Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is the leading spa town of western Bohemia's Karlovy Vary Region and was inscribed in 2021 as part of the UNESCO 'Great Spa Towns of Europe.' At its heart, the Vřídelní kolonáda (Hot Spring Colonnade) is a glass-and-concrete functionalist hall completed in 1975 that shelters the town's emblem, the Vřídlo (Sprudel) geyser, which shoots roughly 72°C mineral water up to 12 metres high in its own pavilion. Structural repairs that began in 2019 returned the geyser to its original spot in May 2022, and the building undergoes a regular technical shutdown early each year (in 2026 it reopened on 16 February) while interior upgrades continue in stages. This is a place for the traditional 'drinking cure' rather than bathing — the local ritual is to stroll the colonnade sipping from a special spa cup.
The Vřídlo geyser — the town's symbol, jetting roughly 72°C water up to 12 metres in a dedicated pavilion and yielding about 2,000 litres per minute
The 1975 glass-and-reinforced-concrete functionalist architecture, with several indoor drinking fountains where you can taste the mineral water for free
The traditional drinking cure using a spouted spa cup (pohárek) to cool and sip the very hot water slowly
A colonnade walk linking nearby halls — the Mill (Mlýnská), Market (Tržní) and Park (Sadová) colonnades
Local specialities: the famous spa wafers (lázeňské oplatky) and the herbal liqueur Becherovka
Good to know
SeasonIn early July the town is packed for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF, 3–11 July 2026, its 60th edition). If you travel then, book accommodation and transport from Prague well in advance.
SeasonThe colonnade closes for a scheduled technical shutdown early each year (in 2026 it reopened on 16 February). Check the opening and closure schedule for your travel dates before you go.
SafetyThe Vřídlo water is about 72°C — extremely hot. Do not touch or lean toward the geyser jet or the drinking nozzles, and watch your footing as steamed surfaces can be slippery.
RulesEntry to the colonnade is free and the water is for drinking, not bathing. Over-drinking the mineral water has a laxative effect, so the rule is small sips from a cup only.
CautionSome currency-exchange booths offer poor rates and fees. Keep Czech koruna (CZK) cash to a minimum and pay by card where possible, compare prices on souvenirs such as spa wafers, and avoid unmetered taxis that overcharge.
MannersThis is a health resort with a quiet promenading culture, so keep your voice down inside the colonnade. The spa cup doubles as a souvenir and as your tool for free refills at each spring.
Practical info
Karlovy Vary is easy to reach from Prague — direct RegioJet or FlixBus coaches from Prague's Florenc station take about 1 hour 35 minutes, or a scenic train through the Bohemian hills takes about 3.5 hours; from the Karlovy Vary terminal/station it is a short walk to the pedestrian spa zone. Entry to the colonnade is free and it is generally open daily, but there are periodic technical shutdowns, so verify current opening hours, any charges (spa cups, wafers) and the latest operating status through official channels before visiting.
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