How Long is the Karlovy Vary Riverside Walk Exactly?

The main riverside walk in Karlovy Vary is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. This distance covers the primary spa zone from the thermal hotel area to the southern end. If you walk at a steady pace, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes. However, most visitors spend at least three hours on this route. This allows time to taste the mineral waters and take photos.

The path is mostly flat and very easy to navigate. It follows the winding banks of the Tepla River. You will find benches and cafes every few hundred meters. This makes it perfect for families or those seeking a relaxing stroll. For a detailed layout, you can check a Tepla river walking route map before your visit.

The official tourism board provides updated information on path conditions. You can find more details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. The route is open year-round and is especially beautiful during the autumn months. In 2026, expect well-maintained pavements and clear signage throughout the spa district.

10 Essential Stops on the Tepla River Walking Route

To make the most of your time, follow this list of iconic riverside landmarks. These stops are arranged from the southern end of the city heading north. They represent the best of the city's UNESCO-listed heritage.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Dvořák Park
• Best rainy-day: Vřídlo Hot Spring Colonnade
• Best free: Market Colonnade mineral springs

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in Europe. It has appeared in many Hollywood films. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Southern end of the riverside path. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk to the end of Mírové náměstí. Tip: Visit the cafe for a luxury coffee break.
2. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: A stunning Neo-Renaissance building that recently reopened after renovation. Best for: History buffs. Where: Opposite Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located right on the river bank. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the historic bathrooms.
3. Name: Vřídlo Hot Spring Type: Unique experience Why go: See the city's most powerful geyser shooting water 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone. Where: Vřídelní kolonáda. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central riverside location. Tip: Learn more about a Vridlo hot spring geyser visit to see the underground tunnels.
4. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: A beautiful white wooden structure with intricate carvings. Best for: Photography. Where: Near the Vřídlo geyser. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible directly from the riverside path. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring located inside.
5. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: The largest colonnade in the city with 124 Corinthian columns. Best for: Morning walks. Where: Central spa zone. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main river promenade north. Tip: Check out these Mill Colonnade riverside landmarks for the best photo spots.
6. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: An elegant cast-iron structure located in a quiet garden setting. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: North end of the main spa walk. Tip: Fill your water bottle at the Snake Spring here.
7. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful green space named after the famous Czech composer. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Thermal Hotel. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Northern terminus of the riverside walk. Tip: Look for the statues of famous local figures.
8. Name: Karlovy Vary City Theatre Type: Iconic sight Why go: A masterpiece of Neo-Baroque architecture near the river. Best for: Culture seekers. Where: Near the Vřídlo Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes for exterior. Cost: Free to view outside. Getting there: Just a few steps from the Tepla river. Tip: Check the evening schedule for local performances.
9. Name: Richmond Park Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: A large English-style park with a statue of a deer, a city symbol. Best for: Long-distance walkers. Where: Far southern end of the river. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking past Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: This area is much quieter than the central colonnades.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning 12th-century castle on a rocky cliff over the Ohře river. Best for: History and views. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a short train or bus ride. Tip: The castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the region.

Planning Your Tepla River Walking Route Map

Most travelers start their walk at the Thermal Hotel. This modern building marks the entrance to the historic spa zone. From here, you simply keep the river on your left as you walk south. This direction leads you through all the major colonnades. You can find the best starting point for Tepla river promenade near the main bus station.

The path is paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, though the terrain is flat. In 2026, the city will offer digital maps via QR codes on street signs. You can also visit the Visit Czechia portal for regional travel advice. Public transport is frequent if you prefer not to walk back.

The local buses connect the spa zone to the main railway station. You can check schedules at the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. Walking in the early morning is the best way to avoid large tour groups. The evening is also magical as the historic buildings are beautifully illuminated.