Karlovy Vary, the largest and best known Czech spa is situated in the western part of the Czech Republic at the confluence of rivers Teplá and Ohře, about 120 km west of Prague.

The town was founded by Charles IV in the 14^th century. According to the legend the development of the spa started soon after the thermal springs were discovered by coincidence by his hunters. The spa was favoured by many noble families and rich burghers in the 16^th century. The boom days, however, the town witnessed 200 years later.

Today, Karlovy Vary is a sought-after tourist destination. Tens of spa hotels, guest-houses, individual spa houses and wellness centres are visited by Czech and foreign guests year-round.  Tourists who are not coming to town for spa treatment can use a wide array of sports and cultural events including the most attractive of them - The International Film Festival held regularly at the beginning of July.

There is an abundance of activities going on in Karlovy Vary, in particular during the main spa season, including for example many concerts of modern, classical and folk music, theatre performances, street performers and similar.  In the field of sports the visitors can choose from horse races, golf tournaments, triathlon and many others. Some of them also offer rich complementary programme.

The town is known for more than healing waters and popular events. Famous Karlovy Vary brands such as Moser glass and Becherovka liqueur are quite popular.  Spa wafers and Thun porcelain also earned their prestige worldwide.

The main motif on the obverse side of the token is the nominal “40 Karlovarských vřídeláků“, and a thermal spring. For the reverse side the author used the Karlovy Vary emblem together with a text in circumscription “Statutární město Karlovy Vary“.