VaryGuide / Spa & wellness
The art of taking the waters
A thoughtful first-timer’s guide to thermal baths, drinking cures and spa etiquette.
The springs are not decorative scenery; they are the reason Karlovy Vary exists. The local cure combines mineral water, measured movement, rest and treatments prescribed with a distinctly Central European seriousness.
Editor's highlights
Choose a porcelain spa cup
Book a thermal mineral bath
Understand the drinking cure
Try a classic dry carbon bath
Plan quiet time after treatment
Respect medical contraindications
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone drink the spring water?
Most visitors taste it, but a sustained drinking cure should be discussed with a doctor, especially during pregnancy or with existing conditions.
Do I need to stay at a spa hotel?
No. Several facilities sell individual treatments to outside guests.
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