The Hot Spring Colonnade stands in the spa centre of Karlovy Vary, near Divadelní náměstí (Theatre Square) and above the Teplá River. Its glass and concrete hall, completed in 1975, covers Vřídlo, the most powerful spring in the town. The geyser rises from a separate pavilion, throwing water up to about 12 metres, and the water is at about 72 °C. A legend links the discovery of the springs to the dog of King Charles IV. Inside, you can taste the water at small fountains, and local sellers offer jewellery and ceramics.
A colonnade built on older shelters
The spring has been used for centuries. The first structures over it were light shelters and pavilions that could be repaired after the spring's repeated eruptions and thermal overflows.
The first unified design around the spring came in 1826, when an Empire-style colonnade was built. In 1878 and 1879 a cast-iron colonnade in a pseudo-Renaissance style replaced it, designed by the Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer.
The present building is the third colonnade on the site. It was completed in 1975 in the functionalist style, using steel, concrete and glass, and it replaced the cast-iron hall. Next to the ornate colonnades of the centre, it looks austere, and it is the most modern of the town's five colonnades.
The geyser and the spring
The main spring, called Vřídlo or Spring Number 1, is the hottest and most powerful in the town. It sits in its own pavilion inside the building, and its geyser throws water up to about 12 metres. Around 2,000 litres of mineral water come up every minute, at about 72 °C. The water rises from deep underground.
The thermal water is piped to spa facilities. It is also used to make Karlovy Vary thermal salt and the stone-coated souvenirs sold in town.
Tasting the springs and what is inside
The hall has several small springs with fountains where visitors can sample the water. Their temperatures range from about 30 °C to 72 °C, so the warmth and taste change from one fountain to the next.
A café is on site, and small shops sell jewellery and ceramics. A glass with a straw, marked with the names of the town's springs, is sold here as a souvenir.
The underground and the rest of the spa centre
Guided tours take visitors into the underground section near the spring. A window into the underground shows fossilised mineral deposits.
The Karlovy Vary Museum covers the history of the spa town. Nearby colonnades include the Mill, Market and Park colonnades. The Dianaturm observation tower offers a view over the city.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission to the Hot Spring Colonnade is free.
How long do you need?
A typical visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Can you drink the spring water?
Yes, the springs can be tasted at the fountains inside. Bring your own cup, or buy a glass with a straw on site.
Is the colonnade wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the restroom are wheelchair accessible.
