10 Lesser Known Mineral Springs Karlovy Vary

Many travelers only see the most famous colonnades. If you want to avoid the rush, you must look a bit further. These locations offer unique mineral profiles and beautiful architectural settings. Here are the top picks for a more authentic visit.

• Best overall: Snake Spring
• Best for peace: Stephanie Spring
• Best for nature: Svatošské Rocks
• Best free activity: Iron Spring

1. Name: Snake Spring (Hadí pramen) Type: sight Why go: It is one of the newest public springs and has a lower temperature. The water flows from a beautiful bronze snake head. Best for: Refreshing sips and photography. Where: Sadová Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through Dvořák Park toward the white wrought-iron colonnade. Tip: You can find more details on where to find the Snake Spring in Karlovy Vary here.
2. Name: Freedom Spring (Pramen Svoboda) Type: sight Why go: This spring is housed in a charming octagonal wooden gazebo. It is often overlooked because it sits between two major colonnades. Best for: History lovers and those avoiding crowds in Karlovy Vary. Where: Near the Mill Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the river toward the Park Colonnade. Tip: Check the location of Freedom Spring Karlovy Vary before you go.
3. Name: Rock Spring (Skalní pramen) Type: sight Why go: This spring was once located directly in the Teplá River. It now sits in a quiet corner of the Mill Colonnade. Best for: A quiet moment away from the main walkway. Where: End of the Mill Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the Mill Colonnade and walk to the far north end. Tip: The water here is about 53 degrees Celsius.
4. Name: Upper Castle Spring (Horní zámecký pramen) Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers a higher elevation and a great view of the town. The spring is part of the Castle Colonnade complex. Best for: Panoramic views and architectural photos. Where: Above the Market Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Climb the stairs behind the Market Colonnade. Tip: This spring is sometimes closed for private spa guests, so check local signs.
5. Name: Iron Spring (Železnatý pramen) Type: experience Why go: This spring has a very high iron content and a distinct taste. It is located in a small, quiet pavilion away from the main tourist trail. Best for: Health enthusiasts looking for unique minerals. Where: Near the Forest Spring. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path toward the Richmond Hotel. Tip: Use a porcelain cup to protect your teeth from the iron.
6. Name: Stephanie Spring (Štěpánka) Type: sight Why go: It is located in the beautiful park of the Richmond Hotel. It is one of the coldest springs in the city. Best for: A peaceful walk in a green setting. Where: Southern end of the city. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a long walk along the river or use a local bus. Tip: This is a great spot for a picnic after your drink.
7. Name: Dorotka Spring (Pramen Dorotka) Type: sight Why go: This spring is unique because it is used for CO2 gas rather than drinking. It is housed in a small stone pavilion. Best for: Curious travelers interested in spa science. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the Pupp and head toward the woods. Tip: You cannot drink this water, but the site is very historic.
8. Name: Lower Castle Spring (Dolní zámecký pramen) Type: architecture Why go: It features a beautiful relief of the "Spirit of the Springs." The architecture here is very elegant. Best for: Art and sculpture fans. Where: Castle Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located just above the Market Colonnade. Tip: The temperature is slightly lower than the Upper Castle Spring.
9. Name: Svatošské Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: day trip Why go: This is a stunning granite rock formation along the Ohře River. It is a legendary site with amazing natural views. Best for: Hiking, cycling, and nature lovers. Where: 6 km from the city center. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Hike or cycle along the river trail. Tip: Learn more about this Svatošské Rocks nature trip for your planning.
10. Name: St. Linhart Church Ruins Type: experience Why go: These are the oldest architectural remains in the area. The site is surrounded by a peaceful forest and a deer park. Best for: History buffs and hikers. Where: In the spa forests. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the forest trails from the city center. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the St. Linhart Church ruins hike.

Practical Tips for Drinking the Waters

Drinking from the lesser known mineral springs Karlovy Vary requires some local knowledge. You should always use a traditional porcelain cup. These cups have a long spout to help cool the water. They also protect your tooth enamel from the heavy minerals.

It is best to sip the water slowly while walking. This helps the minerals absorb better into your system. Do not fill large plastic bottles for later use. The water loses its healing properties quickly once it cools down. You can learn more from this local secrets guide.

Always check the temperature before taking a big sip. Some springs are over 60 degrees Celsius and can cause burns. Most public taps have signs indicating the temperature and mineral content. For more safety advice, see the drinking from public hot springs safety guide.

If you have health issues, consult a doctor first. The high salt and mineral content can affect blood pressure. Most locals treat the water as medicine, not just a drink. Enjoy the process as a slow, healthy ritual during your stay.

How to Reach the Quietest Spa Zones

Getting around Karlovy Vary is easy on foot. Most lesser known mineral springs Karlovy Vary are within walking distance. The city center is a pedestrian zone, making it very safe. You can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage architecture as you walk.

If you want to reach the outskirts, use the local buses. The Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary runs a reliable network. Buses are clean and usually run on time. You can buy tickets at kiosks or via a mobile app.

For those arriving by train, the Karlovy Vary railway station is nearby. It connects the city to Prague and other major hubs. Walking from the station to the spa zone takes about 20 minutes. It is a pleasant walk through the newer parts of town.

To avoid crowds, start your exploration early in the morning. Most tour groups arrive after 10:00 AM. Visiting the springs at sunrise is a magical experience. You will have the colonnades almost entirely to yourself.