Planning Your Visit with a Map of Karlovy Vary Colonnades and Springs

The spa zone in Karlovy Vary is mostly pedestrian-friendly. Most springs are located within a short walk of each other. You can start your journey at the northern end of the town. This area houses the beautiful Park Colonnade. From there, you follow the river south toward the grand Hot Spring. A Karlovy Vary colonnades walking route typically takes two to three hours. This allows time for photos and tasting the water. Many people buy a traditional porcelain cup for sipping.

Quick Picks:

• Best Overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best Rainy-Day: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best Free Activity: Tasting the mineral springs

The city feels like a living museum. Each colonnade has a different architectural style. You will see Neo-Renaissance, Wooden Swiss-style, and Modernist designs. For official maps and brochures, visit the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism office. They provide updated details on spring temperatures and accessibility. Most springs are free to access all year round. Wear comfortable shoes as some paths have cobblestones.

10 Must-See Stops on the Map of Karlovy Vary Colonnades and Springs

This list covers the most important sights in the spa district. Use these points to build your own map of Karlovy Vary colonnades and springs. Each stop offers something unique for travelers.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Central spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk from the city center. Tip: Look up to see the 12 statues representing the months.
2. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure looks like a lace carving. Best for: Romantic photos. Where: Near the Castle Tower. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring located inside.
3. Name: Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: It features beautiful cast-iron arches in a garden setting. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start your walk here at the north end. Tip: Try the Snake Spring, which is the coolest in town.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) Type: experience Why go: See the Vřídlo geyser shoot water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing natural power. Where: Opposite the Market Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free (Underground tours cost extra). Getting there: Very central location. Tip: Take the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda) Type: sight Why go: It offers a higher viewpoint over the town. Best for: Views and quiet atmosphere. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short climb up the stairs. Tip: Check the relief of the "Spirit of the Springs" carved into the rock.
6. Name: Snake Spring (Pramen Hadí) Type: experience Why go: It is one of the most popular springs to taste. Best for: First-time tasters. Where: Inside the Park Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by foot in Dvořák Park. Tip: The water here is about 30 degrees Celsius.
7. Name: Freedom Spring (Pramen Svoboda) Type: sight Why go: It is housed in a charming octagonal wooden gazebo. Best for: A quick rest stop. Where: Between Mill Colonnade and Park Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right on the main path. Tip: This spring was discovered during the building of a nearby hospital.
8. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: day trip Why go: Get the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Nature and views. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (for the funicular). Getting there: Take the funicular from the town center. Tip: Read more about visiting Diana Observation Tower and butterfly house before you go.
9. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and history buffs. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walkable from the main bus station. Tip: The tour includes a tasting session of different varieties.
10. Name: Moser Visitor Center Type: experience Why go: Watch master glassblowers create world-class crystal. Best for: Souvenir shopping and crafts. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short bus ride from the center. Tip: Book the glassworks tour in advance to ensure a spot.

Exploring these sites is among the best things to do in Karlovy Vary. You can easily see all ten in a single day. The layout of the town makes it hard to get lost. Just follow the river and the crowds.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Springs

Drinking the thermal water is a local tradition. However, you should follow the rules for drinking Karlovy Vary thermal water. Most doctors suggest drinking small sips while walking slowly. Do not use plastic bottles as the heat can release chemicals. Instead, buy a porcelain spa cup from a local vendor. These cups have a built-in straw in the handle. This protects your tooth enamel from the minerals.

Public transport is very efficient in Karlovy Vary. You can use local buses to reach the outskirts. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website has full schedules. If you arrive by train, the main station is a bit far from the spa zone. Most people take a bus or taxi to reach the historic center. Taxis are generally safe but always ask for a price estimate first.

The best time to visit is during the spring or fall. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. During the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in July, the town is very busy. Prices for hotels can double during this week. If you prefer a quiet visit, avoid the first week of July. Most colonnades stay open late into the evening for peaceful walks.