Tourist Attractions

As you walk through this part of the Slavkovský Forest, you may wonder what that rotten smell is. It comes from small rifts which host no life. Bleached skulls of field mice and forest birds, together with a myriad of insects grimly complete the picture.

The Bečov Castle was founded in the 13th century by the Lords of Osek who owned the surrounding estates for almost 200 years.

Visitors can find the Waldstein Monument behind the headquarters of the Mariánské Lázně spa company. It was built in 1836 in honor of an illustrious visitor Earl Ernest von Waldstein-Wartenberg.

'Goethe's Retreat' is a sandstone obelisk and two stone resting places on the side of Hamelika Hill. Goethe used to sit here on a bench, sometimes with Ulrika von Levetzow, or alone, spending many hours in contemplation here. The obelisk was built in August 1848 to recall Goethe's three sojourns in Mariánské Lázně between 1821 and 1823.

This steel tower situated on the hill near the village of Drmoul, was opened on November 15 in 2008. The total height of the lookout tower is 55m, but the actual viewing gantry is 40m above the ground. From the tower you can admire the view of the Slavkovský Forest, Mariánské Lázně, Dyleň, Kynžvart and even as far as Přimda. During the winter months the tower is closed for safety reasons.

Gallery in the atrium of the Hotel Hvězda, opening every first Tuesday of the month, entry free.