11 Best Stops on the Karlovy Vary River Promenade Route

The main walking area in Karlovy Vary is flat and easy to navigate. Most visitors start near the modern city center and walk toward the grand hotels. You will pass several historic colonnades where you can taste local mineral water. Each stop offers a unique look at the city's rich spa heritage. Here are the top eleven places to visit on your walk.

• Name: Thermal Spring Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It houses the city's most powerful hot spring. You can see a massive geyser shooting water high into the air. This is a great spot for a hot spring tasting walk. Best for: Families and first-time visitors. Where: Right in the center of the spa zone. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: A short walk from the main bus station. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup at the nearby stalls before tasting.
• Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This white wooden structure features beautiful Swiss-style carvings. It protects the Charles IV Spring. Legend says the emperor discovered the waters here. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Just across the river from the Thermal Spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by the main river path. Tip: Visit at night when the white wood is beautifully lit.
• Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary. It features 124 Corinthian columns and five different springs. This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the city. It is the perfect place for a historic colonnades walking route. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the left bank of the Teplá River. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located midway through the promenade. Tip: Look up to see the twelve statues representing the months of the year.
• Name: Park Colonnade Type: sight Why go: This delicate cast-iron structure is located next to Dvořák Park. It is one of the most romantic spots in the city. Best for: Couples and nature lovers. Where: Near the northern end of the promenade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: The Snake Spring here is the coolest mineral spring in town.
• Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: experience Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has appeared in many movies, including James Bond's Casino Royale. You can learn more on a Grandhotel Pupp architecture walk. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: At the southern end of the promenade. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to view, expensive for dining. Getting there: Follow the river path to the very end. Tip: Check the official tourism site for film festival dates.
• Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: museum Why go: This historic building was once the most modern spa in Europe. It has recently been renovated and looks stunning. Best for: Interior design enthusiasts. Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: A two-minute walk from the end of the promenade. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the Zander Hall.
• Name: Stará Louka Type: neighborhood Why go: This is the main pedestrian street along the river. It is lined with colorful townhouses, cafes, and luxury shops. Best for: Shopping and coffee breaks. Where: Between the Market Colonnade and Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Central part of the promenade. Tip: Try a fresh Karlovy Vary spa wafer from a street vendor.
• Name: Diana Funicular Type: activity Why go: This cable car takes you from the river level to a high viewpoint. It offers the best views of the valley. It is a key part of the Diana observation tower hiking trail. Best for: Families and photographers. Where: Hidden in a small alley near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee for the ride. Getting there: Look for the signs near the hotel. Tip: The observation tower at the top is free to climb.
• Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: sight Why go: This is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It stands directly above the hot springs. Best for: Art and religion enthusiasts. Where: On a hill overlooking the Thermal Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the river. Tip: Visit the underground crypt for a unique experience.
• Name: Teplá River Weirs Type: experience Why go: The river has several small waterfalls or weirs. They create a soothing sound as you walk. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: Scattered along the entire promenade. Time: Continuous. Cost: Free. Getting there: Visible from any point on the path. Tip: Sit on a bench near the Mill Colonnade to enjoy the sound.
• Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: This medieval stone castle is perched on a rocky cliff. It is one of the best trips near Karlovy Vary. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: About 12 kilometers from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the castle's torture museum for a spooky thrill.

Planning Your Karlovy Vary River Promenade Route

The Karlovy Vary river promenade route is roughly 2 kilometers long. Most people spend about 2 to 3 hours walking it. This allows time for photos and tasting the mineral waters. You can find more details on how long the walk takes in our specific guide. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet all day.

Public transport is very efficient in the city. You can use local buses to reach the start of the spa zone. Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for schedules. Many visitors arrive by train at the main station. From there, it is a 15-minute walk to the river path.

The route is mostly flat and paved. This makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. There are many benches where you can rest and watch the river. Public restrooms are available near the major colonnades. Always carry a small amount of Czech Koruna for small purchases.

Best Times to Explore the Teplá River Path

The best time to walk the promenade is early morning. Before 9:00 AM, the streets are quiet and peaceful. You can enjoy the steam rising from the springs without the crowds. Evening is also a magical time for a stroll. The historic buildings are lit up, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Summer is the busiest season in Karlovy Vary. The International Film Festival in July brings thousands of visitors. If you prefer a quieter trip, visit in late spring or early autumn. The fall colors along the river valley are spectacular. Winter is also charming, especially when the colonnades are covered in snow.

In 2026, many local festivals will take place along the river. Keep an eye on local event calendars for food markets and concerts. The weather in West Bohemia can be unpredictable. Always bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella. Most of the colonnades provide shelter if a sudden shower occurs.