Discovering the Mill Colonnade Mineral Springs

The Mill Colonnade is a massive neo-Renaissance building. It was designed by Josef Zítek in the late 1800s. This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Karlovy Vary. It features 124 tall columns and a beautiful roof. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time. It is the heart of the city's Mill Colonnade mineral springs area.

Before you start your walk, here are some quick picks for your visit. These will help you find the best spots quickly. Many people come here for the health benefits of the water. Each spring has a different temperature and mineral mix. Be sure to bring a ceramic cup for the best experience.

• Best Overall: Mill Spring (Mlýnský pramen)
• Best for Photos: The Twelve Allegorical Statues
• Best Hot Spring: Prince Wenceslas Spring I
• Best Nearby: Vřídlo Hot Spring Colonnade

Which Springs are in the Mill Colonnade? The Top 10

There are five main sources located here, but they serve six different taps. Most of these history of the colonnade taps are easy to find. They are spaced out along the long walkway. You can taste them all in about 30 minutes. Here is the full list of what to see and drink.

1. Name: Mill Spring (Mlýnský pramen) Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous spring in the building. It has been used for healing since the 16th century. Best for: Traditional spa fans. Where: Center of the Mill Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the middle of the colonnade walkway. Tip: This water is 56°C, so sip it slowly.
2. Name: Rusalka Spring (Pramen Rusalka) Type: sight Why go: It was once called the New Spring. It is very popular for morning drinking cures. Best for: Early risers. Where: Northern end of the colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path toward the Park Colonnade. Tip: This spring is 60°C and very clear.
3. Name: Prince Wenceslas Spring I (Pramen knížete Václava I) Type: sight Why go: This is one of the hottest springs in this specific building. It flows into a beautiful marble basin. Best for: Seeing high-pressure mineral flow. Where: Near the Mill Spring. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the first tap marked with the Prince's name. Tip: The water here is 65°C, which is quite hot.
4. Name: Prince Wenceslas Spring II (Pramen knížete Václava II) Type: sight Why go: This is the second tap from the same source. It is located just outside the main columns. Best for: A quick taste while walking past. Where: Just in front of the colonnade bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the river side of the building. Tip: It is slightly cooler than the first tap at 64°C.
5. Name: Libuše Spring (Pramen Libuše) Type: sight Why go: It was formed by joining four smaller spring sources. It is named after a famous Czech princess. Best for: History lovers. Where: Inside the main hall area. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the plaque with the name Libuše. Tip: This spring is around 62°C.
6. Name: Rock Spring (Skalní pramen) Type: sight Why go: It used to rise directly in the Teplá River. Now it is tucked safely inside the colonnade. Best for: A unique mineral taste. Where: Southern end of the building. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Market Colonnade direction. Tip: This is the coolest spring here at 53°C.
7. Name: The Twelve Allegorical Statues Type: experience Why go: These statues represent the months of the year. They sit high on the rooftop. Best for: Architecture photography. Where: On the roof of the Mill Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look up from the riverside path. Tip: Use a zoom lens to see the details of the sculptures.
8. Name: Market Colonnade Type: day trip Why go: This is a beautiful white wooden building nearby. It houses Charles IV's favorite spring. Best for: A change of scenery. Where: 200 meters from the Mill Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south along the river for 3 minutes. Tip: Look for the relief showing the discovery of the springs.
9. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Type: day trip Why go: This is the hottest and most powerful spring in town. It shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing nature's power. Where: Inside the Vřídlo Hot Spring Colonnade. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes past the Market Colonnade. Tip: Visit the underground tour to see how stone roses are made.
10. Name: Sadová Colonnade Type: day trip Why go: This cast-iron building is very elegant. It is located in a peaceful park. Best for: A quiet break. Where: Dvořák Park, north of the Mill Colonnade. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes north through the gardens. Tip: Try the Snake Spring located here for a cool drink.

Practical Tips for Your Karlovy Vary Spa Visit

When you visit these springs, follow the local rules. You should always use a porcelain or glass cup. Do not use plastic bottles for hot water. This helps protect the drinking mineral water tradition. You can buy beautiful cups at small shops nearby.

The springs are open 24 hours a day. However, it is best to visit in the morning. This is when the city is most peaceful. You will see locals doing their daily drinking cures. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot on stone paths.

Check the water temperature before you take a big gulp. Some of these sources are very hot. It is better to take small sips while walking slowly. This is the traditional way to enjoy the health benefits. Most people spend about two hours exploring the whole area.