Public Swimming Pool Hours at Elizabeth Baths in 2026

The Elizabeth Baths offer a large indoor pool for public use. Generally, the public swimming pool hours at Elizabeth Baths start at 9:00 AM on weekdays. The pool typically stays open until 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the facility usually opens later. Expect weekend hours to run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It is important to note that last entry is often one hour before closing. Some time slots are reserved for local swimming clubs or schools. You should check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for seasonal changes. Holidays may have shorter hours or complete closures. Always bring a 10 CZK or 20 CZK coin for the lockers.

The pool area also features a whirlpool and a small sauna. Access to these is usually included in the standard ticket price. Many people combine a swim with various Elizabeth Baths spa treatments for a full experience. Prices are very reasonable compared to private hotel spas. It is a great way to enjoy the local culture.

10 Best Things to Do Near Elizabeth Baths

Karlovy Vary is a beautiful city with much to see. Here are the top activities to enjoy after your swim. This list includes iconic sights and unique experiences.

1. Name: Elizabeth Baths Main Pool Type: Activity Why go: It is a historic 25-meter pool with a stunning interior. Best for: Fitness and budget wellness. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: ~150-250 CZK. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the main bus station. Tip: Bring your own flip-flops and towel to avoid rental fees.
2. Name: Carbonic Baths Type: Experience Why go: This is one of the most famous top attractions in Karlovy Vary for health. Best for: Improving circulation and relaxation. Where: Inside Elizabeth Baths. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: ~500-700 CZK. Getting there: Located on the upper floors of Spa 5. Tip: Book these treatments at least 24 hours in advance.
3. Name: Vridlo Geyser Type: Iconic sight Why go: See the city's hottest spring shooting water 12 meters high. Best for: Photos and tasting mineral water. Where: Vridlo Hot Spring Geyser Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 15-minute walk from Elizabeth Baths. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 columns. Best for: Architecture lovers and slow walks. Where: City center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river path south from Smetana Park. Tip: Bring a porcelain cup to taste water from the five different springs here.
5. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the entire valley. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Funicular fee ~150 CZK; tower is free. Getting there: Take the funicular from the station near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the woods to see the Deer Leap statue.
6. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous local herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and history buffs. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: ~200-300 CZK. Getting there: 2-minute walk from Elizabeth Baths. Tip: The tour includes a tasting of different liqueur varieties.
7. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure built in Swiss style. Best for: Seeing Karlovy Vary colonnades architecture up close. Where: Near the Vridlo geyser. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the Tepla river. Tip: Look for the relief showing the discovery of the springs by Charles IV.
8. Name: Smetana Park Type: Nature Why go: Relaxing green space right in front of the Elizabeth Baths. Best for: A quiet picnic or reading. Where: Surrounding Spa 5. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the immediate area around the baths. Tip: The flower beds are particularly beautiful in late spring.
9. Name: Salt Cave Type: Indoor activity Why go: Relax in a room made entirely of sea salt for respiratory health. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Inside the Elizabeth Baths complex. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~200 CZK. Getting there: Ask at the main reception of Spa 5. Tip: Wear warm socks as the salt floor can be cool.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A 12th-century Gothic castle featured in the movie Casino Royale. Best for: History and medieval atmosphere. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK for the bus; ~150 CZK for entry. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for special medieval festivals at the castle.

Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary Spa 5

Visiting the Elizabeth Baths is easy for international travelers. The city is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the historic buildings are well-preserved. Most staff at the baths speak basic English or German. You can pay for your pool entry with a credit card at the main desk.

If you want medical treatments, you may need a short consultation. For just the pool, no doctor visit is required. Always check the notice board near the entrance for daily updates. Sometimes the pool closes for private events or deep cleaning. These breaks usually happen during the lunch hour.

Parking near the baths can be difficult. It is better to use the central parking garages. Alternatively, use the local bus system to reach the "Trznice" stop. From there, it is a very short walk to the park. Remember to stay hydrated after your swim by drinking the local spring water.