Quick Guide to the Best Colonnades

Karlovy Vary has been a top spa destination for centuries. It recently earned a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its 12 main mineral springs. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content.

The colonnades were built to allow patients to drink the water in any weather. You will find different styles, from wooden carvings to grand stone pillars. Most are located in the historic city center along the Teplá River. You can easily see them all on foot in a single afternoon.

Before you start, check with the official tourism board for local events. Many colonnades host free concerts during the summer months. This makes the walking experience even more magical for visitors.

Which Karlovy Vary Colonnades are Best to Visit?

There are five main colonnades in the city center. Each offers a unique atmosphere and different mineral springs. Here are the top 10 sights and colonnades to include in your walk.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most iconic colonnade in the city. Best for: Photography and grand architecture. Where: City center near the river. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Look up to see the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda) Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden structure looks like lace and is very romantic. Best for: Fans of intricate woodwork. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located just a few steps from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit at night when the white wood is beautifully illuminated.
3. Name: Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda) Type: Sight Why go: It is a stunning cast-iron structure located in a green park. Best for: A relaxing break in the shade. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the northern end of the spa zone. Tip: This is one of the best spots for quiet reflection away from crowds.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) Type: Experience Why go: It houses the most powerful spring in the city. Best for: Seeing the geyser and modern design. Where: The heart of the spa district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the large glass building near the church. Tip: Go downstairs for a tour of the underground thermal tunnels.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade (Zámecká kolonáda) Type: Sight Why go: It sits on a hill and offers a different perspective of the town. Best for: Viewpoints and Art Nouveau style. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (some areas restricted to spa guests). Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Check if the upper part is open to the public during your visit.
6. Name: The Vřídlo Geyser Type: Experience Why go: This natural wonder shoots hot water 12 meters into the air. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the main hall of the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Stand back if you don't want to get misted by the salty water.
7. Name: Snake Spring (Pramen Hadí) Type: Activity Why go: It is one of the tastiest and coolest springs to drink. Best for: First-time tasters. Where: Inside the Park Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the snake-themed fountain in the park. Tip: This water is only 30°C, making it easier to drink than others.
8. Name: Charles IV Spring Type: Experience Why go: Legend says Emperor Charles IV discovered this spring while hunting. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inside the Market Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the center of the wooden Market Colonnade. Tip: Notice the relief carving above the spring showing the city's founding.
9. Name: Freedom Spring (Pramen Svoboda) Type: Sight Why go: A charming wooden gazebo that feels like a hidden gem. Best for: Avoiding the biggest tourist groups. Where: Between the Mill and Park colonnades. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is a standalone structure on the main path. Tip: It is a great spot for a quick photo without many people.
10. Name: Orchard Spring (Sadový pramen) Type: Experience Why go: This spring is located inside a beautiful military spa building. Best for: Seeing unique interior architecture. Where: Next to the Park Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the Military Spa Institution building. Tip: The water here is known for its high carbon dioxide content.

Visiting these spots is a great way to explore Visit Czechia's most famous spa town. Most visitors find that the Mill Colonnade is the most impressive overall. However, the Market Colonnade is often the favorite for its cozy and historic feel.

Practical Tips for Your Spa Walk

To enjoy the springs, you should buy a traditional porcelain spa cup. You can find these at small stalls near every colonnade. They have a special spout that helps you sip the water slowly. This is the traditional way to take the "cure" while walking.

The water is very healthy but can taste quite salty or metallic. Start with small sips to see how your body reacts. Some springs are very hot, reaching over 70°C. Be careful not to burn your tongue when you fill your cup.

Early morning is the best time to visit if you want photos without crowds. By midday, the main colonnades can get very busy with tour groups. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on cobblestones for most of the day.

Extending Your Karlovy Vary Itinerary

Once you finish the colonnade walk, there is more to see. You can find many best walks in Karlovy Vary that lead into the woods. These trails offer amazing views of the valley and the colorful buildings below.

One popular option is the Diana observation tower hiking trail. You can take a funicular to the top or walk through the forest. From the tower, you can see the entire city and the surrounding mountains.

If you prefer a shorter hike, look for the Deer Jump lookout. It is a famous statue of a chamois overlooking the town. It is a steep walk but the photo opportunity is worth the effort.