What is the Karlovy Vary stone rose souvenir?

The stone rose is a natural wonder from the heart of Bohemia. It starts as a delicate rose made of parchment paper. Artisans place these flowers into the hot thermal water of the Vridlo spring. The water is packed with minerals like aragonite and calcite. Over time, these minerals settle on the petals. This process is called petrification or encrustation.

It takes about two weeks for a rose to be fully coated. The result is a heavy, brown flower that feels like rock. These roses never wilt or fade. They are one of the most authentic experiences in Karlovy Vary you can take home. Each one is slightly different because the mineral deposits vary. You can buy them in different sizes and arrangements.

Quick Picks for Your Trip:

• Best Overall: Vridlo Hot Spring Underground Tour
• Best for Families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best Rainy-Day: Moser Glassworks Museum
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Mill Colonnade

10 Best Things to Do in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list for its spa history. There is much more to see than just the springs. From historic castles to world-class glass, the city offers something for everyone. Here are the top experiences to include on your itinerary.

1. Name: Vridlo (Sprudel) Hot Spring Type: Sight Why go: It is the most powerful spring in town, shooting water 12 meters high. Best for: Everyone Where: Hot Spring Colonnade Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the center of the spa zone. Tip: Stand near the glass walls to feel the heat of the water.
2. Name: The Stone Rose Souvenir Type: Experience Why go: It is a unique item that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Best for: Souvenir hunters Where: Gift shops near the Vridlo Colonnade Time: 10 minutes Cost: 200–500 CZK Getting there: Located in the main tourist area. Tip: Look for roses with a smooth, even mineral coating.
3. Name: Vridlo Underground Tour Type: Experience Why go: You can see the actual process of making the stone roses. Best for: Curious travelers Where: Under the Hot Spring Colonnade Time: 45 minutes Cost: 200 CZK Getting there: Enter through the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Book the Vridlo Hot Spring underground tour in advance during summer.
4. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city with 124 columns. Best for: Photography Where: Near the river Tepla Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the Vridlo spring. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Nature lovers Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp Time: 1–2 hours Cost: 150 CZK for the funicular Getting there: Take the funicular from near the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths if you have time.
6. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: See how world-famous luxury crystal is blown and engraved. Best for: Art fans Where: Kpt. Jarose district Time: 1.5 hours Cost: 300 CZK Getting there: Take bus line 2 or 22 from the center. Tip: The factory floor is hot, so dress in light layers.
7. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn the secret history of Becherovka, the famous herbal liqueur. Best for: Adults Where: T.G. Masaryka street Time: 1 hour Cost: 250 CZK Getting there: Walkable from the main bus station. Tip: The tour includes a tasting session of different varieties.
8. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade Type: Architecture Why go: This modern structure houses the main Vridlo spring and drinking fountains. Best for: Rainy days Where: City center Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Central location in the spa zone. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup here to drink the water properly.
9. Name: Traditional Spa Wafers Type: Food Why go: These large, thin wafers are a delicious local snack. Best for: Families Where: Street stalls everywhere Time: 5 minutes Cost: 50 CZK Getting there: Sold at almost every corner in the spa zone. Tip: Try the Karlovy Vary spa wafers while they are still warm.
10. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning medieval fortress just a short distance from the city. Best for: History buffs Where: 12 km from Karlovy Vary Time: 3–4 hours Cost: 200 CZK Getting there: Take a 15-minute train or bus from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture chamber exhibit if you like spooky history.

Exploring the Vridlo Hot Spring Underground Tour

To truly understand the stone rose, you must go underground. The Vridlo underground tour takes you beneath the modern colonnade. Here, you will see the old tunnels used to manage the spring water. The air is warm and damp. You can see thick layers of aragonite on the walls. These layers have grown over hundreds of years.

The highlight of the tour is the petrification chamber. This is where the stone roses are made. You can see the racks where the paper flowers sit. The hot water constantly flows over them. The guide explains the science behind the mineral deposits. It is a rare look at how nature and craft work together.

The tour is safe and well-lit. However, the ground can be slippery. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. The tour usually lasts about 45 minutes. It is best to book your tickets online. This ensures you get a spot in your preferred language. It is a must-do for anyone interested in the city's unique geology.