The Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Region is situated on the western border of the Czech Republic. Border with the Federal German State of Saxony is formed by the Krušné hory (the Ore Mountains) with the highest mountain Klínovec (1,244 m). Aš westernmost tip is wedged between Saxony and the Federal German State of Bavaria. There is the river Ohře flowing from the west to the east.
It is our third smallest region: its area is 3,314 square km and its population is approximately 315,300 inhabitants. Its history is as in other border regions marked by centuries of coexistence of the Czech and German population (some areas were mostly German), by war events and by the departure of Germans after World War II. New residents began to build a diverse communities; they were however as well influeced by further historical development.
Natural beauties are definitely not missing in the region. For example: the Krušné hory with the highest located town in the country called Boží Dar (God’s Gift) and with many opportunities for summer and winter recreation; natural reservation area Slavkovský Forest, fortunately untouched by coal mining, unlike especially the area around Sokolov. Smrčiny Hills dominate the area of Aš tip.
The treasure of the Carlsbad Region is the spa. The unique spa triangle – Carlsbad, Františkovy Lázně and Mariánské Lázně- is registered as a candidate for entry into the UNESCO World Heritage List. Noteworthy is also the town of Kraslice and Luby which have a long tradition in manufacturing of musical instruments. In each of these three districts (Cheb, Carlsbad and Sokolov) we can find besides the natural beauties also stories of a rich past. But it is also a region that lives in the present and that has good prospect for future.
The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB) has its congregations in Aš, Horní Slavkov, Cheb, Chodov, Carlsbad, Mariánské Lázně, Nejdek, Ostrov nad Ohří, Sokolov and in Teplá. It may seem strange for you that we are not inviting you to Carlsbad. There is certainly no extra need to introduce this town. The world famous spa with many historical monuments but especially with healing water and a legendary thermal spring will impress every visitor. The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren has also its congregation in Carlsbad where you are warmly welcome – its residence is a congregation house in a spa quarter. This house however does not have much to do with the Reformation heritage. You will certainly find the way to Carlsbad by yourselves. But we will introduce some preaching stations to you, the churches of which have a great historical value.