Essential Sights for Your Walking Route

The heart of the city is the spa zone. Most springs are located along the Teplá River. You can easily walk between them in a few hours. Each colonnade has a unique architectural style. Some are made of stone, while others are wood or cast iron. Drinking the water is a local tradition. You should buy a small porcelain cup first. These cups have a special spout for sipping. Expect the water to be very warm. Some springs reach temperatures over 70 degrees Celsius.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best rainy-day: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best free: Park Colonnade

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five springs. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Central spa district. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the town center. Tip: Read the Mill Colonnade history before you visit.
2. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: sight Why go: It houses the Vřídlo geyser, which shoots water 12 meters high. This is the hottest spring in town. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Near the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Located in the center of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Visit the Vřídlo geyser underground for a unique tour.
3. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure looks like lace. It was built in a Swiss style and covers three springs. Best for: Romantic photos and history. Where: Right next to the Castle Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Look for the relief showing the legend of the city's founding.
4. Name: Park Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This cast-iron structure is very elegant. It sits in the Dvořák Park and has a very light feel. Best for: A relaxing break in the park. Where: Northern end of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the first colonnade you hit when walking from the bus station. Tip: Try the Snake Spring here, which is cooler than the others.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is built on a hill above the Market Colonnade. The architecture is Art Nouveau and very grand. Best for: Views over the market square. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (some parts are for spa guests). Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Check if the Upper Spring is accessible during your visit.

How to Use This Karlovy Vary Colonnades Walking Guide

Walking is the best way to see the city. The spa zone is mostly car-free. This makes it very safe for pedestrians. Most paths are flat along the river. However, some viewpoints require climbing stairs. Wear comfortable shoes for your walk. You can find more details on the official tourism site. This will help you find current events in 2026. The city is very walkable for all ages.

Drinking the thermal water is a medical ritual. Do not drink too much at once. The minerals are very strong. It is best to sip slowly while walking. This helps with digestion. You can buy traditional spa wafers to eat. They are thin and sweet. Many shops sell them warm on the street. They are a perfect snack for your walking tour.

Timing is important for your visit. Early morning is the quietest time. You can enjoy the architecture without crowds. Most colonnades are open 24 hours a day. However, some indoor springs have closing times. Check the Visit Czechia portal for seasonal updates. Winter is beautiful but can be cold. Summer is busy with the film festival. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking.

Beyond the Springs: Nearby Cultural Stops

Your walk should include more than just springs. The city has a rich cultural history. Many famous people visited these streets. You can see their influence in the local museums. These stops add variety to your trip. Some are a short walk from the center. Others might require a quick bus ride. Use this Karlovy Vary Colonnades walking guide to expand your itinerary. There is much to see beyond the water.

6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the city. You can see the entire valley from here. Best for: Photography and nature lovers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from the town center. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths to see the forest animals.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in Europe. It has been in many movies like Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury atmosphere and film fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; price of a coffee inside. Getting there: Walk to the very end of the main pedestrian street. Tip: Learn about the history of Grandhotel Pupp before visiting.
8. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: experience Why go: See the famous statue of a chamois. It is the symbol of the city's thermal springs. Best for: Active travelers and hikers. Where: On the cliffs above the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked trails from the Diana funicular station. Tip: The path is steep but the view is worth the effort.
9. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian crystal is made. You can watch glassblowers at work. Best for: Art lovers and rainy days. Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46/19. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus from the center. Tip: Book a Moser factory tour in advance.
10. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous local herbal liqueur. It is often called the 13th spring. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee including tasting. Getting there: Located near the main bus station. Tip: Use the Jan Becher visitor guide for booking tips.