Three Crosses Lookout

On the summit of Tříkřížový vrch (Three Crosses Hill), north-east above the centre of Karlovy Vary at 554 metres, stand three large wooden crosses erected around 1640 to commemorate the successful re-catholicisation of the town and its surroundings — a symbol of the biblical Golgotha. From the early 19th century the hill was a favourite destination of spa guests: it offers a panoramic view of the spa centre with the Hot Spring in the picturesque Teplá valley, the surrounding hills and spa forests, and the Slavkov Forest.

In 1912 work began below the summit on a funicular railway that was to serve a planned hotel; the First World War halted the project, and remnants of the unfinished funicular and the foundations of its upper station are still visible in the woods. The present wooden lookout arbour, standing on the concrete roof of a former military observation post, was built in 2000; after being destroyed by vandals it was replaced in 2006 by a sturdier structure designed by architect Ivan Štros.

The lookout is freely accessible all year round and admission is free. A 1.9 km yellow-marked trail leads to the summit from the Hot Spring via Na Vyhlídce street and the spa forests; alternatively, take bus no. 10 or 15 to the Havlíčkova stop and continue along the green and then yellow trails. Just below the summit stands the Camera Obscura Lookout — the view is similar and the walk slightly shorter.