Essential Gear for Your Tasting Walk

Before you begin your Karlovy Vary hot spring tasting walk, you need the right tools. The most important item is a porcelain spa cup. These cups have a unique shape with a spout built into the handle. You can find them at many stalls throughout the town center. Prices usually range from 150 to 400 CZK depending on the design. Avoid using plastic bottles as the hot mineral water can leach chemicals from the plastic. Porcelain also helps maintain the water temperature while you sip.

Comfortable shoes are also vital for this journey. While the main path is flat, you will be on your feet for several hours. The town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, so the streets are often cobblestoned. Wear shoes with good grip and cushioning. You might also want to bring a small bottle of plain water. The mineral springs have a strong, metallic taste that can stay on your tongue. A quick rinse of plain water between springs helps you enjoy each one more.

• Checklist:
• Traditional porcelain spa cup (bought locally).
• Comfortable walking shoes with arch support.
• A small pack of tissues or a handkerchief.
• A light snack like local spa wafers (oplatky).
• A map or a self-guided walking map.

Your Step-by-Step Tasting Route

Following a logical path ensures you see all the major colonnades without backtracking. This route takes you through the heart of the city's spa zone. You will experience different architectural styles and water temperatures along the way. Most people spend about two to three hours on this walk. This allows time for photos and slow sipping at each station. For a more comprehensive look at the city, you can follow a best walking tour route that includes these stops.

1. Step 1: Buy Your Cup at the Park Colonnade. Start at the northern end of the spa zone. Purchase your cup at a nearby kiosk. Typical cost: 200 CZK. Time: 10 minutes. Common mistake: Buying a cup at the very end of the route.
2. Step 2: Taste the Snake Spring. This spring is located inside the Park Colonnade. It is one of the cooler springs at 30°C. Time: 5 minutes. Location: Dvořákovy sady. Common mistake: Drinking too much of the first spring you find.
3. Step 3: Explore the Mill Colonnade. This is the largest colonnade in the city. It contains five different springs. Time: 30 minutes. Location: Mlýnské nábřeží. Common mistake: Skipping the springs at the far end of the hall.
4. Step 4: Visit the Market Colonnade. This beautiful wooden structure houses the Charles IV Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Location: Tržiště. Common mistake: Forgetting to read the history plaques near the fountains.
5. Step 5: Reach the Vridlo (Hot Spring). This is the final stop and the most powerful spring. It shoots water 12 meters high. Time: 20 minutes. Location: Vřídelní kolonáda. Common mistake: Touching the water directly, as it is 72°C and can burn you.

As you walk between these points, take time to enjoy the river promenade route. The Tepla River flows through the center and offers great photo opportunities. In 2026, many of the historic buildings along this route will have updated information displays. These displays explain the chemical composition of each spring in multiple languages. This makes the walk both a physical and educational experience.

Which Springs Should You Try?

Karlovy Vary has over 12 main springs, each with a different temperature and mineral balance. Choosing which ones to taste depends on your personal preference. Lower temperature springs usually have more dissolved carbon dioxide. This makes them taste slightly more like sparkling mineral water. Higher temperature springs have a more intense metallic flavor. They are often richer in salts and minerals. You should follow a historic colonnades walking route to find them all easily.

If you prefer a milder taste, start with the colder springs. The Snake Spring (30°C) is a good choice for beginners. If you want to experience the traditional medicinal heat, try the Vridlo (72°C). However, be careful to let the water cool in your cup first. Many locals believe that the temperature changes the health benefits. Always consult a doctor if you plan to drink large quantities for health reasons. For most tourists, a few sips of each is perfectly safe and fun.

Practical Tips for 2026 Travelers

Planning your visit in 2026 requires a bit of foresight regarding crowds and transport. The city is very popular during the summer months and the International Film Festival. To avoid the largest crowds, start your Karlovy Vary hot spring tasting walk before 9:00 AM. Most tour buses arrive around mid-morning. Evening walks are also beautiful, but some kiosks selling cups may be closed. You can find more details on accessible walking routes if you have mobility concerns.

Getting to the starting point is easy using local transport. The public transport authority operates buses that connect the train station to the spa zone. If you arrive by train at the Karlovy Vary railway station, take bus number 1 or 13. This will drop you near the main colonnades. Walking from the station is possible but takes about 20 minutes through the commercial district. Once you are in the spa zone, everything is within walking distance.

Respecting local etiquette is important for a good experience. The colonnades are places of healing and relaxation. Keep your voice at a moderate level while inside the structures. Do not wash your hands or face in the spring fountains. These are strictly for drinking. Also, remember that the water is free for everyone. You do not need a ticket to access any of the springs. This makes it one of the most affordable activities in the official tourism area of the city.

Solving Common Tasting Problems

Even a simple walk can have its challenges. The mineral water is powerful and can affect people differently. Some visitors find the taste too strong or the heat too intense. Others might get lost in the winding streets. Being prepared for these small issues will make your trip much smoother. If you find the main streets too busy, try a different path through the side alleys.

• Metallic Taste: The water is high in iron. Eat a piece of a spa wafer to neutralize the flavor.
• Stomach Upset: The minerals have a mild laxative effect. Do not drink more than a few sips of each spring.
• Burnt Tongue: Always test the temperature with a tiny drop before taking a full sip.
• Broken Cup: Porcelain is fragile. Keep your cup in its box or a padded bag when not in use.
• Public Toilets: These are available near the Mill Colonnade and Vridlo for a small fee (usually 10-20 CZK).
• Crowded Fountains: If a fountain is busy, wait a few minutes or move to the next one; they all flow continuously.
• Navigation: Use the river as your guide. Most colonnades are located along the Tepla River banks.