How long to walk all Karlovy Vary colonnades?

The distance between the first and last major colonnade is roughly 2 kilometers. This path follows the Teplá River through the heart of the city. If you walk without stopping, you can finish the route in under 45 minutes. Most people prefer a slower pace to admire the architecture. You will likely spend extra time at the Hot Spring Colonnade to see the geyser. Crowds can also slow you down during the peak summer season.

Your total time depends on your interest in the thermal springs. There are 15 main springs located across the colonnades. Drinking the water is a slow process that requires a special porcelain cup. If you plan to taste water at every stop, allow at least 2 hours. This gives you time to read the history of each spring. It also allows for short breaks to enjoy the riverside views.

Quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo)
• Best rainy-day: Hot Spring Colonnade (indoor)
• Best free activity: Walking the entire riverside path

10 Must-See Stops on Your Colonnades Walking Route

To make the most of your walk, follow the river from the city center toward the grand hotels. This route is mostly flat and very easy to navigate. Here are the top 10 stops to include on your journey.

1. Name: Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: It is a beautiful white cast-iron structure with intricate lace patterns. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start your walk near the Elizabeth Baths. Tip: Taste the Snake Spring, which is cooler than most others.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city, featuring 124 columns. Best for: Grand photos. Where: Riverbank central area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes south from Park Colonnade. Tip: Look up to see the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
3. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: A rare Swiss-style wooden structure painted bright white. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue south along the river path. Tip: Find the relief depicting the legend of Charles IV discovering the springs.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: experience Why go: It houses a geyser that shoots thermal water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Everyone. Where: Opposite the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the modern glass building in the center. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: It offers an elevated view of the Market Colonnade below. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (Upper part). Getting there: Take the stairs or lift near the Market Colonnade. Tip: The lower part is often reserved for spa guests, but the upper area is open.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: day trip Why go: It provides the best panoramic view of the entire valley and surrounding forests. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Funicular fee applies. Getting there: Follow signs for visiting Diana Observation Tower near the hotel. Tip: Take the funicular up and walk the forest paths back down.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This iconic hotel was a filming location for James Bond's Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury atmosphere. Where: The southern end of the main walking zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Walk to the very end of the pedestrian street. Tip: Enjoy a coffee at the café even if you aren't staying there.
8. Name: Deer Jump Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: viewpoint Why go: It features the famous statue of a chamois overlooking the town. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Forested hillside. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Steep walking path starting near the Market Colonnade. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the path is quite steep.
9. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: experience Why go: See the world-famous "Glass of Kings" being made by hand. Best for: Unique souvenirs. Where: West of the city center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Short bus or taxi ride from the center. Tip: Check the official Karlovy Vary tourism site for current workshop hours.
10. Name: Elizabeth Baths (Alžbětiny lázně) Type: sight Why go: A grand Neo-Baroque building named after Empress Sissi. Best for: Photos. Where: Near the entrance to Smetana Park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free to view exterior. Getting there: Start your walk here near the main bus terminal. Tip: The park in front is perfect for a quick rest before starting the route.

Practical Tips for Your Walking Tour

Before you begin your walk, buy a traditional porcelain spa cup. You can find these at small kiosks near every colonnade. These cups have a special spout designed for sipping the mineral water. Using a cup protects your tooth enamel from the high mineral content. Remember to follow the rules for drinking Karlovy Vary thermal water for the best health results.

The water in the springs varies in temperature from 30°C to 72°C. Start with the cooler springs if you have a sensitive stomach. It is best to drink the water while walking slowly. This is the traditional way patients have taken the "cure" for centuries. Most springs are open 24 hours a day, so you can walk at any time. Early morning is the best time to avoid the large tour groups.

For transportation, the city is well-connected by rail and bus. If you arrive by train, you will likely use the Karlovy Vary railway station. From there, it is a short 15-minute walk or a quick bus ride to the start of the colonnades. The city center is almost entirely pedestrian, making it very safe for walkers. Keep a map handy to track your progress through the different spring locations.