∼ Stroll Through the Historic Town Center

Loket’s old town is small but incredibly atmospheric. Walk the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful facades, and pop into cute galleries, cafes, and artisan shops.

Don’t miss:

• Town Hall – beautiful Renaissance building MAP

• Column of the Holy Trinity – a baroque plague column MAP

• Stone bridge over the Ohře River – for that iconic photo MAP

∼ The Church of St. Wenceslaus (Kostel sv. Václava) MAP

A lovely Baroque church located right in the center. It often hosts concerts and exhibitions, especially during the summer.

∼ Goethe’s Viewpoint (Goethova vyhlídka) MAP

Famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Loket multiple times. A viewpoint named after him offers stunning panoramic views of the town, perfect for photos.

Outdoor Activities and Nature Around Loket

Loket isn’t just for history lovers—it’s also a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by forests and perched above the winding Ohře River, the area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and canoeing. Whether you’re planning a romantic stroll or an active family day out, you’ll find it here.

Svatošské skály (Svatoš Rocks) MAP

Only 6 km from Loket lies the legendary Svatošské skály—a dramatic rock formation shaped like a wedding procession turned to stone. According to legend, a once-faithful knight named Svatoš broke a promise to marry a forest fairy. In her heartbreak and anger, she cursed him—turning him, his new bride, and the entire wedding procession into stone. Even the famous poet J. W. Goethe admired the mystical charm of this place.

The path to the rocks is easy, flat, and mostly shaded, ideal for walkers, cyclists, or families with kids. You can also canoe along the river to reach it.

Along the trail, make time for a stop at Areál Svatošky dětský ráj MAP (only May – September), a wonderful family-friendly nature park. This peaceful, tech-free area offers:

• A huge air trampoline (the largest in the Karlovy Vary region),

• Playgrounds and picnic areas,

• A mini-zoo,

• Appaloosa horses for riding (Western and English style available),

• And even the only legal campfire spot between Loket and Karlovy Vary—bring your own food to roast or just relax by the fire.

It’s an ideal place for families wanting a full day out in nature, with activities for both children and adults. You can also stay overnight in cozy cabins or log houses if you want to extend your adventure.

After your adventure, continue a little further to reach the actual rock formation.

Right across from the rocks, you’ll find a cozy log-style Jan Svatos restaurant map with outdoor seating and a small playground. While both the Dětský ráj and the restaurant offer refreshments, vegan options are limited to french fries, so pack a snack if you have dietary needs.

Tip: It can get crowded on sunny weekends—weekday mornings offer the quietest experience.

Canoeing the Ohře River

The Ohře River offers calm waters, scenic views, and the chance to enjoy nature from a different perspective. It’s a great choice for beginners or families, with gentle currents and plenty of space to swim or stop along the way.

You’ll paddle alongside the biking and hiking trail, passing through lush forests and open meadows. Boat rentals are available in Loket—our go-to spot lets us paddle to Karlovy Vary, where you can either take a bus back to Loket or have the rental company drive you.

Bonus: The end point is just a short walk from the magical Christmas House in Karlovy Vary—perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just love festive charm any time of year.

Where to Eat in Loket as a Vegan

Loket may be a fairytale town, but when it comes to vegan dining, it’s still catching up. Unfortunately, there are no fully vegan or vegetarian restaurants in town. Most places, like Švejk Restaurant or Hotel Goethe Restaurant, focus on traditional Czech cuisine, which is typically heavy on meat, cream, and cheese.

That said, you won’t go entirely hungry:

• Italian Restaurants – There are two in town, and both offer pasta aglio olio, a simple but satisfying vegan-friendly option. If you bring your own vegan cheese (available at supermarkets like Tesco, Kaufland, or Albert), they’re usually happy to use it on a pizza for you. A small hack that works!

• Galerie Café MAP – A lovely spot with a charming back patio, this café sometimes surprises with a vegan raw dessert and always offers plant-based milk for your coffee.

• Kousek Lokte MAP – A cozy, family-run bistro with a warm feel. While their menu is not fully vegan, they’re open to small adjustments, and they also serve plant milk with drinks. A great place for a snack or break.

Where to Stay in Loket

For such a small town, Loket has a surprisingly good range of places to stay—from historic hotels in the town center to riverside campsites for the more adventurous. Your best bet is to use Booking.com to find accommodation that fits your style and budget. Most hotels offer private parking or a parking card for a fee, and free breakfast is quite common.

Here are a few notable options:

• Hotel Bílý Kůň (White Horse)
  A historic hotel located right on the town square, this place oozes character. Some rooms come with river views, and you’ll be steps away from Goethe’s viewpoint—a favorite spot of the poet himself. The location and atmosphere will easily sweep you into the town’s old-world charm.

• Pension & Restaurant Atmosféra
  A cozy guesthouse with a small restaurant downstairs. What makes it stand out is that they offer vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast, which is a rare find in Loket!

• Vodácké tábořiště Maskáč Loket
  If you’re traveling by canoe or just enjoy nature, this tent camp by the river is a fun and affordable option. There’s a nice bistro on-site, and the vibe is laid-back and welcoming—perfect for paddlers or families looking for a unique experience.

Best Time to Visit Loket

• • Spring (April–June): Nature is in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant.

  • Summer (July–August): Lively with events, outdoor dining, and longer daylight.

  • Autumn (September–October): Fewer tourists, colorful foliage, and local harvest festivals.

  • Winter (December–February): Quiet, sometimes snowy, with a magical feel. Loket hosts a charming Christmas market!

Events & Festivals in Loket

Despite its size, Loket hosts some truly unforgettable events throughout the year that bring its cobblestone streets and ancient walls to life. From medieval markets to open-air opera, these festivals add a special flair to any visit. If you can time your trip with one of these, you’ll see the town at its most lively and enchanting.

Loket Summer Cultural Festival

Held mainly in July and August, this festival features a variety of concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, many of them set in the castle courtyard or around the historic town square. It’s a great way to enjoy local culture in a unique medieval setting.

🔗 Info & program usually available at:
www.loket.cz

Open-Air Opera in the Natural Amphitheater

This is Loket’s most iconic event, held each summer in the open-air amphitheater just below the castle walls. As the sun sets and the lights come on, watching a live opera performance here feels almost surreal. Past performances have included Carmen, Aida, and Don Giovanni.

Book early – tickets sell out fast!
🔗 Official site for tickets & program: www.ticketportal.cz

Medieval Festival in Loket (Středověký festival)

Usually held in late May or early June, this weekend transforms Loket into a lively medieval village with costumed performers, knight tournaments, blacksmiths, and local crafts. Kids love it, and adults will too – it’s fun, immersive, and full of local flavor.

🔗 Details and updates: www.loket.cz or follow their Facebook page @MestoLoket

Christmas Market (Vánoční trh Loket)

A charming one-day event usually in early December, when the square fills with stalls selling handmade gifts, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive treats. Combined with Loket’s fairy-tale atmosphere, it feels like stepping into a snow globe.

✨ Insider Tip:

Many events are posted last-minute or only in Czech. Follow local event boards, the Loket Castle website, and Facebook groups for the most up-to-date info. Booking ahead is especially important for the opera and summer festival performances.

Did You Know? Loket in Film

Loket was featured in James Bond’s “Casino Royale” (2006). The old-world charm and cobbled streets made it a perfect double for Montenegro.

Nearby Attractions

• Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) – spa town with colonnades, hot springs, and Becherovka museum

• Bečov nad Teplou – another castle town with the famous Reliquary of St. Maurus

• Mariánské Lázně – elegant spa town known for its singing fountain