The Legend of Charles IV Discovering the Springs

The legend of Charles IV discovering the springs is a favorite local story. It starts with King Charles IV hunting in the forest. He was chasing a deer through the steep valley. Suddenly, one of his hunting dogs fell into a pool of hot water. The dog yelped in pain from the heat. The hunters rushed to help the animal. They found a bubbling spring of hot mineral water.

The King decided to try the water himself. He had a painful leg injury that would not heal. After bathing in the spring, his pain vanished. He believed the water was a gift from God. Charles IV ordered a town to be built around the springs. This town became Karlovy Vary, which means "Charles' Bath." You can still see this story told in local art today.

10 Best Sights Linked to the Royal Legend

To experience the history of the town, you must visit these specific spots. Each one offers a unique look at the spa tradition. Here are the top picks for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Market Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free activity: Vřídlo Geyser

1. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It houses the relief of the legend and two major springs. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inner spa zone near the river. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the town center. Tip: Look for the bronze plaque showing the King's discovery.
2. Name: Charles IV Spring Type: Experience Why go: This is the spring named after the King himself. Best for: Tasting mineral water. Where: Inside the Market Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa district. Tip: Learn where is the Charles IV spring located before you go to find it easily.
3. Name: Deer Jump (Jelení skok) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is where the deer supposedly jumped to escape the King. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: On the hillside above the Market Colonnade. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the funicular or hike the forest paths. Tip: Look for the metal statue of a mountain goat.
4. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Sight Why go: It is the hottest and most powerful spring in town. Best for: Seeing nature's power. Where: Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Watch the water shoot 12 meters into the air.
5. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most grand colonnade in the city. Best for: Photography. Where: Along the Teplá River. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the Market Colonnade. Tip: Read a Mill Colonnade guide to identify the statues on the roof.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Experience Why go: It offers the best bird's-eye view of the hunting grounds. Best for: Families and hikers. Where: Atop the Friendship Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Small fee for the lift; tower is free. Getting there: Use the Diana Funicular. Tip: Visit the butterfly house located right next to the tower.
7. Name: Church of St. Mary Magdalene Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Baroque church near the hot springs. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Right across from the Vřídlo. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk from the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Check the schedule for evening organ concerts.
8. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Experience Why go: A masterpiece of luxury that shows how the royal tradition grew. Best for: Interior design fans. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Walk or take a local bus. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the Zander hall.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: Charles IV often stayed here while visiting the springs. Best for: Medieval history. Where: 12 km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the castle. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Explore the torture chambers in the castle basement.
10. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: Experience Why go: Known as the "Glass of Kings," it fits the royal theme. Best for: Souvenir shopping. Where: Western part of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the museum and factory. Getting there: Take bus number 1, 2, or 22. Tip: Buy a small glass piece as a royal memento.

Market Colonnade History and Architecture

The Market Colonnade history and architecture are truly unique. Most colonnades in town are made of stone or columns. This one is built entirely of wood. It features a beautiful white Swiss style. It was designed by the famous architects Fellner and Helmer. They also designed the local theater and many grand buildings across Europe.

The structure was originally meant to be temporary. It was built in 1883 to cover the springs for a few years. However, the locals loved the intricate carvings so much they kept it. It has survived for over 100 years. Inside, you can see a famous relief. This wood carving depicts the legend of Charles IV discovering the springs. It is the best place to visualize the town's origin story.

Planning Your Visit to Karlovy Vary in 2026

Visiting in 2026 is a great choice for travelers. The city is very walkable and friendly. You should start your journey at the official tourism portal for event updates. Most visitors arrive by bus or train from Prague. The trip takes about two hours. Once you arrive, buy a traditional porcelain spa cup. You can find these at almost any stall in the center.

Remember that the mineral water is very strong. It is meant for sipping, not drinking in large gulps. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral count. Consult a local doctor if you want a full drinking cure. For a casual visit, simply enjoy the atmosphere. The town is most beautiful in late spring or early autumn. This is when the trees in the valley turn vibrant colors.