Vridelni kolonada
About
The Vridelní kolonáda, or Geyser Pavilion, stands as a striking modernist landmark in the heart of Karlovy Vary. Designed by architect Jaroslav Otruba in 1975, its minimalist steel and glass form frames Karlovy Vary’s most famous hot spring, the Vřídlo geyser, which shoots water up to 12 meters. Visitors can watch the geyser erupt from the pavilion’s glass dome while strolling through the spacious promenade hall that houses spring basins A, B, and C, each cooling the water to 50 °C and 30 °C for drinking. The pavilion is open to the public daily from 6:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. during summer and until 6:00 p.m. in winter, offering a serene and therapeutic experience without entrance fees. Beyond the gondola of the geyser, the pavilion’s interior features small fountain kiosks, souvenir stalls, and a dedicated area for mineral water extraction that supports Karlovy Vary’s spa industry. The site’s accessibility is guaranteed during operating hours, and the pavilion’s architectural heritage is widely celebrated as one of the city’s finest examples of functionalist design. Whether you come to pursue wellness, admire the kinetic beauty of the geyser, or simply enjoy the spacious promenades, the Vridelní kolonáda remains a must-visit centerpiece of the region’s spa culture.
Highlights
- Stone-Steel Architecture
- Live Geyser Show
- Spring Basins A, B, C
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
May through September for warm evenings and milder crowds
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 2 hours