Planning Your Visit and Mass Schedule

Knowing the St Mary Magdalene Church mass schedule is essential for those attending services. Masses are usually held on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. There are often additional services on Saturday evenings or during religious holidays. Weekday masses may occur but are less frequent than Sunday services. Always check the notice board at the entrance for the latest updates. This ensures you do not arrive during a private ceremony.

The church is an active place of worship. Visitors should remain quiet and respectful during scheduled mass times. Photography is generally not allowed while a service is in progress. If you wish to take photos, visit between scheduled services. The doors often open early to allow for quiet prayer. Dress modestly when entering the sanctuary out of respect for local traditions.

During the peak summer season, the church can become quite busy. It is a popular stop for pilgrims and architecture lovers alike. If you want a peaceful experience, try visiting on a weekday morning. You will find fewer crowds and a more serene atmosphere. This is the perfect time to admire the intricate Baroque details of the interior.

10 Highlights of St Mary Magdalene Church

Discover the best things to see and do at the church and its surrounding area. Here are our top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Best overall: Sunday Holy Mass
• Best for history: The Underground Crypt
• Best for families: Vridlo Hot Spring
• Best free activity: Church Exterior View

1. Name: Sunday Holy Mass Type: experience Why go: To experience the local spiritual life in a historic setting. Best for: Worshipers and cultural travelers. Where: Main sanctuary. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk from the Vridlo Colonnade. Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to find a seat.
2. Name: Guided Church Tours Type: activity Why go: Learn about the history of this Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer masterpiece. Best for: History buffs. Where: Interior and sacristy. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small fee for groups. Getting there: Book at the entrance or via St. Mary Magdalene Church tours. Tip: Ask about the Baroque paintings during the tour.
3. Name: The Underground Crypt Type: sight Why go: See the unique ossuary and the foundations of the older Gothic church. Best for: Unique photo opportunities and history. Where: Beneath the main floor. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Access via a side entrance. Tip: Read more about visiting the underground crypt of St Mary Magdalene before you go.
4. Name: The High Altar Type: sight Why go: Admire the magnificent Baroque altar with its detailed sculptures. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Front of the nave. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the front of the church. Tip: Look for the statue of Mary Magdalene at the center.
5. Name: Vridlo Hot Spring Geyser Type: day trip Why go: Witness the most famous hot spring in Karlovy Vary located right next door. Best for: Everyone. Where: Vridlo Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is 50 meters from the church. Tip: Learn about the Vridlo hot spring geyser and its healing properties.
6. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: See the beautiful white wooden architecture nearby. Best for: Photographers. Where: 200 meters from the church. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk along the river. Tip: Drink the mineral water from the Charles IV Spring here.
7. Name: Evening Organ Concerts Type: experience Why go: Hear the powerful acoustics of the church during a musical performance. Best for: Music fans. Where: Organ loft. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Ticketed event. Getting there: Check local posters for dates. Tip: Tickets are often sold at the door.
8. Name: The Baroque Twin Towers Type: sight Why go: The towers are a key part of the city's skyline. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Church exterior. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: View from the square outside. Tip: Sunset provides the best light for photos of the facade.
9. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: Visit the largest colonnade in the city just a short walk away. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Along the Tepla River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk north. Tip: Count the 124 columns as you walk through.
10. Name: Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: See a classic plague column in the square near the church. Best for: History. Where: Trziste Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right in front of the Market Colonnade. Tip: It dates back to the early 18th century.

How to Reach the Church in Karlovy Vary

The church is located in the central spa zone of Karlovy Vary. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Most visitors arrive on foot from nearby hotels or colonnades. The walk is very scenic and follows the Tepla River. You will pass many shops and cafes along the way.

If you are coming from further away, use local buses. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary operates several routes nearby. Look for buses heading to the "Lazne I" or "Divadelni namesti" stops. From there, it is a short, flat walk to the church entrance. Parking in the spa zone is very limited and expensive.

Taxis can drop you off near the Vridlo Colonnade. This is the closest point for vehicle access to the pedestrian zone. For those with mobility issues, this is the best option. The area around the church is paved with cobblestones. Wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy your visit without discomfort.