Rusalka and Prince Wenceslas, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Posted by: 
ToRo61
N 50° 13.524 E 012° 52.928
33U E 348936 N 5565838
Karlovy Vary is famous for its hot springs - 13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River
Waymark Code: WMF17J
Location: Karlovarský kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 08/05/2012
Views: 91
Karlovy Vary - the former Carlsbad - was named for Holy Roman Emperor (and King of Bohemia) Charles IV, who founded the town in 1370. It is renowned for its curative waters that have supported a fashionable spa culture for several centuries, but have you ever stopped to consider why there are hot springs there in the first place?
The town is located at the confluence of the Ohre and Tepla Rivers, and was established around 13 main springs and about 300 minor springs. The Voídlo ("Hot Spring") is the hottest with the temperature of 73°C (163°F) and the others have cooler temperatures (of 60°C or less). As a result of inflow from these thermal springs, the Tepla River is actually warm to the touch.
The clue to why there are hot springs here the giveaway the course of the river, which consists of straight sections that then sharply change direction. A quick glance at a geological map confirms that the river course follows the trace of faults, which are more easily eroded than the surrounding unfractured granite.
The same faults that control the course of the Tepla River also provide a pathway of fractures along which water from surface can move down to a depth of 2km, where it encounters hot rock. Once the water heats up, it is less dense than cooler water and thus rises back to surface and 'daylights' as hot springs.
Five springs are flowing among the 124 Corinthian columns of Mill Colonnade.
The sixth spring is located in the area in front of the colonnade, facing the orchestra stage.
Temperature of some springs:
Rock Spring 53 °C
Libuše Spring 62 °C
Prince Wenceslas I Spring 65 °C
Prince Wenceslas II Spring 58 °C
Mill Spring 56 °C
Rusalka Spring 60 °C
Temperature (C): Rusalka 60
Type: Developed
Cost?: Use Fee
Open to the Public?: yes
Clothing Optional?: no
Other Amenities:
suveniers, refreshment, etc.
Temperature (F): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
1. Include a photo of the hot spring
2. Describe your visit.