arlovy Vary, an easy day trip from Prague or eastern Germany, is a stunning town in the Czech Republic. It’s known for its healing waters, and people go there to “take the waters.” It’s a great weekend trip to pamper yourself. Click here to find out how to enjoy this amazing spa town!
If you are at all like me, you would have grown up reading novels of exotic faraway places, larger than life characters, spice bazaars, ancient battles, conquerors. I would read anything that would take me away to some other place and time. Often I would come across some princess or nobleman going away to “take the waters.”
It was implied that this was a way to relax, to get away from the daily stress of the palace or manor house, but I never really understood it. That is until I was able to visit the Czech Republic on a frequent basis and heard of the beautiful town of Karlovy Vary! Here you can not only understand the phrase, but imbibe!
Karlovy Vary Water and Its Benefits
Sure, I’ve been to spa hotels, places with thermal pools, hamams, Roman baths. But is this what they meant? I think I came closest in Budapest when some friends took me to a steaming well and ordered a cup of boiling, noxious-smelling water for me to drink. They said it was going to “clean” me out!
Then we went to the spa town, Karlovy Vary, in the Czech Republic. Only a short drive from our new home, we just had to cross the border and take the river road; we were able to leave after work and arrive before dinner. As we entered this town full of colorful baroque buildings, we knew right away we were in for a treat.
The King of Bohemia, and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV founded Karlovy Vary. His capital city was Prague, only 120 kilometers away. So, he would take his men hunting near the confluence of the two rivers, the Ohře and Teplá, where he and his men discovered the steaming waters. The town immediately started receiving tourists and people who wanted to heal their ills. Many famous people have spent time taking the waters here to include: Beethoven, Chopin, Ataturk, and Goethe to name a few.
So how does one “take the waters?”
First, there are a surprising number of springs, taps, and wells to locate. You can grab a map of suggested routes from the Tourist Information Center as well as many of the hotels, or you can just wander around and discover them on your own as we did.
Next, and this is a very important step, you need to have your own drinking vessel. You can bring a cup, but because of the hot temperatures it is better to buy one in a kiosk special made for taking the waters. The porcelain drinking mugs are thoughtfully fitted with a built-in straw, or spout, to sip the waters from so it is harder to burn your lips and mouth. You still need to be very careful as the water comes out of the ground at varying temperatures, some scalding.
Once you have obtained your drinking vessel, you are ready to hit the trail. There are a number of places in town where you can fill up your cup and drink. The waters purportedly heal a number of chronic illnesses such as anything to do with your gastro-instestinal tract, muscles, or nerves, and even some gum disease.
However, you should follow a doctor’s prescriptive formula to get the most out of your visit if this is your intent. If you are just there to feel better for a weekend, it is best to take the waters before a meal. Each well is signed to tell you what minerals are contained in the water and how hot it is.
The beautiful surroundings, the quiet paths, the more hectic town center along with the spa hotels, great meals, and an overall peaceful feeling all lend itself to your having a calming, relaxing weekend. If you’re looking for other ways to take the water in the Czech Republic, or if a visit to the hot springs at Karlovy Vary isn’t you’re thing, you might try a trip to Plzen where taking the waters means a visit to the world famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, or a luxury spa day at the Purkmistr Beer Baths.
It is important that you take being calm and peaceful very seriously, and not interfere with the other patients or water-takers. There are signs all over the place to remind you how to act and not to act. Some of them were rather funny. My favorites are: “No men in hats smoking cigars, no boxers, and no beach balls.”
Practical Information:
On our trip we stayed at the Hotel Romance Pushkin. This is a comfortable, affordable hotel only a few steps away from the river and all of the wells and springs. Karlovy Vary hotels range in level from budget to top-end; check out the best hotels in Karlovy Vary here! We drove into town from Germany and were able to drive to the hotel which offered parking. You can also take a bus or train from Prague in a little over 2 hours. See the official website for more information: www.karlovyvary.cz/en
Have you ever “taken the waters” before? Where? What did you think?
I’ve heard of drinking these waters in Budapest but I never actually tried it. There were drinking fountains available in the bath houses I visited too. What did they taste like? I’d assume slightly different due to the different minerals in it?
Adelina, Some were very metallic and some just not so good.
What a genius tourist trap! But I’d still go :)
SJ, …and it was one of the first! People have been coming for a couple hundred years as tourists! Wild, isn’t it?
Hi Corrine. I loved Karlovy Vary! I took the bus from Prague, and it was a very easy and comfortable ride. I found it fascinating just watching people “take the waters”. Did you go on the underground tour of the thermal springs? Thanks for linking up this week. Sorry I have not been around for your Saturday linkup. Now that I am back at home base I will definitely be back! #TPThursday
Nancie, I did not take the underground tour, but it’s only an hour from where I live so maybe I’ll do it this summer. Thanks for the tip!
Ooh yes I need to get to Karlovy Vary and try the water…although I’m not sure I’ll enjoy the taste :)
Amy, You definitely do not do it for the taste!
That was a fascinating story and I loved the pictures. I was really intrigued to see the interiors of the spas, will that be a new post I hope?
Noel, They are a bit XXX! I’m not sure the world is ready for them!
I would love to take the waters here. Those cups would make a great souvenir to take home and remember drinking from all those hot springs. I really like your first photo. It has a great atmosphere about it.
Michele, It’s an interesting place, very friendly. I hope you make it there.
this is interesting.I’ve heard of the benefits of mineral water,but didn’t know about this place.
In Sri Lanka we have hot water springs and people mostly use the place for bathing.
Amila, I know. I’ve only been to a few of these places where they drink the water.
I wanted to go here a couple of summers ago when we were in Prague but we didn’t have enough time. The area just looks so scenic. I’m not much for these types of healing waters. We’ve tasted some in Bath and Manitou Springs in Colorado. But, I would love to walk around here and just take in the scenery and sip from those awesome glasses.
Mary, Karlovy Vary is a gorgeous town with amazing architecture. It’s just beautiful.
I think the phrase ‘taking the waters’ is a bit like the phrase – ‘taking tea’ –
And you’re right that the effect of drinking these sulphuric minerals can indeed clean you out – hence maybe not such a good idea while trying to see the sights!
As someone who loves pictograms – I love your signs – Although I thought the boot stepping on the flower was at first suggesting you don’t wear spurs! ;)
Linda, I think all the signs were up for interpretation! And now that you mention it, maybe that’s why the “Karlovy stroll” is so slow….hmmmmm.
I haven’t yet but will be soon when I go to Budapest this year!
Becky, You are going to love it!
I have visited Budapest and loved the thermal baths there. Though ‘taking the water’, hmm… not sure :-)
Esther, I know…it’s a stretch!
Hmmm…I’m not sure about drinking that water or not :) I can’t recall ever hearing “take the water”. That must be my penance for not watching Game of Thrones LOL. I did enjoy the post but I just kept thinking about what chances I would and would not take abroad with food and liquids. I’m fairly smart guy and would likely lean in the conservative direction. But, I’ve GOT to know…what is up with No Boxers??? Have a great weekend, Corinne and Jim! :)
Mike, Aren’t those signs just hilarious! We didn’t drink much water at all either, not really our thing!
Interesting …. but must the waters be taken while hot? what happens if you allow the water to cool before taking?
Rachel, I don’t know! Good question, but while we were there everyone was drinking them hot!
I have most definitely not taken the waters although I have drunk some spring water. If the water tasted “funny” I would most probably gag on it. I love the look of the buildings and the made to order drinking vessels. I would most probably be photographer if we were to visit :)
Jan, It is the best job after all!
This is so interesting. I am sorry we missed it when we traveled, as I think we were somewhat nearby (we drove from Berlin to Prague, then back to Munich with many stops along the way. The healing waters remind me a bit of Lordes, where I did take the water, although never used the expression.
Rhonda, You’ll just have to come back!
What a great post. I never thought drinking water could bring tourists to a place. Thanks for sharing. This is a very interesting place.
Rahman, There is a surprising number of places like this…you should try one.
Beautiful city…
Bath, England – tasted absolutely vile!
Anabel, It was so hot, it was hard to decipher the taste!