Planning Your Walk: Essential Tips

Before starting, you need a strategy. Karlovy Vary is hilly outside the main promenade. The valley floor is flat and paved with cobblestones. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory for this route.

You should allow at least three hours. This covers a leisurely pace and photo stops. If you plan to visit museums or ride the funicular, add more time. The best time to start is around 9:00 AM to beat the tour buses. Check a self-guided Karlovy Vary walking map to visualize the loop.

Buy a traditional porcelain spa cup at any kiosk. You will see locals sipping water from the springs. This is a key part of the local culture. Be careful, as some sources are extremely hot.

Stops 1-5: The Historic Colonnades

Your journey begins at the northern edge of the spa district. This section concentrates on the famous mineral springs. The architecture here ranges from ornate Viennese styles to brutalist modern designs.

• Name: Dvořák Park (Sady Antonína Dvořáka) Type: Sight/Park Why go: It is the perfect peaceful starting point. You can see the statue of Antonín Dvořák. Best for: Relaxing before the walk. Where: North end of spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Hotel Thermal. Tip: Play a game of giant outdoor chess here in summer.
• Name: Park Colonnade Type: Historic Sight Why go: It features intricate cast-iron architecture. It houses the Snake Spring. Best for: Photos of lace-like metalwork. Where: Next to Dvořák Park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Direct path from the park. Tip: The Snake Spring is cooler (30°C) and tastier than others.
• Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda) Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. Access more details on our historic colonnades walking route guide. Best for: Grand Renaissance architecture. Where: Central promenade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river south. Tip: Look for the allegorical statues on the roof terrace.
• Name: Market Colonnade Type: Historic Sight Why go: It is a beautiful wooden structure carved in Swiss style. Legend says Charles IV healed his legs here. Best for: Romantic atmosphere. Where: Tržiště street. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit at night when it is illuminated beautifully.
• Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Experience Why go: Try the hot spring tasting walk experience here. The main geyser shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the raw power of nature. Where: Right next to Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Cross the bridge from the market. Tip: Breathe the mineral-infused steam near the fountain for respiratory health.

Stops 6-9: Grand Hotels and Cinemas

Leaving the dense spring area, the river bends. The valley opens up to reveal grand 19th-century palaces. This section feels like a movie set because it often is one.

6. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Sight/Culture Why go: It is a masterpiece of High Baroque architecture. The underground crypt is fascinating. Best for: History lovers. Where: Just above the Vřídlo. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Small fee for crypt tours. Getting there: Short uphill walk from the geyser. Tip: Check the schedule for organ concerts.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic Sight Why go: It is the inspiration for the movie Grand Budapest Hotel. It also featured in Bond’s Casino Royale. Best for: Luxury vibes and coffee. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Price of a coffee (optional). Getting there: Follow the Teplá river promenade route south. Tip: Visit the Café Pupp for their signature cake.
8. Name: Kaiserbad Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Museum/Sight Why go: It was once the most luxurious spa house in Europe. The Zander Hall is magnificent. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Next to Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~250 CZK for tours. Getting there: Adjacent to Pupp. Tip: Look for the Emperor’s private bathroom exhibit.
9. Name: Diana Funicular Railway Type: Transport/Activity Why go: Save your legs for the best views. It whisks you from the valley to the peaks. Best for: Families and tired walkers. Where: Alley behind Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 10 minutes one way. Cost: ~150 CZK return. Getting there: Signposted from the hotel. Tip: Sit in the bottom carriage for the best backward view.

Stops 10-12: Forest Views and Descent

The final leg takes you into the famous spa forests. You will enjoy fresh air and stunning panoramas. The descent leads back to town through the prestigious Westend quarter.

• Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the absolute best view of the region. You will see far beyond the city limits. Learn more via our Diana observation tower hiking trail guide. Best for: 360-degree panoramas. Where: Top of the funicular. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (tower entry). Getting there: Exit funicular station. Tip: The butterfly house next door is great for kids.
• Name: Deer Leap (Jelení skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous symbol of the city. The statue of the chamois overlooks the valley. Best for: The classic postcard photo. Where: Halfway down the hill. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow yellow markers down from Diana. Tip: Rub the chamois plaque for good luck.
• Name: St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Type: Sight/Culture Why go: Its golden domes shine through the trees. It is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. Best for: Unique photos. Where: Westend residential district. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Donations welcome. Getting there: Walk down through the villas from Deer Leap. Tip: The iconostasis inside is incredibly ornate.

From the church, you wind down through the Westend. This area is full of diverse architectural villas. You will eventually emerge back near the Mill Colonnade, completing your loop.