We were very curious about the alleged healing powers of the springs that are all over Karlovy Vary. We discovered that certain springs are said to cure specific ailments. Many sufferers of upper respiratory ailments come to Karlovy Vary seeking a cure from the waters.
All Karlovy Vary springs have the same source and have roughly the same chemical composition, although water temperatures vary at each spring, which affects the formation of sedimentation. (This sediment is called "thermal tuff." This stuff freaked us out a bit - if you put a rose in a glass of spring water for a few weeks, the thermal tuff will coat it with a reddish layer of gunk. After seeing the coated roses, which are sold
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All Karlovy Vary springs have the same source and have roughly the same chemical composition, although water temperatures vary at each spring, which affects the formation of sedimentation. (This sediment is called "thermal tuff." This stuff freaked us out a bit - if you put a rose in a glass of spring water for a few weeks, the thermal tuff will coat it with a reddish layer of gunk. After seeing the coated roses, which are sold as souvenirs, we didn't want to drink the spring water). Apparently, the amount of sedimentation is related to the water's ability to cure certain ailments.
There are 12 springs in Karlovy Vary, and ten of them are meant for drinking and baths (balneology). Spa visitors use special "spa cups" to drink the water directly from the spring. These cups are tradition in Karolvy Vary and are available from every souvenier vendor.
While we didn't drink the water, we did swim at the Thermal Pool, located on a sleek terrace overlooking the spa district and owned by the enormous 60s-style Thermal Hotel. The other bathers were primarily older Russians and Germans. The water felt great, but we don't know if we were "cured" of anything!
*I recommend purchasing "The Indispensable Guide Through Karlovy Vary and its Surrounding" when you arrive in town. The book explains the springs in detail, provides lists of famous visitors to the spas (from as far back as the 1300s), maps out excellent walking tours, and gives a good overview of what is and has been going on in Karlovy Vary for the past 700 years.
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