Planning Your Karlovy Vary Colonnades Walking Route

Before you start your journey, you need a plan. The spa district is pedestrian-friendly and easy to navigate. Most visitors begin their walk near the Teplá River. You will find several unique structures along the way. Each colonnade has its own architectural style and history. You should learn how to drink mineral water before you start. The water is very hot and rich in minerals. Small sips are recommended for first-time visitors.

• Best Overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best Rainy-Day: Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best Free Activity: Market Colonnade Spring Tasting

11 Top Sights When Visiting Mill Colonnade and Market Colonnade

There are many sights to see in this historic town. You might wonder how many colonnades are in Karlovy Vary as you walk. There are five main ones, but the Mill and Market are the most iconic. Follow this list to ensure you do not miss the highlights.

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the largest and most famous colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Mlynské nábřeží. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river from the town center. Tip: Look up to see the 12 statues representing the months of the year.
2. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: This beautiful white wooden structure features intricate carvings. Best for: Romantic walks and history buffs. Where: Tržiště street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located just a few minutes south of the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring, named after the city's founder.
3. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: A delicate wrought-iron structure located in a lush park. Best for: Relaxing in the shade. Where: Dvořákovy sady. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: At the northern end of the main spa zone. Tip: This is the first colonnade you encounter when walking from the train station.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Indoor experience Why go: It houses the Vřídlo geyser, which shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Cold or rainy days. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (underground tours have a fee). Getting there: Directly across from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Buy a traditional porcelain spa cup at the souvenir stalls here.
5. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Unique experience Why go: It is the hottest and most powerful spring in town. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location in the spa district. Tip: Stand back to avoid the mineral mist on your camera lens.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Active travelers and families. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from Mariánská street. Tip: Walk down the forest paths instead of taking the funicular back.
7. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and culinary fans. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Near the main bus station. Tip: Book your tour in advance as they often sell out.
8. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic experience Why go: A legendary hotel that inspired the Grand Budapest Hotel movie. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 30 minutes for coffee. Cost: High for stays; price of a coffee for visitors. Getting there: Southern end of the spa zone. Tip: Visit the Café Pupp for a traditional Sacher torte.
9. Name: St. Mary Magdalene's Cathedral Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church with an impressive interior. Best for: Art and religion enthusiasts. Where: Near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Easily visible from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Check for evening classical music concerts.
10. Name: Castle Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: It sits on a hill overlooking the Market Colonnade. Best for: Great views without a long hike. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (some areas restricted to spa guests). Getting there: Climb the stairs next to the Market Colonnade. Tip: It features a beautiful relief of the Spirit of the Springs.
11. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A massive 12th-century stone castle nearby. Best for: History lovers and families. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you like spooky history.

Expert Tips for Visiting Mill Colonnade and Market Colonnade

Visiting Mill Colonnade and Market Colonnade is best done in the morning. Early hours offer fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. You should wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. Most springs are free to access at any time of day. However, some indoor areas close in the evening. Check the official tourism site for current event schedules in 2026. This will help you avoid any temporary closures for maintenance.

Remember that the water is for medicinal use. It is very warm, often reaching 60 degrees Celsius. Do not drink too much at once. Local doctors usually prescribe specific amounts for patients. For a casual visitor, a few sips from each spring is enough. Always use a porcelain cup to protect your tooth enamel from the minerals. You can find these cups at almost every shop in the center.