Despite spending a weekend in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, I never actually visited one of its famous indoor spas. That did not feel like a missed opportunity though, because the town’s thermal waters can be experienced just as easily by visiting its many colonnades. Buy yourself one of the traditional porcelain cups and stroll from one spring to the next, sampling the mineral water along the way from the many available spigots. I gave up after the third one, as the taste is definitely something you have to acquire. I never quite did.
Market Colonnade @Karlovy Vary
come get your water @Market Colonnade
lots of fine details @Market Colonnade
The Mill Colonnade is made from stone and was built in the late 19th century in pseudo-Rennaissance style. It has five sping spigots, but they weren’t any better than the ones from the Market Colonnade.
The Mill Colonnade is an elegant stone structure built in the late nineteenth century in the Neo Renaissance style. It houses five thermal springs, although I could not say they tasted any better than those at the Market Colonnade.
Mill Colonnade @Karlovy Vary
so many pillars @Mill Colonnade
The busiest colonnade on that day was for sure the Park Colonnade as masses were lingering around the spigot and blocked the view. The design came from the Viennese architect Fellner & Helmer, responsible for quite a few buildings in this spa town, but the construction was done by a local artist.
The Park Colonnade was by far the busiest during my visit. Crowds gathered around the spring, making it difficult to admire the beautiful ironwork. The colonnade was designed by the renowned Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, who were responsible for several buildings in Karlovy Vary, while the structure itself was created by a local craftsman.
Park Colonnade @Karlovy Vary
it is a very beautiful structure @Park Colonnade
Last but certainly not least is the Hot Spring. Rather than a simple fountain, it resembles a small geyser like those I have seen in Iceland. Here, however, the powerful jet of water is enclosed within a modern glass pavilion. Even so, it remains an impressive sight.
Hot Spring @Karlovy Vary
If I ever return in winter, staying at a hotel with its own spa would certainly be high on my list. In summer, however, it hardly felt necessary. Karlovy Vary offers countless day spas, including the famous beer spas that have become very popular in Czechia. For me, leisurely wandering through the colonnades with a porcelain cup in hand and sampling the thermal waters was the perfect way to experience the town. Yours, Pollybert
