Visiting the Elbow – Loket in Czech Republic
I have to admit I had never heard of a village called Loket ever before I met the girl who was my best friend in 2009 – 2011. She used to live in Loket for 7 years and when in July 2011 I went to the 46th Karlovy Vary Film Festival with her, we paid a short visit to Loket as well.
Loket is a small village in the Western Czech republic, approx. 17 km from Karlovy Vary. Its name – loket in Czech – means elbow and was used to designate the village because of the river shape. Loket is situated in between green mountains, surrounded by the river Ohře that forms a shape of an elbow around the village, hence the name.
Since Loket was founded in 1234 (other sources just state that approx. in 1240), it has been a very useful place during some wars throughout the history. Mostly because of its castle of the same name, built in the late 12th century during the reign of Vladimir II. The castle served as a fort, against the attacks of the Germans first, then plaid a role in many other wars when members of Royal families lived at the castle Loket.
The castle is surrounded by picturesque houses of various colours, but all of them sharing the same concept. For example, they cannot have white plastic windows, but only wooden window frames to match the history of the whole town.
Loket is famous for its amphitheater where many concerts, opera and other events take place, with mostly Czech and Slovak bands playing. Listening to the best music just next to the river, under the beautiful castle and in the middle of the green forest would be truly unforgettable.
If you are up for some adventure, just next to the amphitheater there are new things built on the trees for climbing and crawling, very funny stuff.
And to get the best views of Loket, which is a must, just cross the river and the main road, go up the hill to the forest, and get to one of the viewpoints.
I revisited the town again in November 2016 and these are 10 things you should visit in Loket.
Alvin
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Hi there,
Have a few questions on Loket.
Can you give me detailed instructions on how to get to the viewpoint across the river?
Also, the adventure stuff on the trees, is it open to the public?
Thanks.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Thanks Kris! I really liked it, too.
Kris Koeller
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Great photos. Looks like an interesting little town.
Sebastian
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Nice pictures. Looks like a beautiful city!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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It is, for a day or two if you wanna relax or see some concert :)
crazy sexy fun traveler
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You are right, it was so lovely there! But unfortunately, I did not see any concert, there was none that day.
Ruth
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It looks like such a charming and serene little town. Did you get to see a concert at the amphitheatre during your visit? Certainly a unique setting!
Nomadic Samuel
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What a gorgeous quaint looking place! It looks like something straight out of a fairy-tale.