Mill Colonnade Opening Hours and Location Details

The Mill Colonnade is located in the heart of the spa zone. Its official address is Mlýnské nábřeží, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. You can easily find it by walking along the Teplá River. It sits between the Market Colonnade and the Park Colonnade. This central spot makes it a perfect stop during your Karlovy Vary highlights tour.

One of the best things about this site is its accessibility. The Mill Colonnade is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no gates or ticket booths at the entrance. You can walk through the 124-meter long hall whenever you like. This allows you to enjoy the architecture in the quiet early morning or late at night.

There is no entrance fee to enter the colonnade. It is a public space maintained by the city. You can view the 124 Corinthian columns and 12 statues for free. Each statue represents a month of the year. The open nature of the building makes it very popular with photographers.

Your Before You Go Checklist for 2026

Preparation is key to enjoying the mineral springs. You should plan your route before leaving your hotel. Use the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website to check local bus schedules. Many visitors arrive by train at the main station. Walking from the station to the colonnade takes about 20 minutes through scenic streets.

• Check the weather: The colonnade is covered, but the walk there is outdoors.
• Buy a porcelain cup: Purchase a traditional spa cup at a local kiosk.
• Consult a doctor: Always ask a professional before drinking large amounts of mineral water.
• Read the history: Learn about architect Josef Zítek before you arrive.
• Charge your camera: The stone carvings are very detailed and worth photographing.

Packing Checklist: What to Bring (and What to Leave)

Visiting the Mill Colonnade Karlovy Vary requires a few specific items. You will be doing a lot of walking on stone floors. Comfortable shoes are your most important asset. You should also bring a small bag to carry your spa cup safely between springs. The water can be very hot, so a cup with a handle is best.

• Comfortable walking shoes: The colonnade floor is long and hard.
• Reusable spa cup: This is the traditional way to sip the water.
• Small towel: Use this to dry your cup after rinsing it.
• Light jacket: The stone structure can feel cool even in summer.

Don't Pack:

• Large plastic bottles: Filling these is often discouraged to keep the flow fair for others.
• Heavy backpacks: The area can get crowded, and bulky bags are hard to manage.
• Fancy glassware: Traditional porcelain is safer and more durable for hot springs.
• Strong perfumes: Respect the natural environment of the healing springs.

On the Day Checklist: Visiting the Springs

When you arrive, take a moment to admire the scale of the building. There are five different springs located inside this single colonnade. You should learn how many springs are in the Mill Colonnade to ensure you see them all. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral content.

• Locate the Mill Spring: This is the most famous one in the building.
• Sip slowly: Take small sips of the water while walking slowly.
• Check the temperatures: Notice how the water heat varies between the springs.
• Look up: Admire the ceiling and the statues on the roof terrace.
• Visit the orchestra pit: Check if a live band is playing during your visit.

If you are traveling with a family:

• Hold hands: The stone steps can be slippery when wet.
• Find the toilets: There are public restrooms located nearby for a small fee.
• Bring snacks: There are benches where kids can rest while you explore.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Mill Colonnade

Many tourists make simple errors during their first visit. One common mistake is drinking too much water too quickly. The minerals are very strong and can affect your digestion. You should also avoid touching the spring nozzles with your mouth. This keeps the water clean for everyone else. If you want to see a different style of spring, visit the Vridlo hot spring geyser nearby.

• Drinking too much: Limit yourself to small amounts at first.
• Using plastic cups: Hot water can leach chemicals from cheap plastic.
• Rushing the experience: The colonnade is meant for slow, relaxing walks.
• Skipping the roof: Many people forget to look at the statues on top.
• Visiting at peak times: Mid-day is very crowded; try early morning instead.
• Ignoring local etiquette: Keep noise levels down in the spa zone.
• Forgetting to rinse: Always rinse your cup with fresh water after use.