Planning Your Trip: When is the Karlovy Vary Film Festival Held?

The festival typically runs for nine days. It usually begins on the last Friday of June. If that Friday falls very late, it may start on the first Friday of July. For 2026, you should expect the festival to dominate the city during this mid-summer window. It is the busiest time of the year for local hotels and restaurants.

During these dates, the city transforms into a red-carpet venue. The Thermal Hotel serves as the main hub for screenings. Many visitors enjoy the outdoor cinema and evening concerts. However, if you want a peaceful spa retreat, you should consider avoiding crowds in Karlovy Vary by visiting just before or after the festival. Prices for accommodation often double during the event.

You can find official dates and program details on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. Booking your room at least six months in advance is highly recommended. If you arrive without a reservation during the festival, you may have to stay in nearby towns. This is a time of high energy, late nights, and packed streets.

10 Best Sights and Experiences in Karlovy Vary

Exploring the city requires a mix of iconic spots and quiet escapes. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. These include famous landmarks and ways to find local secrets in Karlovy Vary away from the film crews.

• Best overall: Mill Colonnade
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Moser Glassworks
• Best free: Hot Spring Colonnade

1. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest and most beautiful colonnade in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers and morning walks. Where: City center near the river. Time: 30–60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk along the pedestrian zone. Tip: Bring your own porcelain cup to taste the different mineral waters.
2. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the entire valley. Best for: Photography and escaping the street-level crowds. Where: On the hill above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from Mariánská street. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths to see the Peter the Great lookout.
3. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Museum Why go: See how world-class Bohemian crystal is made by hand. Best for: History buffs and shoppers. Where: Kpt. Jaroše district, slightly outside the center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (tours vary). Getting there: Take bus number 1, 2, or 22. Tip: Book the glassworks tour in advance as spots fill up quickly.
4. Name: Elizabeth Bath (Alžbětiny lázně) Type: Experience Why go: Experience a traditional Czech spa treatment in a historic building. Best for: Relaxation after a long day of walking. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 1–3 hours. Cost: Varies by treatment. Getting there: Walkable from the main bus station. Tip: The salt cave is a great way to unwind if you have limited time.
5. Name: Stará Louka (Old Meadow) Type: Neighborhood Why go: This is the most picturesque street lined with colorful cafes and shops. Best for: People-watching during the film festival. Where: Along the Teplá River. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Main pedestrian thoroughfare. Tip: Sit at a riverside cafe for a coffee but expect higher prices here.
6. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda) Type: Sight Why go: See the massive geyser that shoots water 12 meters high. Best for: Seeing the power of nature. Where: Opposite the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: Visit the underground tour here to see how the thermal water petrifies souvenirs.
7. Name: Snake Spring Type: Experience Why go: It is one of the lesser-known mineral springs in Karlovy Vary. Best for: Avoiding the long lines at the main colonnades. Where: Sadová Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through Dvořák Park. Tip: This water is slightly cooler than the other springs, making it easier to drink.
8. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning 12th-century Gothic castle on a rocky cliff. Best for: History fans and getting out of the city. Where: Loket town, 12km away. Time: Half-day. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Short bus or train ride from the main station. Tip: Visit the torture museum in the castle basement if you like spooky history.
9. Name: Svatoš Rocks (Svatošské skály) Type: Nature Why go: Dramatic granite rock formations along the Ohře River. Best for: Hikers and cyclists. Where: Between Karlovy Vary and Loket. Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue-marked hiking trail from the Doubí district. Tip: Stop at the local riverside restaurant for a traditional Czech beer.
10. Name: Church of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Russian Orthodox church with golden domes. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Westend district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small donation suggested. Getting there: Walk uphill from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Respect the dress code by covering your shoulders and knees inside.

How to Navigate Karlovy Vary During the Festival

Getting around the city during the festival requires some patience. Most of the central area is a pedestrian zone. You will spend a lot of time walking between the various colonnades and cinemas. Comfortable shoes are a must for the cobblestone streets. Many people use the local buses to reach further districts.

The public transport system is efficient and affordable. You can check schedules on the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary website. During the festival, special shuttle buses often run between the main hotels and screening venues. Taxis are available but can be expensive and slow due to traffic restrictions in the center.

If you are arriving from Prague, the bus is often faster than the train. The central bus station is a short walk from the start of the spa area. For those coming by rail, the Karlovy Vary railway station is also a good option. Planning your transit ahead of time helps you avoid the stress of the busy season.