Traveling from Oberwiesenthal to Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) – do you need a vignette?
If you are planning a trip from Oberwiesenthal in Germany to Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary) in the Czech Republic, here’s some good news – this route can be driven completely toll-free. As long as you stay on regional and local roads, you do not need a Czech vignette.
However, if you plan to continue your journey beyond Karlovy Vary and use Czech motorways or expressways, purchasing a valid vignette becomes mandatory.
Route Oberwiesenthal – Karlovy Vary: distance, time, and route overview
The distance between Oberwiesenthal and Karlovy Vary is approximately 23 km, and the journey usually takes around 30 minutes. The route offers beautiful mountain scenery and passes through several small towns in the Ore Mountains.
The recommended toll-free route runs via:
- Oberwiesenthal → Boží Dar
- Boží Dar → Jáchymov
- Jáchymov → Karlovy Vary
This route avoids Czech motorways and expressways and therefore does not require a vignette.
Oberwiesenthal – known for ski resorts, ski jumps, and Germany’s oldest cable car.
Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) – a world-famous spa town, renowned for its hot springs, wellness resorts, and elegant architecture.
Which roads should you avoid to stay toll-free?
To make sure you do not need a vignette, it is essential to avoid Czech toll roads. In particular:
- do not enter the D6 motorway in the direction of Karlovy Vary or Prague,
- avoid any roads marked as motorways or expressways (“Dálnice”),
- even short sections of toll roads require a valid vignette.
Accidentally entering a toll road without a vignette can result in significant fines.
How to set your navigation to avoid toll roads
To ensure your route remains toll-free, adjust your navigation settings before departure.
Google Maps and GPS navigation:
- Set your destination to Karlovy Vary,
- Open route options,
- Enable “Avoid toll roads”,
- Select a route that uses regional and local roads only.
Always double-check that the suggested route does not include motorway numbers such as D6.
When is a Czech vignette required?
Although the Oberwiesenthal – Karlovy Vary route itself does not require a vignette, keep in mind that:
- a Czech motorway vignette is mandatory on highways and expressways,
- it applies to vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons,
- driving without a valid vignette can result in fines of up to 20,000 CZK.
Drivers of heavier vehicles are subject to a separate electronic toll system, where fees are calculated based on the distance traveled.
Practical tips for driving in the Czech Republic
Mandatory equipment – reflective vest, first-aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulbs.
Speed limits – 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 130 km/h on motorways.
Winter tires – required from November 1 to March 31 on selected roads.
Mountain roads – expect steep and winding sections, especially near Boží Dar.
Vignette validity – always buy your vignette in advance if you plan to use motorways.
The trip from Oberwiesenthal to Karlsbad is short, scenic, and completely toll-free when using regional roads. For longer journeys across the Czech Republic, remember to purchase a valid Czech vignette 2026.