Is Karlovy Vary thermal water safe to drink?

Yes, the water is safe and strictly monitored by local authorities. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its healing springs. Each spring has a unique temperature and mineral balance. While safe, the high mineral content can cause digestive changes. Most doctors suggest a medical consultation before starting a heavy drinking cure.

For casual tourists, a few sips from various springs are generally harmless. You will find 15 main springs scattered across the historic center. The water temperature ranges from 30°C to a boiling 72°C. Always be careful with the heat to avoid burning your mouth. Use the official Karlovy Vary tourism resources to check spring status during your visit.

10 rules for drinking Karlovy Vary thermal water

To enjoy the benefits of the springs, you should follow local traditions. These rules ensure the water helps your health rather than causing discomfort. Here are the top 10 experiences and rules for your visit.

• Best overall spring: Vridlo
• Best for families: Park Colonnade
• Best rainy-day activity: Mill Colonnade
• Best free activity: Spring tasting walk

1. Name: Vridlo (The Sprudel) Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the hottest and most powerful spring in the city. Best for: Seeing the 12-meter high geyser. Where: Vridlo Colonnade, City Center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to visit. Getting there: Walk from the Theater Square. Tip: The water here is 72°C, so let it cool before sipping.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlynska) Type: Architecture/Springs Why go: It is the largest colonnade with five different springs. Best for: A colonnades walking route experience. Where: Riverside near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: Try the Rusalka spring for a milder taste.
3. Name: Park Colonnade (Sadova) Type: Nature/Spring Why go: This beautiful cast-iron structure sits in a lush park. Best for: Relaxing away from the main crowds. Where: Dvorak Park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the military spa hospital. Tip: The Snake Spring here is cooler and easier to drink.
4. Name: Porcelain Cup Shopping Type: Unique local experience Why go: Drinking from plastic bottles is discouraged as it affects the water. Best for: Souvenirs and proper etiquette. Where: Local stalls near any colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 150 - 500 CZK. Getting there: Found throughout the spa zone. Tip: Learn how to buy a traditional porcelain spa cup to drink like a local.
5. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: A stunning white wooden structure with two springs. Best for: History lovers. Where: Below the Castle Tower. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Vridlo. Tip: Charles IV Spring is located here, named after the city's founder.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the valley. Best for: Getting a bird's eye view of the spa zone. Where: Friendship Height. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest trails for fresh air.
7. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A medieval fortress only 15 minutes away. Best for: History and a change of pace. Where: Town of Loket. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Local bus or train from Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Check the torture museum in the basement if you like dark history.
8. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: See how world-famous Bohemian crystal is made. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Kpt. Jarose street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Bus number 1 or 22 from center. Tip: Book the workshop tour in advance to see the glassblowers.
9. Name: Becherovka Visitor Centre Type: Unique local experience Why go: Learn about the "13th spring," a famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults looking for a different kind of drink. Where: T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Near the main bus station. Tip: The recipe is a secret known by only two people.
10. Name: Castle Colonnade Type: Sight/Spring Why go: It features the Upper and Lower Castle springs. Best for: Seeing the relief of the Spirit of the Springs. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the stairs or lift near the Market Colonnade. Tip: The water here is often used for gargling too.