Planning Your Karlovy Vary Colonnades Walking Route

Most of the city's highlights sit along the Tepla River. This area is mostly flat and very easy to walk. You do not need a car to see the main sights. Most visitors start their journey near the northern end of the city. This allows you to walk toward the grand hotels in the south. You can learn how many colonnades are in the city before you start.

The route is beautiful in every season. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and colorful trees. Summer is the most popular time for tourists. Winter brings a magical atmosphere with steam rising from the hot springs. You should wear comfortable shoes for a full day of walking. The Visit Czechia website offers great maps for regional planning. Always carry a small bottle of plain water for rinsing your palate.

There are five main colonnades located in the city center. Each one has a different architectural style. Some are made of wood, while others use stone or cast iron. These structures protect the mineral springs from the weather. They also provide a social space for visitors to gather. You will find that the walking route is very intuitive. Just follow the river promenade to find the next major landmark.

Top 10 Sights on the Karlovy Vary Colonnades Walking Route

Here are the best stops to include on your walking itinerary. This list covers the most famous springs and local landmarks.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Thermal Spring Colonnade
• Best free: Park Colonnade

1. Name: Thermal Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní) Type: sight Why go: See the city's most powerful geyser. Best for: first-time visitors. Where: Central riverfront area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Read the Vridlo visitor guide to see the underground tours.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská) Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade. Best for: architecture lovers. Where: Near the city center. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Use a guide to drinking the water before tasting the springs.
3. Name: Market Colonnade (Tržní) Type: sight Why go: Beautiful white wooden architecture in Swiss style. Best for: photography. Where: Close to the Thermal Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily visible from the main promenade. Tip: You can find traditional spa cups at the shops nearby.
4. Name: Park Colonnade (Sadová) Type: sight Why go: Elegant cast-iron structure near Dvořák Park. Best for: relaxing walks. Where: Northern end of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start your tour here from the bus station. Tip: Try the Snake Spring which is cooler than others.
5. Name: Castle Colonnade (Zámecká) Type: sight Why go: Offers a great view over the Market Colonnade. Best for: panoramic views. Where: On the hill above the Market Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Check the relief of the Spirit of the Springs.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: Famous luxury hotel seen in many movies. Best for: luxury seekers. Where: Southern end of the walking route. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Follow the Tepla River to the end. Tip: Learn about the Grandhotel Pupp architecture before you visit.
7. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Best views of the city and forests. Best for: nature lovers. Where: On the hill behind Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free tower access; paid funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk down the forest trails instead of taking the tram back.
8. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn about the famous Becherovka herbal liqueur. Best for: food and drink fans. Where: Near the main bus station. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the city center. Tip: Visit the spa wafer shops nearby after your tasting.
9. Name: Deer Leap Lookout (Jelení skok) Type: viewpoint Why go: Iconic statue of a chamois overlooking the valley. Best for: hikers. Where: On the wooded slopes above the center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up from the Market Colonnade. Tip: The path is steep but the view is worth it.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: Stunning medieval castle in a nearby village. Best for: history buffs. Where: 12 kilometers from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Take a local bus or train. Tip: Visit the castle's torture chamber for a spooky experience.

Practical Tips for Your Spa City Walk

Drinking the mineral water is a key part of the experience. You should buy a porcelain spa cup with a spout. This helps you sip the water slowly as you walk. Do not drink too much water at once. It has a very high mineral content. Many locals believe it helps with digestion and health. You can ask your hotel for advice on which springs to try.

Walking in the city is very pleasant and safe. Most of the main promenade is a pedestrian-only zone. You should consider if walking in Karlovy Vary is right for you. While the main route is flat, the side streets are steep. Wear shoes with good grip if you plan to visit the lookouts. The forest paths can be slippery after rain.

Early morning is the best time for photography. The colonnades are often empty before 9:00 AM. This is also when you can see the steam most clearly. Most shops and museums open around 10:00 AM. If you visit in 2026, check for local festivals. The city often hosts film and music events. These can make the walking route much busier than usual.