The History of Traditional Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers

The story of these wafers began in the 18th century. Local cooks first made them for spa guests. They used the city's famous thermal water in the recipe. This gave the wafers a unique texture and taste. Over time, the process became more refined. Bakers added sugar and spices to create the sweet layers we love today. You can learn more about the history of Karlovy Vary oplatky wafers to understand their cultural importance.

Today, these wafers are a symbol of the UNESCO World Heritage city. They are still made using traditional methods. The most common shape is a large, thin circle. Two wafers are pressed together with a sweet filling. Modern shops now offer dozens of different flavors. You can find everything from classic hazelnut to unique fruit blends. Eating them while drinking thermal spring water in Karlovy Vary is a true local experience.

12 Best Places to Buy Traditional Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers

Finding the right place to buy your treats is essential. Some shops sell fresh, warm wafers for immediate eating. Others specialize in beautifully designed gift boxes. Here are the top locations to visit during your trip.

• Best overall: Kolonáda Flagship Store
• Best for families: Market Colonnade Stalls
• Best for gifts: Grandhotel Pupp Shop
• Best free experience: Watching wafers being pressed at Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Kolonáda Flagship Store Type: Shop Why go: This is the most iconic brand in the Czech Republic. They offer the widest variety of boxed wafers. Best for: Buying high-quality gifts for friends. Where: Near the city center on the main pedestrian street. Time: 15-20 minutes. Cost: 2-10 EUR per box. Getting there: Walk from the Tepla river. Tip: Look for the limited edition tins for 2026.
2. Name: Market Colonnade Street Stalls Type: Food Stall Why go: These stalls sell individual wafers warm from the iron. It is the most authentic way to eat them. Best for: A quick snack while sightseeing. Where: Inside the wooden Market Colonnade. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Under 1 EUR per wafer. Getting there: Located in the historic spa zone. Tip: Try the cinnamon flavor while it is hot.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Kiosks Type: Sight/Activity Why go: You can see the huge stone columns while you snack. The atmosphere here is very grand. Best for: Photography and snacks. Where: The main Mill Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Small change. Getting there: Follow the river path north. Tip: This is one of the best places to buy fresh spa wafers in the city.
4. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Pastry Shop Type: Luxury Experience Why go: This is the most famous hotel in the city. Their wafers are served with elegance. Best for: A luxury afternoon tea. Where: Southern end of the spa district. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 5-15 EUR. Getting there: Walk to the end of the main promenade. Tip: Visit after a spa treatment for the full experience.
5. Name: Vřídlo Colonnade Hall Type: Experience Why go: This hall houses the city's most powerful hot spring. You can buy wafers right next to the geyser. Best for: Seeing the 12-meter water fountain. Where: Vřídelní street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: 1-5 EUR. Getting there: Take a bus to the Divadelní náměstí stop. Tip: Pair your wafer with a tour of the Vridlo hot spring underground.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Shop Type: Viewpoint Why go: You get a panoramic view of the entire valley. The shop at the top sells fresh wafers. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: On the hill above the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 2-5 EUR. Getting there: Use the funicular or follow the walking path to Diana tower. Tip: Eat your wafer at the lookout point for the best photos.
7. Name: Becherovka Visitor Center Type: Experience Why go: Becherovka is the city's famous herbal liqueur. They often sell wafers that pair perfectly with the drink. Best for: Adults looking for a local tasting. Where: T. G. Masaryka street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 10-20 EUR for a tour. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Book the Becherovka tasting experience in advance.
8. Name: Karlovy Vary Museum Shop Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Learn about the production equipment used in the past. The shop sells traditional versions. Best for: Rainy days and history buffs. Where: Near the theater. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 3-7 EUR. Getting there: Central spa area. Tip: Check the museum exhibits to see old wafer irons.
9. Name: Hotel Thermal Promenade Type: Sight Why go: This area represents the modern side of the city. There are many vendors along the walkway. Best for: Seeing the famous outdoor pool. Where: Northern edge of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Affordable street prices. Getting there: Walk from the bus station. Tip: This area is less crowded in the early morning.
10. Name: Karlovy Vary Christmas Market Type: Local Experience Why go: During winter, you can find seasonal flavors like gingerbread. The atmosphere is magical. Best for: Festive vibes. Where: Smetana Park or near the Mill Colonnade. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 2-5 EUR. Getting there: Visit when visiting Karlovy Vary at Christmas. Tip: Buy a warm cup of mead to go with your wafer.
11. Name: Loket Castle Bakery Type: Day Trip Why go: This medieval town is just a short trip away. Their local bakery makes wafers using old recipes. Best for: Escaping the city crowds. Where: Loket town, 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: 5 EUR for travel + snacks. Getting there: Take a local train or bus from the main station. Tip: Explore the castle before visiting the bakery.
12. Name: Sadová Colonnade Tea Rooms Type: Experience Why go: This is a beautiful cast-iron structure. The nearby tea rooms serve wafers on fine porcelain. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 4-8 EUR. Getting there: Walk through the park from the center. Tip: It is a great spot for a quiet afternoon.

Expert Tips for Buying Traditional Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers

When buying wafers, look for the official seal. Authentic wafers use local spring water. Many shops will let you sample flavors before you buy. Hazelnut and chocolate are the most popular choices. However, vanilla and almond are also very traditional. If you buy boxes, keep them flat in your luggage. This prevents the thin layers from cracking during your flight.

Check the production date on the box. Freshness matters for the best taste. Most wafers stay good for several months if kept dry. If you are in the city for the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, expect longer lines. Many celebrities are seen snacking on these treats during the event. For more advice, check out official tourism guides for the latest shop openings.