Top Spots for Fresh Hot Spa Wafers

Finding these treats is easy if you know where to look. Most vendors are located near the main thermal springs. You can watch them heat the wafers right in front of you. This ensures a perfect, crunchy texture every time. Here are the best locations to visit during your stay.

• Best overall: Vřídelní kolonáda stalls.
• Best for gifts: Kolonáda Flagship Store.
• Best for views: Diana Observation Tower.
• Best for history: Tržní kolonáda kiosks.

1. Name: Vřídelní kolonáda Kiosks Type: Sight/Activity Why go: This is the heart of the city's spring culture. You can buy a single hot wafer for a few coins. Best for: Quick snacks while drinking spring water. Where: Vřídelní street, city center. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: 15-25 CZK per piece. Getting there: Walk from the main theater or take bus 2. Tip: Bring small change as some kiosks prefer cash.
2. Name: Kolonáda Flagship Store Type: Experience Why go: This is the official brand store for the most famous producer. They offer the widest variety of boxed sets. Best for: Buying souvenirs to take home. Where: Stará Louka street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 50-150 CZK for boxes. Getting there: Located on the main pedestrian promenade. Tip: Ask for a sample of the best flavor of Czech spa wafers to try before buying.
3. Name: Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: This beautiful wooden structure houses several small vendors. It is a very photogenic place to eat. Best for: Photography lovers. Where: Right next to the Plague Column. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: 20 CZK per piece. Getting there: A short walk from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: The hazelnut flavor here is often rated the best by locals.
4. Name: Mlýnská kolonáda (Mill Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. Vendors here serve wafers to hundreds of people daily. Best for: People watching. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: 20-30 CZK per piece. Getting there: Easily reached on foot from any central hotel. Tip: Find a seat on the stone steps to enjoy your snack.
5. Name: Sadová kolonáda (Orchard Colonnade) Type: Nature/Sight Why go: It is located in a peaceful park setting. It is less crowded than the main springs. Best for: A quiet break. Where: Dvořákovy sady. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 20 CZK per piece. Getting there: Near the military spa hospital. Tip: This is a great spot if you want to avoid the mid-day crowds.
6. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Café Type: Experience Why go: For a luxury version of the wafer experience. They serve them with high-quality coffee. Best for: A fancy afternoon tea. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 100-200 CZK for a set. Getting there: Walk to the far end of the river path. Tip: Dress slightly nicer if you plan to sit inside the café.
7. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: You can enjoy a wafer while looking over the entire valley. The funicular ride is exciting. Best for: Families with children. Where: Atop Friendship Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 25 CZK per piece + funicular fee. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Check the weather before heading up for the best views.
8. Name: Moser Glassworks Café Type: Experience Why go: Combine a factory tour with a sweet treat. They serve wafers in their modern visitor center. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 25 CZK per piece. Getting there: Take a bus from the center toward the glassworks. Tip: Book your glass factory tour in advance online.
9. Name: Loket Castle (Day Trip) Type: Day trip Why go: This medieval town is just 15 minutes away. They sell regional wafers with unique local patterns. Best for: History buffs. Where: Town of Loket. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: 20 CZK per piece. Getting there: Short train or bus ride from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Visit the castle dungeon after finishing your snack.

Tips for Buying Traditional Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers

When you look for where to buy fresh hot spa wafers, keep a few things in mind. Most stalls will heat a single wafer between two hot plates. This makes the filling melt slightly and the wafer extra crisp. If the wafer feels soft or cold, it is not fresh. Always ask for "horké," which means hot in Czech.

Prices are very affordable for most travelers. A single wafer usually costs less than one Euro. If you buy a full box, the price per wafer drops. Most vendors accept contactless card payments now. However, having a few Czech Koruna coins is helpful for smaller kiosks. You can find more about local costs on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website.

Check the packaging if you are buying boxes to take home. Authentic wafers should have the protected geographical indication seal. This ensures they were made using local spring water. Many shops offer multi-packs with different flavors. This is the best way to try everything the city offers.

Best Flavors to Try in 2026

The classic flavor is chocolate or hazelnut. These have been popular for decades. In 2026, many shops are introducing new varieties. You can now find cinnamon, vanilla, and even almond fillings. Some modern shops even offer lemon or apple flavors for a fruity twist.

If you prefer something less sweet, try the sugar-free options. These are becoming more common in the main colonnade shops. They still have the same crunchy texture but use alternative sweeteners. Always check the labels if you have specific dietary needs. You might want to read a Karlovy Vary drinking cure guide to balance the sweets with healthy mineral water.

Seasonal flavors often appear during the winter and summer months. During the film festival, look for special limited editions. These often come in unique tins that make great collectibles. No matter the flavor, the quality remains high across the city.

Planning Your Karlovy Vary Visit

Karlovy Vary is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. This means the city is very walkable and well-preserved. You can easily walk between all the wafer spots mentioned above. The city center is mostly pedestrian-only, making it very safe for families. Most people spend at least two days exploring the various colonnades.

If you need to travel further, the local buses are excellent. You can find schedules on the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site. This is useful for visiting the Moser Glassworks or the Diana funicular. Most visitors arrive by bus or train from Prague. The journey takes about two hours through the beautiful Czech countryside.

To see more of the country, visit the Visit Czechia portal. It offers great ideas for extending your trip beyond the spa triangle. Karlovy Vary is just the beginning of what Bohemia has to offer. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.