Planning Your Trip: Diana Observation Tower Funicular Ticket Prices

Riding the funicular is the easiest way to reach the summit. The lower station is tucked away near the famous Grandhotel Pupp. Tickets are affordable and offer great value for the experience. You can buy them directly at the station ticket office or via machines. Most travelers opt for a return ticket to save time and money.

For 2026, expect to pay around 100 to 150 CZK for an adult return trip. Children, students, and seniors usually receive significant discounts. One-way tickets are also available if you prefer to walk down through the woods. The funicular typically runs every 15 minutes throughout the day. Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website for the latest seasonal schedules.

• Best overall: Diana Observation Tower (Free entry)
• Best for families: Papilonia Butterfly House
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade stroll

10 Best Things to Do Near Diana Observation Tower

The area around the tower is packed with activities for all ages. You can spend a full day exploring the hilltop and the town center below. Here are the top attractions to include in your itinerary. Each offers a unique glimpse into the culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

1. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: sight Why go: It offers the most iconic panoramic view of Karlovy Vary. Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors. Where: Diana Hill summit. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free tower entry; funicular fee applies. Getting there: Take the funicular from the station near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Use the internal elevator if you want to skip the 150 steps.
2. Name: Papilonia Butterfly House Type: experience Why go: Walk among hundreds of exotic live butterflies in a tropical climate. Best for: Families with children. Where: Right next to the Diana Tower. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (approx. 150-200 CZK). Getting there: Located at the funicular upper station. Tip: Wear bright colors to encourage butterflies to land on you.
3. Name: Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: viewpoint Why go: See the famous chamois statue that symbolizes the city's founding legend. Best for: Hikers and history buffs. Where: Forest path between Diana and the town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the marked path from the Diana Tower. Tip: The path is paved but can be steep in some sections.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: Explore the largest and most beautiful stone colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: City center, along the Teplá River. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the funicular lower station. Tip: Read our Mill Colonnade history guide before visiting.
5. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: Admire the intricate white wooden carvings of this Swiss-style structure. Best for: Quick photo stops and spring tasting. Where: Near the Vřídlo geyser. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Learn more about Market Colonnade wooden architecture to appreciate the craftsmanship.
6. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: nature Why go: Witness a natural hot spring shooting water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Vřídelní kolonáda. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location, easily reachable on foot. Tip: Take the underground tour to see how the thermal water is managed.
7. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: Paid (includes tasting). Getting there: Short bus ride or 20-minute walk from the center. Tip: Buy a bottle at the shop for the best local price.
8. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: experience Why go: Watch master glassblowers create world-class luxury crystal. Best for: Craftsmanship enthusiasts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid. Getting there: Take a local bus or taxi from the city center. Tip: Book the factory floor tour in advance to ensure a spot.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: Visit a stunning 12th-century Gothic castle perched on a rock. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: Loket town, 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a direct train from the Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you enjoy spooky history.
10. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: nature Why go: See unique granite rock formations along the Ohře river. Best for: Cyclists and nature walkers. Where: Doubí district outskirts. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cycle along the river path from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Stop at the local riverside restaurant for a traditional Czech lunch.

Navigating Karlovy Vary Like a Local

Karlovy Vary is best explored on foot. The historic center is mostly a pedestrian zone. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many hills and stairs. Public buses are efficient for reaching outer areas like the Moser Glassworks. You can buy tickets from the driver or at yellow vending machines.

The city can get very crowded during the International Film Festival. This event usually happens in early July. If you prefer peace, visit during the shoulder seasons. Spring and autumn offer beautiful colors in the surrounding forests. Winter is also magical, especially when the colonnades are dusted with snow.

To save money, look for the Karlovy Vary Region Card. This pass often includes the funicular and many museum entries. It is a great choice if you plan to see many sights. Always carry a small amount of Czech Koruna for small shops. Most major attractions and restaurants accept credit cards.

Understanding Diana Observation Tower Funicular History

The funicular has served the city for over a century. It first opened in 1912 to help spa guests reach the hilltop. At the time, it was one of the longest funiculars in Europe. The system has undergone several modernizations to ensure safety and comfort. It remains a vital part of the city's transport heritage.

The tower itself was built shortly after the tracks were laid. It was designed to provide a bird's-eye view of the growing spa resort. You can learn more about the Diana Observation Tower funicular history to see old photos. The architecture reflects the elegance of the Belle Époque era. It continues to be a symbol of local engineering pride.

Today, the funicular is managed by the city's transport authority. It carries thousands of visitors every month. The ride takes about three to four minutes to reach the top. It stops once at the 'Jelení skok' intermediate station. This stop is perfect for those who want to walk to the chamois statue.