Top Architectural Highlights of Karlovy Vary Colonnades

The spa zone is home to several distinct structures. Each one reflects the style of its era. These are the primary sites you should visit for a complete experience.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for photos: Market Colonnade
• Best rainy-day: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best free activity: Spring tasting walk

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. Designed by Josef Zítek, it features 124 Corinthian columns. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Central spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Look for the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This Swiss-style wooden structure is incredibly delicate and white. It covers the Charles IV Spring, where the city was allegedly founded. Best for: Romantic atmosphere. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit at night when the wood carvings are beautifully illuminated.
3. Name: Park Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is a stunning example of 19th-century cast-iron architecture. It sits in the lush Dvořák Park. Best for: Relaxing in nature. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located at the northern end of the spa zone. Tip: Try the Snake Spring here, which is cooler than others.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This functionalist building houses the Vřídlo geyser. The water shoots up to 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Heart of the spa district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central hub for all city walking tours. Tip: Take the underground tour to see the thermal salts.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It consists of two parts, the Upper and Lower Colonnade. It features beautiful Art Nouveau elements. Best for: Elevated views of the town. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (some areas restricted). Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Check if the relief of the Spirit of the Springs is visible.
6. Name: The Vřídlo Geyser Type: experience Why go: This is the hottest spring in the city at 72°C. It is the heart of the spa tradition. Best for: Natural wonders. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the center of the main colonnade loop. Tip: Stand back to avoid the warm mist on your camera lens.

Planning Your Historic Colonnades Walking Route

To see everything, follow a historic colonnades walking route through the city. Most visitors start at the Park Colonnade and head south. This path follows the Teplá River. You will pass all the major architectural highlights of Karlovy Vary colonnades. Many people enjoy a Karlovy Vary hot spring tasting walk while exploring. Buy a porcelain cup from a local vendor first. These cups have a unique spout for drinking. The water is rich in minerals but can taste quite salty.

Check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for event schedules. The city is very busy during the International Film Festival in July. For a quieter experience, visit in late spring or early autumn. The weather is perfect for long walks then. You can also use a self-guided Karlovy Vary walking map to find hidden details. Many colonnades have intricate ceilings and hidden plaques. These tell the story of famous guests like Peter the Great.

Must-See Architectural Gems Near the Spa Zone

Beyond the colonnades, the city offers other grand buildings. These add to the rich architectural landscape of the region. Many are within walking distance of the main springs.

7. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of French Neo-Renaissance style. It recently underwent a massive restoration. Best for: Luxury interiors. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry for tours. Getting there: Walk south past Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the Zander Hall for its incredible woodwork.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: This iconic hotel represents the peak of Neo-Baroque luxury. It has appeared in many famous films. Best for: Film buffs and luxury seekers. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 20 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: End of the main riverside walk. Tip: Have a coffee in the café to see the interior.
9. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: sight Why go: A stunning High Baroque church located near the Hot Spring. It was designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Best for: Religious architecture. Where: Directly above the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Visible from the main colonnade. Tip: Visit the crypt to see the unique ossuary.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This 12th-century Gothic castle is just a short trip away. It offers a stark contrast to the spa architecture. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Loket, 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Climb the tower for views of the Ohře River.