Carlsbad Salt: History of Production and Use in Europe
Karlovy Vary is renowned worldwide for its hot mineral springs. Millions of tourists come here for h…
Karlovy Vary is famous for its hot springs, colonnades, and spas — but the city also hides a lesser-known world beneath its streets. Beneath the elegant façades lies a fascinating network of historic underground spaces, shaped by geothermal activity and centuries of human history.
While most tunnels are inaccessible, two underground sites are open to tourists, and each offers a unique experience. In this article, we’ll explore what you can see below Karlovy Vary, how to get there, ticket prices, and whether these tours are worth including in your itinerary.
🔥 Underground of the Hot Spring Colonnade (Podzemí Vřídla)
The best-known and most spectacular underground site in Karlovy Vary is located beneath the iconic Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) — right in the city center.
The tour begins on the second floor of the colonnade, where you’ll find the ticket office and meeting point for guided groups.
What’s inside?
- 🌋 Geological display – A fascinating explanation of how mineral-rich water destroys and creates materials over time, forming incredible natural structures underground.
- 💧 Mineral deposits and aragonite formations – You’ll see real mineral layers coating pipes and walls like coral reefs.
- 🎁 Live souvenir creation – Figurines and other items are dipped into the hot spring water and, within days, are encrusted in minerals. One of the most famous products: the “stone rose.”
- 🛍️ Souvenir shop – Mineral-covered items can be purchased directly on-site.
📍 Ticket price:
• CZK 240 – Czech tour
• CZK 330 – in English, German or Russian (booking required)
🕒 Duration: approx. 45 minutes
📍 Location: Vřídelní street, entrance via the Hot Spring Colonnade
📅 Opening hours: 10:00–16:00 (last tour departs at 16:00)
⛪ Underground Crypt of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Just across the street from the colonnade stands the Baroque Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Hidden beneath the church lies the second underground site accessible to the public: a small but captivating crypt.
What you’ll see:
- 🕯️ History of the church and crypt – Learn about the construction, fire, and later reconstruction of this historic religious site.
- ✝️ Altar with a replica of the Holy Sepulchre – A rare and symbolic reconstruction.
- 💎 Mineral deposits – Similar to those in the hot springs, but set in a religious and historical context.
- ☠️ Human skeletal remains – Discovered in the old cemetery that once surrounded the church.
📍 Ticket price: CZK 120
🕒 Tour duration: up to 35 minutes
🎟️ Tickets sold at the same counter as the Hot Spring Colonnade tour
💡 Helpful Tips for Visitors
- Tours are usually in Czech, but guides in English, German, and Russian are available with advance booking. Printed brochures in multiple languages are also provided.
- It’s chilly underground – bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Photography is allowed, but video recording is prohibited.
- Buy tickets in advance, especially during high tourist season.
- You can book online here: https://splzak.cz/cs/exkurzeexcursion
❓ Which Underground Tour to Choose?
Both are worth visiting! But they offer very different experiences.
If you’re interested in nature, geology, and the city’s spa system, we recommend the Hot Spring Colonnade underground.
If you’re drawn to religious history, archaeology, and quiet atmosphere, the crypt under the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a great choice. Ideally, do both!
🔚 Conclusion
Karlovy Vary doesn’t just surprise on the surface — it also has secrets underground. These unique tours reveal a different face of the city: a world shaped by hot water, minerals, mystery, and human craftsmanship.
Add one (or both) of these underground tours to your travel plan — and you’ll discover a deeper side of Karlovy Vary that many visitors miss.
Want to learn more about Karlovy Vary and the region? Come and watch our unique film Feel Karlovy Vary
