The city of Prague has a rival within its borders. It is Karlovy Vary, a municipality located in the far west of the Czech Republic. Unlike Prague, this city is not famous for its monuments or ancient history. The secret of Karlovy Vary’s success lies in its waters, which make it the most famous spa town in Europe.
Karlovy Vary is a great reference in terms of thermal waters, so it is advisable to spend a night there and thus be able to enjoy its exceptional spas. And it does not hurt either to see the city illuminated. It is a city that can be visited in a single day thanks to its small size, but it is necessary to keep in mind that it is about two hours from Prague, so the round trip can take up to four hours by car in total. That is why we recommend visiting Karlovy Vary early, on a trip to the Czech Republic of several days.
Karlovy Vary has 13 thermal springs, in addition to 300 smaller ones, all fed by about 80 springs. The name of the city means “Charles’ Baths”, in honor of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the city in 1350. Charles IV discovered the healing power of these waters when he was cured of an illness in a knee.
The growth of tourism and interest in the benefits of hot springs in the 19th century brought this town great international fame during these years. The railway from Prague put Karlovy Vary on the map, attracting great personalities from all over Europe, such as Beethoven, Chopin and Goethe, who came to the spa town to test its waters. Its waters are associated with the treatment of gastrointestinal and muscular ailments, metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, obesity or gout, and periodontitis.
The Mill Colonnade
In addition to the thermal baths, in Karlovy Vary many thermal springs have so-called colonnades, a kind of pavilion or open gallery where the different springs are located. There are three main colonnades: the Mill, the Market and the Park. In Karlovy Vary, the most important part of the thermal treatment is done by drinking the water from these springs, thanks to the characteristics of the water. That is why you will see porcelain jugs for sale, which many take with them to consume these waters.
The Mill Colonnade is the most famous for its beauty and size. It is a long construction of about 130 meters long, in neo-Renaissance style, located on the promenade along the Teplá River. It is one of the main attractions of the city, since there are six hot springs there. The twelve sculptures that decorate the colonnade represent the months of the year.
A few metres from the Mill Colonnade is the Market Colonnade, which stands out from the others because it is made of white painted wood and inspired by Swiss architecture. Inside there are two fountains: the Market Fountain and the Carlos IV Fountain, from which water with a special sulphurous taste flows. Next to this column is the Plague Column, an imposing Baroque-style monument dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which is said to have prevented the spread of the plague in 1716.
Hot Springs Pavilion
Also known as the Hervidero Colonnade, the Hot Springs Pavilion is a modern glass building located on the banks of the river and in front of the Church of Santa María Magdalena. Its construction dates back to the 1970s, after the destruction of the previous colonnade during World War II, which is why it contrasts with the rest of the monuments, generally in neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Inside is the “geyser”, also known as the Karlovy Vary hot springs. It is a large jet of water that erupts at high altitude, releasing hot smoke, since the temperature is 72 degrees. In addition to being the hottest spring in the municipality, the water flow is 2000 liters per minute.
Another of the best things to do in Karlovy Vary and in this building is a tour through the basement where you will see the entire mechanism of pumping, distribution and thermal regulation of the spring water.
Take advantage of your visit to take a must-see walk along the Teplá River. The views are spectacular whether you look directly at this influx of water or turn your back to admire the buildings located on its banks, in the characteristic pastel color.
The Grand Pupp Hotel
Not only is it one of the greatest examples of imperial architecture in Karlovy Vary, but it is also a great accommodation option if you are on a budget. Famous for being the setting for the film Casino Royale (James Bond) and serve as inspiration for the comedy Grand Budapest HotelThe hotel is composed of two neo-baroque buildings and was inaugurated in 1907.
In addition to having a spa and a conference center, this hotel has 228 rooms that have been occupied by famous people such as Ludwig van Beethoven or Hollywood actors, whose names are inscribed on tiles located on the floor, just in front of the hotel.
A must-see for sweet tooths is Café Pupp, located inside the hotel of the same name. It’s the perfect place to discover traditional Czech desserts, but it’s also a must to try the Pupp cake, named after the founder of this famous Karlovy Vary family, a renowned confectioner in the city. It’s a recipe that’s almost 300 years old, a delicious cake made with a herbal liqueur called Becherovka.
