12 Best Spots for Crossing Tepla River Bridges

Walking through the spa zone is a magical experience. Most visitors start at the lower end of the city and walk upstream. You will encounter various styles of architecture along the way. Some bridges are made of historic stone while others are modern steel. Here are the top spots for crossing Tepla River bridges during your trip.

• Best overall: Jánský most
• Best for couples: Love Lock Bridge
• Best for photos: Grandhotel Pupp Bridge
• Best for families: Dvořák Park Bridge

1. Name: Jánský most (John's Bridge) Type: Historic stone bridge Why go: This is a central crossing point near the Market Colonnade. It offers a clear view of the wooden carvings of the Market Colonnade. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Between the Market Colonnade and the main promenade. Time: 5-10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center or take bus 2. Tip: Look for the statue of St. John of Nepomuk on the side.
2. Name: Bridge at Grandhotel Pupp Type: Grand architectural bridge Why go: This bridge provides the most iconic view of the Grandhotel Pupp. It is a very wide and elegant crossing. Best for: Luxury seekers and film fans. Where: At the southern end of the main spa zone. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river upstream to the very end of the promenade. Tip: This is a great spot for a sunset photo of the hotel facade.
3. Name: Love Lock Bridge (Zámecký most) Type: Romantic pedestrian bridge Why go: This is the location of Love Lock Bridge in the city. Couples leave padlocks here to symbolize their eternal love. Best for: Couples and young travelers. Where: Near the Castle Tower and the Market Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is a short walk from the Vřídlo Geyser. Tip: It is one of the most romantic bridges in Karlovy Vary for a quick stop.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Bridge Type: Wide stone crossing Why go: It sits directly in front of the massive Mill Colonnade. You can see the 124 columns from a perfect angle here. Best for: Seeing the grandest architecture in town. Where: In the heart of the spa zone. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located halfway between the Thermal Hotel and Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Grab a spa wafer before crossing to enjoy the view.
5. Name: Dvořák Park Bridge Type: Garden-style bridge Why go: This bridge connects the Park Colonnade to the rest of the town. It is surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. Best for: Families and those seeking shade. Where: At the northern edge of the historic spa district. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Thermal Hotel toward the park. Tip: Visit in spring when the magnolias are blooming nearby.
6. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Bridge Type: Functional city bridge Why go: This bridge is located right next to the Vřídlo hot spring geyser. You can often see steam rising from the river here. Best for: Seeing the power of the thermal springs. Where: Outside the Vřídelní Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location, impossible to miss. Tip: Check the river water temperature; it is noticeably warmer here.
7. Name: Imperial Spa Bridge Type: Historic decorative bridge Why go: It leads toward the magnificent Imperial Spa building. The ironwork on the railings is very intricate. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Near the southern end of the city, close to the Art Gallery. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past Grandhotel Pupp for about five minutes. Tip: The bridge is less crowded than those in the center.
8. Name: Thermal Hotel Bridge Type: Modernist/Brutalist bridge Why go: It offers a sharp contrast to the older baroque buildings. It provides a great view of the Thermal Hotel pool high above. Best for: Fans of 20th-century architecture. Where: Near the main post office and the Thermal Hotel complex. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the main bus stop "Tržnice". Tip: This is a major landmark for finding your way back to the hotels.
9. Name: Poštovní most (Post Bridge) Type: Wide transit bridge Why go: It is located near the beautiful main post office building. It is a great starting point for a riverside walk in Karlovy Vary. Best for: Starting your city tour. Where: At the intersection of the modern and historic parts of town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the local bus network to the "Hlavní pošta" stop. Tip: The post office building itself is worth a quick look inside.
10. Name: Parkhotel Richmond Bridge Type: Quiet park bridge Why go: This bridge is located in a peaceful park setting. It is far away from the main tourist crowds. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: South of the main center, near the Richmond Hotel. Time: 20 minutes (including park walk). Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a long walk upstream or use bus 2 or 7. Tip: Look for the nearby statue of the deer (Jelení skok) on the hill above.
11. Name: Art Gallery Bridge (U Galerie) Type: Small pedestrian crossing Why go: It provides easy access to the Karlovy Vary Art Gallery. The river is very narrow and charming here. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Near the Imperial Spa and the gallery building. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the Pupp hotel. Tip: The gallery often has excellent exhibitions of Czech glass art.
12. Name: Festival Bridge Type: Pedestrian walkway Why go: This bridge becomes the center of action during the Film Festival. It connects the main screening venues. Best for: Movie fans and summer visitors. Where: Near the Thermal Hotel. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the city center. Tip: During the festival in July, this bridge is covered in a red carpet.

Planning Your Walk Along the Tepla River

A stroll along the river is the best way to spend an afternoon. The path is mostly flat and very easy to walk. You can start at the Thermal Hotel and head toward the woods. This route takes you past all the major sights. Most of the promenade is pedestrian-only, making it very safe. You can check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for bus maps. Buses can take you back to the start if you get tired. The city is very compact, so you won't need a car.

Accessibility is generally good in the spa zone. Most bridges have flat entries or very shallow ramps. This makes crossing Tepla River bridges easy for everyone. Wheelchair users will find the main promenade very comfortable. If you plan to take photos, the morning light is best. The sun hits the eastern bank and lights up the colorful facades. In the evening, the street lamps create a very romantic mood. The river reflects the lights, making it perfect for night photography.

The Role of the Tepla River in Karlovy Vary

The Tepla River is more than just a waterway. It is the reason the city exists in this valley. The river valley was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Today, the warm water prevents the river from freezing in winter. You can see ducks swimming even on the coldest January days. The river also helps regulate the local climate. It keeps the air fresh and humid, which is good for the spa guests. The sound of the flowing water adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Historically, the river has seen many floods. The modern stone embankments were built to protect the grand hotels. These walls now serve as the foundation for the beautiful promenades. When you are crossing Tepla River bridges, you are walking on centuries of history. The city is part of the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism network. They provide maps that highlight the historical significance of each crossing. Take your time to enjoy the small details on the railings and lamps. Each bridge tells a small part of the Karlovy Vary story.