Why Get Hot Spring Colonnade Underground Tour Tickets?

The underground tour is a journey into the heart of the city's thermal activity. You will see how the mineral water creates unique stone formations. This process is used to make the famous "stone roses" of Karlovy Vary. The tunnels also show the complex piping system that manages the geyser. It is a fascinating look at both nature and human engineering.

Buying your tickets in advance is highly recommended for 2026. Tours are often led by experts who explain the local geology. You will learn how hot the Vřídlo geyser water actually gets. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for most ages. It is one of the most unique experiences in Central Europe.

10 Best Things to See Near the Hot Spring Colonnade

When you visit the spa zone, there are several must-see landmarks. Use this list to plan your route after your underground adventure. Most of these sites are within walking distance of each other. Here are the top picks for your 2026 itinerary.

• Best overall: Vřídlo Geyser
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glass Museum
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade stroll

1. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: sight Why go: It is the hottest and most powerful spring in the city. Best for: Everyone. Where: Inside the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk to the city center. Tip: Stand back to avoid the warm mist.
2. Name: Vřídlo Underground Type: experience Why go: See the mineral encrustation process and historic tunnels. Best for: History and science fans. Where: Beneath the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 45 mins. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Entry is inside the main hall. Tip: Book your Hot Spring Colonnade underground tour tickets online.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is the largest and most beautiful colonnade in Karlovy Vary. Best for: Photographers. Where: 5-minute walk from Vřídlo. Time: 30 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the riverside path. Tip: Look for the 12 statues representing the months.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A stunning white wooden structure with intricate carvings. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Near the Vřídlo geyser. Time: 15 mins. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Try the Charles IV Spring located inside.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: On the hill above the city. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a fee. Getting there: Take the Diana funicular from near Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit the butterfly house located at the top.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: sight Why go: An iconic luxury hotel famous for its film history. Best for: Film buffs (Casino Royale was filmed here). Where: End of the spa zone. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Walk along the Teplá river. Tip: Enjoy a coffee in the hotel café for a taste of luxury.
7. Name: St. Mary Magdalene Church Type: sight Why go: A beautiful Baroque church with a historic crypt. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Directly across from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 mins. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: It is visible from the geyser hall. Tip: Check the schedule for evening organ concerts.
8. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: experience Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 250 CZK. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the spa center. Tip: The tour includes a tasting session.
9. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: museum Why go: See world-class Bohemian crystal being made. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 300 CZK. Getting there: Take bus number 1 or 22. Tip: The factory floor tour is better than the museum alone.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A medieval fortress on a rocky cliff near the city. Best for: History fans. Where: Loket town (12km away). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit for a spooky thrill.

How to Reach the Hot Spring Colonnade in 2026

Getting to the Hot Spring Colonnade is easy for most travelers. If you arrive by train, you will likely use the Karlovy Vary horní nádraží station. From there, you can take a local bus to the "Tržnice" stop. Most visitors prefer to walk through the scenic spa zone. The walk from the city center takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

For those using public transport, the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary operates frequent buses. Bus number 2 is the most convenient for reaching the colonnades. In 2026, many areas of the spa zone remain pedestrian-only. This makes the city very safe and pleasant for walking. Always check the latest schedules on the official tourism site.

Practical Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Spa Visit

To enjoy your visit, buy a traditional porcelain spa cup. These are sold at stalls near the Hot Spring Colonnade. Drinking the water from the spout helps cool it to a safe temperature. Remember that the water is very salty and mineral-rich. Most doctors suggest drinking small amounts throughout the day.

The city can get crowded during the International Film Festival in July. If you prefer a quiet trip, visit in the spring or autumn. Many attractions offer discounts for seniors and students. Always carry some local currency (Czech Koruna) for small purchases. Most major sites now accept credit cards, but smaller stalls might not.