Top 10 Sights on the Teplá River Valley Walkway

The Teplá River valley walkway offers something for every traveler. You can find historic colonnades and peaceful parks here. Most sights are located right next to the water. This makes navigation very simple for first-time visitors. You can walk the entire main section in about one hour.

• Quick picks:
• Best for photos: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Dvořák Park
• Best free activity: Drinking thermal water
• Best rainy-day: Imperial Spa

1. Name: Park Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is a beautiful white iron structure. It is one of the first major sights you see. You can taste the Snake Spring here. It is very elegant and great for photos. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Dvořák Park Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Start at the northern end of the path. Tip: Look for the scenic walks in Karlovy Vary that connect here.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the largest colonnade in the city. It has 124 stone columns and five springs. The roof features 12 statues representing the months. It is a symbol of the town's history. Best for: History buffs Where: Central walkway Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the river south from the Park Colonnade. Tip: Check the official tourism site for concert schedules here.
3. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Iconic sight Why go: This wooden building has a unique Swiss style. It was built over the spot where Charles IV found a spring. The white lace-like wood is very pretty. It houses the Charles IV Spring. Best for: Romantic walks Where: Near the Plague Column Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A short walk from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Visit at night when it is beautifully lit.
4. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Unique experience Why go: This is the most famous spring in town. The water shoots up to 12 meters high. It is very hot and full of minerals. You can join a colonnade walking tour to see the underground area. Best for: Everyone Where: Divadelní náměstí Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free (underground tour has a fee) Getting there: Located in the modern glass building. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup nearby to drink the water.
5. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Iconic building Why go: This is one of the most famous hotels in Europe. It has been in many movies like Casino Royale. The building is massive and very grand. Even if you don't stay there, you must see it. Best for: Movie fans Where: Southern end of the walkway Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free to view outside Getting there: Follow the Teplá River valley walkway to the end. Tip: Have a coffee in the grand café inside.
6. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This was once the most modern spa in the world. It looks like a royal palace. Today, it is a museum and cultural center. The interiors are stunning and very colorful. Best for: Art and history Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp Time: 1 hour Cost: Moderate entry fee Getting there: Located at the end of the river path. Tip: Check for temporary art exhibits inside.
7. Name: Dvořák Park Type: Nature/Park Why go: This is a peaceful green space at the start of the walk. It is named after the famous composer Antonín Dvořák. There are many benches and old trees. It is a great place to relax. Best for: Families and picnics Where: Northern entrance to the center Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Accessible from the main road near the post office. Tip: This is the best place to start your Teplá River valley walkway journey.
8. Name: Art Gallery Karlovy Vary Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This gallery holds a great collection of Czech art. It is located in a quiet part of the walkway. The building itself is very classic. It offers a nice break from the crowds. Best for: Culture seekers Where: Near the Imperial Spa Time: 1 hour Cost: Small entry fee Getting there: Walk south past the main colonnades. Tip: The gallery is often quiet on weekday mornings.
9. Name: Deer Jump Lookout Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is a famous statue of a mountain goat. It overlooks the river valley. You get a perfect view of the town from here. You can reach it by a path from the river. Best for: Hikers and photographers Where: On the hill above the walkway Time: 45 minutes (including the climb) Cost: Free Getting there: Use the Deer Jump lookout trail starting near the Market Colonnade. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill sections.
10. Name: Svatoš Rocks Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: These are amazing rock formations by the river. They look like a petrified wedding procession. The area is very green and peaceful. It is a favorite spot for local hikers. Best for: Nature lovers Where: 7 km from the city center Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the Svatoš rocks hiking trail along the river. Tip: You can rent a bike to get there faster.

Planning Your Teplá River Valley Walkway Trip

Planning a trip to the Teplá River valley walkway is very easy. The city center is mostly for pedestrians only. You can arrive by train or bus at the main stations. From there, a short walk or local bus brings you to the start. The local transport authority provides frequent service.

The best time to walk is in the morning. This is when the light is best for photos. You will also avoid the largest tour groups. Many people enjoy finding the best cafes along Tepla River promenade Karlovy Vary. Stopping for a traditional spa wafer is a must-do activity.

Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The path is paved but you will walk a lot. Most springs are free to taste, so bring a cup. You can buy traditional porcelain cups at many stalls. These make great souvenirs for your 2026 trip. Always check the weather before you head out.

Exploring Nearby Nature and Day Trips

If you have more time, explore the woods. Karlovy Vary is surrounded by lush hills and trails. These paths offer great views of the Teplá River valley walkway from above. Many trails are well-marked and easy to follow. You can find many hidden viewpoints in the forest.

One popular choice is to hike to the Diana Observation Tower. This gives you a bird's-eye view of the entire region. Another option is to follow the river further out of town. The landscape becomes more wild and natural. It is a great way to escape the busy spa area. Nature is always just a few steps away here.