Quick Picks for Your Spa Visit

Before diving into the full list, here are some fast recommendations. These help you choose the right spring based on your time and interests. Karlovy Vary is quite walkable, but some spots require a short bus ride. Use these quick picks to plan your morning or afternoon route.

• Best for peace and quiet: Stephanie Spring (Štěpánka) in the southern park area.
• Best for cool water: Snake Spring (Hadí pramen) inside the Sadová Colonnade.
• Best for history fans: Freedom Spring (Pramen Svoboda) near the Mill Colonnade.
• Best for families: The park near the Richmond Hotel, which has plenty of space to run.

Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content. Some are very hot, reaching over 60 degrees Celsius. Others are cool and refreshing. Always carry a porcelain spa cup with you. These cups are designed to help you sip the water slowly while walking.

Hidden Gems: Guide to Lesser-Known Mineral Springs Karlovy Vary

This list includes the best quiet spots in the city. We have mixed traditional springs with unique nearby experiences. These locations offer a break from the main tourist trail.

1. Name: Snake Spring (Hadí pramen) Type: Sight Why go: It is the coolest spring in the city at 30°C. It tastes less intense than the hot ones. Best for: Beginners. Where: Sadová Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center toward Dvořák Park. Tip: Drink it while sitting on the park benches nearby.
2. Name: Freedom Spring (Pramen Svoboda) Type: Sight Why go: It sits in a beautiful octagonal wooden pavilion. Many people walk past it to the larger colonnades. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Between the Mill Colonnade and the Park Hotel Richmond. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Look at the intricate wood carvings on the pavilion roof.
3. Name: Park Spring (Sadový pramen) Type: Sight Why go: It is located inside the Military Spa Institution. It has a high carbon dioxide content. Best for: Digestive health. Where: Near the Dvořák Park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the building courtyard from the park side. Tip: The spring is accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
4. Name: Iron Spring (Železnatý pramen) Type: Sight Why go: This spring has a very distinct metallic taste. It is quite different from the salty main springs. Best for: Unique mineral flavors. Where: Near the Park Hotel Richmond. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south along the river toward the Richmond area. Tip: This water can stain your teeth if you drink too much, so use a straw or cup spout.
5. Name: Stephanie Spring (Štěpánka) Type: Sight Why go: It is located in a quiet, forested area. It was named after Archduchess Stephanie of Austria. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: The park in front of Park Hotel Richmond. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take bus number 2 or 7 to the Richmond stop. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the nearby Japanese Zen Garden.
6. Name: Dorotka Spring Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the oldest springs but often has a low flow. It is housed in a small stone pavilion. Best for: History buffs. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Pupp toward the forest paths. Tip: This spring is often used for carbon dioxide gas baths rather than drinking.
7. Name: Hot Spring Underground Type: Experience Why go: You can see how the mineral water is piped through the city. It shows the calcification process in real-time. Best for: Science fans. Where: Under the Vřídlo Colonnade. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Book a hot spring underground tour at the main desk. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the floor can be damp.
8. Name: Japanese Zen Garden Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is a peaceful stone garden dedicated to a famous Japanese doctor. It offers a break from the Baroque architecture. Best for: Meditation. Where: Near the Richmond Hotel. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Read more about visiting the Japanese Zen Garden before you go. Tip: Go early in the morning for the best photos.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: This medieval town is only a short distance away. It features a stunning castle on a rocky cliff. Best for: History and views. Where: 12km west of Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-6 hours. Cost: Moderate (train + entry). Getting there: Take a day trip from Karlovy Vary to Loket by train or bus. Tip: Try the local roasted pig in the town square.
10. Name: Svatos Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: Nature Why go: These granite rock formations look like a petrified wedding procession. They sit along the Ohře River. Best for: Hikers. Where: Along the river path toward Loket. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Svatos Rocks hiking guide for the best route. Tip: There is a great riverside cafe for a mid-hike snack.
11. Name: Westend District Type: Neighborhood Why go: This area features stunning 19th-century villas. It is much quieter than the riverfront. Best for: Walking. Where: Above the city center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Westend district architecture walking route uphill. Tip: Look for the Russian Orthodox Church with its golden domes.

How to Drink the Mineral Water Like a Local

Drinking the water is a ritual in Karlovy Vary. You should not just gulp it down like plain water. The minerals are very strong and can affect your digestion. Most locals use a traditional porcelain cup with a spout. You can buy these at almost any souvenir stall. The spout helps you sip slowly and protects your tooth enamel.

Temperature matters when choosing a spring. Hotter springs tend to have a laxative effect. Cooler springs are often used for kidney issues. It is best to consult a local spa doctor for a drinking plan. Most people drink about 200ml before breakfast and dinner. Walk slowly while you sip to help the minerals absorb better.

Do not fill plastic bottles with the hot water. The heat can cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into the water. Also, the minerals will settle and change the taste quickly. The water is meant to be consumed fresh from the source. Respect the quiet atmosphere of the colonnades while you drink. Many people use this time for silent reflection or peaceful walking.

Practical Tips for Navigating Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is easy to navigate if you know the layout. The city sits in a narrow river valley. Most of the springs are located along the Teplá River. You can walk the entire length of the spa zone in 45 minutes. However, some lesser-known springs are on the hillsides. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

Public transport is very efficient for reaching outlying areas. You can use the local buses to reach the Richmond area or the Westend. For bus schedules and tickets, visit the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Tickets can be bought from machines or via mobile apps. If you arrive by train, the Karlovy Vary railway station is a short bus ride from the center.

Visit the springs early in the morning to avoid the 2026 tour groups. Most crowds arrive after 10:00 AM. Evening walks are also beautiful when the colonnades are lit up. Keep in mind that some springs might be closed for maintenance. Check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for updates. This will ensure you don't miss any of the hidden gems on your list.