Exploring Mineral Springs Inside the Mill Colonnade

The Mill Colonnade is the largest of its kind in the city. It was designed by the famous architect Josef Zítek. The building features 124 massive Corinthian columns. It stretches over 132 meters along the Teplá River. This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list for its spa history. Walking through the halls feels like stepping back in time. You can hear the gentle sound of flowing water everywhere.

Before you start your tour, consider these quick picks for your visit:

• Best Overall: Mill Spring (Pramen 6)
• Best for Families: The Orchestra Pit area
• Best Rainy-Day: The sheltered main promenade
• Best Free: All springs inside the colonnade

The waters here are used to treat various digestive issues. Most locals recommend using a traditional porcelain spa cup. You can buy these at small stalls nearby. Drinking the water is a slow and social activity. It is common to see people strolling while sipping. For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to the Mill Colonnade. This will help you understand the full history of the site.

12 Top Springs and Sights at the Mill Colonnade

There are many specific attractions to find within this grand structure. Here are the top 12 sights and mineral springs located inside the Mill Colonnade and its immediate surroundings.

1. Name: Mill Spring (Pramen 6) Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous spring in the colonnade. It was used for spa treatments as early as the 16th century. Best for: History lovers. Where: Central section of the colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This water is 56.6°C, so sip it slowly.
2. Name: Rusalka Spring (Pramen 7) Type: sight Why go: Formerly known as the New Spring, it was once more popular than the Mill Spring. It has a beautiful stone basin. Best for: Traditional spa experiences. Where: North end of the colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check the temperature plaque; it is usually around 60°C.
3. Name: Prince Wenceslas Spring I (Pramen 8) Type: sight Why go: This spring has a very high CO2 content. It was originally used to produce Karlovy Vary medicinal salt. Best for: Wellness enthusiasts. Where: Near the orchestra pit. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is one of the hottest springs in this building.
4. Name: Prince Wenceslas Spring II (Pramen 8b) Type: sight Why go: This is a secondary outlet of the Prince Wenceslas Spring. It allows more people to access the mineral water at once. Best for: Avoiding short queues. Where: Directly adjacent to Spring I. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: The taste is identical to the main outlet.
5. Name: Libuše Spring (Pramen 9) Type: sight Why go: This spring was created by merging four smaller springs. It is named after the legendary Czech princess Libuše. Best for: Cultural significance. Where: Middle section of the promenade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It is slightly cooler than the Mill Spring at 62°C.
6. Name: Rock Spring (Pramen 10) Type: sight Why go: This spring originally rose directly in the Teplá River. It was brought into the colonnade in the 1840s. Best for: Unique mineral taste. Where: Southern end of the structure. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: This is the coolest spring in the colonnade at 53°C.
7. Name: The Twelve Statues Type: experience Why go: Look up at the roof terrace to see 12 sandstone statues. They represent the twelve months of the year. Best for: Photography. Where: Rooftop balustrade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Bring a zoom lens to capture the artistic details.
8. Name: The Orchestra Pit Type: experience Why go: This area hosts regular promenade concerts. It brings a musical atmosphere to the spa experience. Best for: Music fans. Where: Central covered area. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check the local schedule for afternoon performances.
9. Name: Josef Zítek Memorial Type: sight Why go: A plaque dedicated to the architect who designed this building and the National Theatre in Prague. Best for: Architecture buffs. Where: On the wall near the Mill Spring. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It is a great spot to learn about the building's construction.
10. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: day trip Why go: Located just a short walk away, this houses the city's most powerful geyser. It shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing natural power. Where: 5-minute walk from Mill Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit the underground tour here to see how stone roses are made. Link: Hot Spring Colonnade.
11. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: day trip Why go: For the best views of the city and the colonnades, take the funicular up the hill. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Funicular station near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small fee for funicular. Tip: You can walk back down through the forest paths. Link: Diana Observation Tower.
12. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure nearby. It houses the Charles IV Spring, where the city's founder allegedly bathed. Best for: Romantic photos. Where: Between Mill and Hot Spring colonnades. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: It looks magical when lit up at night.

Visiting these sites is among the top sights in Karlovy Vary for any traveler. The variety of springs ensures there is something for everyone. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking the long halls.

Practical Tips for Your Spa Visit in 2026

To enjoy the mineral springs located inside the Mill Colonnade, you should follow local etiquette. Do not touch the spring nozzles with your hands or mouth. Use a porcelain cup or a glass bottle instead. Most people drink the water while walking to help digestion. You can find more travel tips on the Visit Czechia website. This will help you plan your wider trip through the country.

The colonnade is open 24 hours a day. However, it is most beautiful during the morning light. Early visits also help you avoid the large tour groups. If you are coming by train, the Karlovy Vary railway station is well-connected. From there, it is a pleasant walk or a short bus ride to the spa center. Public transport is very reliable in this city.

Remember that the water is very mineral-rich. It can have a strong laxative effect if you drink too much. Start with small sips to see how your body reacts. Consult a spa doctor if you want a professional drinking plan. Many hotels in the area offer these consultations. Staying hydrated with regular water between spa tastings is also a good idea.