Karlovy Vary is the largest and most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, renowned for its thermal springs, luxurious architecture, and international film festival.

Hot Springs & Colonnades

Karlovy Vary is famous for its thermal waters, which have been used for healing purposes for centuries. The town features several stunning colonnades where visitors can sample the mineral-rich waters from various springs.

All colonnades are close to each other—you can walk from Park Colonnade to Hot Spring Colonnade in just 10 minutes, making it easy to explore them all.

Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda)

• One of the most iconic structures in Karlovy Vary, built in the 19th century.
• Houses five mineral springs: Mill, Rusalka, Prince Wenceslas, Rock, and Libuše.
• The colonnade itself is a stunning neo-Renaissance structure with grand columns and intricate carvings. SHOW ON MAP

Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda)

• A charming cast-iron colonnade located in Dvořák Park.
• Home to the Snake Spring, a warm mineral water spring known for its beneficial effects.
• Originally part of a larger complex that included the now-demolished Blanenský Pavilion. SHOW ON MAP

Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda)

• A beautiful wooden colonnade designed in a Swiss chalet style.
• Features the Market Spring and Charles IV Spring.
• The Charles IV Spring is said to have been discovered by Emperor Charles IV himself in the 14th century. SHOW ON MAP

Castle Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda)

• Located near the Castle Tower, this colonnade offers a more private and tranquil atmosphere.
• Houses the Upper Castle Spring and Lower Castle Spring, both known for their high mineral content. SHOW ON MAP

Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda)

• The most famous colonnade, featuring Karlovy Vary’s most powerful geyser, Vřídlo.
• The Vřídlo Spring shoots water up to 12 meters high and has a temperature of 73°C.
• Visitors can see the natural thermal activity and purchase traditional porcelain cups designed for drinking the healing waters. SHOW ON MAP

For more detailed information about each hot spring in Karlovy Vary, click here.

Hot Springs in Karlovy Vary – Quick Facts

• Unique Mineral Water: Formed 2,500 meters underground, Karlovy Vary’s mineral water has remained unchanged for centuries and contains over 40 essential elements.
• 15 Healing Springs: Each differs in temperature and carbon dioxide content, affecting their curative properties.
• Health Benefits: Helps with digestive disorders, metabolic conditions (diabetes, obesity, gout), musculoskeletal diseases, and periodontal disease.
• Drinking Cure: The key spa treatment, prescribed by a spa physician, should be followed carefully using special cups and taken at the spring fountains.
• Guidelines: No alcohol or smoking, drink while walking slowly, stay relaxed, and follow spa doctor’s recommendations.

Personal Experience & Tips

• All springs are freely accessible, so you can try them at your own pace.
• Many of the springs are very hot! Be careful when sipping, especially from the Vřídlo spring.
• The taste can be unpleasant due to the high mineral content—salty and slightly metallic.
• You can bring your own cup instead of purchasing the traditional spa cups.
• Drinking large quantities can have a laxative effect, so start with small sips if you’re not used to it.

Recommended Spa Hotels

Spa Resort Sanssouci

Spa Resort Sanssouci offers everything under one roof—accommodation, spa treatments, a restaurant, and parking. They provide specialized programs such as anti-stress and detox treatments, as well as a unique floating therapy.

Floating tanks are water healing devices using hypertonic salt solutions to simulate weightlessness, promoting relaxation and aiding in the healing of various physical and mental ailments. However, they are not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia or hypertension. BOOK HERE

Hotel Prezident

Hotel Prezident offers a swimming pool, four saunas, and a fitness room included in the price. Elevate your romantic stay with relaxing Ayurveda massages. BOOK HERE

Hotel Imperial

Hotel Imperial offers spa & wellness under one roof, diverse treatment packages, restaurants, and a café. Best of all? They’re pet-friendly! BOOK HERE

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