to walk; €15–20 for the cable car. Getting there: Drive 30 minutes north via Bozi Dar. Tip: Visit in winter for excellent skiing or summer for mountain biking.
2. Name: Bad Elster Type: spa/culture Why go: This is a royal Saxon state spa. The architecture is grand and the gardens are perfectly manicured. Best for: Relaxing and classical music lovers. Where: Vogtland region, near the western Czech border. Time: Half-day. Cost: €20–30 for spa entry. Getting there: Best reached by car in about 50 minutes. Tip: Check the schedule for concerts at the King Albert Theatre.
3. Name: Selb Type: museum/shopping Why go: Selb is the world capital of porcelain. You can visit the Porzellanikon museum and buy high-quality dishes. Best for: Shoppers and design enthusiasts. Where: Bavaria, just across from the town of As. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: €5–10 for museum entry. Getting there: Drive 45 minutes west from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Look for factory outlet stores for the best prices.
4. Name: Annaberg-Buchholz Type: history/experience Why go: A historic silver mining town with a massive cathedral. The St. Anne's Church is a late Gothic masterpiece. Best for: History buffs. Where: Heart of the Ore Mountains. Time: 5 hours. Cost: Church entry is usually a small donation. Getting there: Drive 45 minutes northeast through the mountains. Tip: The Christmas market here is one of the most traditional in Germany.
5. Name: Klingenthal Type: sight/activity Why go: Home to the Vogtland Arena, one of the most modern ski jumps in Europe. You can take a lift to the top. Best for: Sports fans and families. Where: South of Plauen, near the border. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: €10 for the arena tour. Getting there: Drive 40 minutes northwest. Tip: The town is also famous for making musical instruments like accordions.
6. Name: Bad Brambach Type: spa/indoor Why go: Known for its unique radon mineral springs. It is a quiet and very green spa town. Best for: Health-conscious travelers. Where: Near Frantiskovy Lazne. Time: 3 hours. Cost: €15–25 for spa access. Getting there: 45 minutes by car or train via Cheb. Tip: Try the water from the Wettinquelle spring for its healing properties.
7. Name: Johanngeorgenstadt Type: nature/experience Why go: You can see a giant horse-drawn mining machine. It is a gateway to beautiful forest trails. Best for: Walkers and curious historians. Where: Northwest of Jachymov. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free to explore the town. Getting there: 30 minutes by car or local train. Tip: Look for the "Pferdegöpel" to see the historic mining tech.
8. Name: Plauen Type: museum/indoor Why go: Famous for "Plauen Lace." The town has a beautiful old town hall and lace museums. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Vogtland district, Saxony. Time: Full day. Cost: €5–8 for museums. Getting there: About 1 hour by car or train. Tip: Visit the lace factory for a unique souvenir.
9. Name: Hof Type: neighborhood/market Why go: A Bavarian town with great beer and the beautiful Theresienstein park. It feels very different from Saxon towns. Best for: Foodies and park lovers. Where: Upper Franconia, Bavaria. Time: 5–6 hours. Cost: Free park entry. Getting there: 1 hour drive west. Tip: Try the local "Hofer Rindfleischwurst" at a local butcher.
10. Name: Marktredwitz Type: neighborhood/market Why go: A cozy Bavarian town with a lovely market square. It is great for a relaxed afternoon walk. Best for: A quiet escape. Where: Near the border with Cheb. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: 50 minutes by car. Tip: Visit the KEC shopping mall for a variety of German brands.

Why Visit German Border Towns Near Karlovy Vary?

Visiting German border towns near Karlovy Vary adds variety to your holiday. You can experience the transition from the Bohemian style to the Saxon or Bavarian way of life. The architecture changes from colorful baroque to half-timbered houses. You will also notice a difference in the local food and beer. These trips are very convenient because the border is open. You do not need to show your passport when crossing. It is like visiting a neighboring neighborhood but in a different country.

Many people go for the shopping opportunities. German drugstores and supermarkets often have different products than Czech ones. Prices for certain goods can also be lower in Germany. Others go for the nature. The Ore Mountains span both countries, offering endless trails. You can start a hike in the Czech Republic and finish it in Germany. This cross-border connection is part of the UNESCO World Heritage mining region.

Day trips are also quite affordable. Fuel prices are similar, and parking is usually easy to find. If you prefer not to drive, you can use the public transport system. Trains run frequently between Cheb and various German cities. This makes it easy to enjoy a beer without worrying about driving back. It is a stress-free way to see more of Europe in 2026.

Planning Your Cross-Border Day Trip

Planning a trip to German border towns near Karlovy Vary is simple. First, decide if you want to drive or take the train. Driving gives you the most flexibility to see smaller villages. However, the train is very scenic and relaxing. You can check schedules at the Karlovy Vary railway station. Most trains to Germany require a change in Cheb. Look for regional tickets that allow unlimited travel for a day.

Remember that Germany uses the Euro, while the Czech Republic uses the Koruna. Most shops in German border towns accept cards. However, small cafes or bakeries might still prefer cash. It is wise to carry a few Euros for small purchases. You should also check the opening hours. In Germany, almost all shops are closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping trips for Saturdays or weekdays to avoid disappointment.

Language is rarely a major barrier in these areas. Many people in border towns speak some English or even basic Czech. Using a few German words like "Guten Tag" or "Danke" is always appreciated. For more ideas on where to go, see our guide on nearby towns from Karlovy Vary. Always keep a digital map on your phone to navigate the winding mountain roads. Most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Erzgebirge region.