The Allure of Cinema in Karlovy Vary

Directors love this city for its preserved 19th-century aesthetic. The colorful facades and ornate colonnades provide a perfect backdrop for period pieces. Many visitors use a Karlovy Vary sightseeing guide to find these architectural gems. The city is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which helps protect its film-friendly look.

The most famous movie filmed here is likely the 2006 James Bond hit, Casino Royale. While the story is set in Montenegro, most of the action actually happened right here. You can visit the high-stakes casino and the luxury hotel where Bond stayed. Other notable films include Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah and the Oscar-winning Amadeus.

Planning a Karlovy Vary filming locations tour is straightforward because the center is pedestrian-friendly. Most locations are clustered along the Teplá River. You can soak in the atmosphere of a film set while sipping local mineral water. It is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Czech Republic while exploring pop culture history.

Top 10 Spots for a Karlovy Vary Filming Locations Tour

This list covers the most recognizable spots from international and local cinema. Each location offers a mix of history and Hollywood magic. Use this guide to build your own walking route through the city center. Most of these spots are accessible year-round, though summer offers the best light for photos.

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight/Hotel Why go: This is the famous "Hotel Splendide" from Casino Royale. It also served as the primary setting for Last Holiday. Best for: James Bond fans and luxury lovers. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes for photos, longer for a meal. Cost: Free to view outside; price of a coffee inside. Getting there: Walk from the city center or take bus line 2. Tip: Read about the Grandhotel Pupp architecture to appreciate its filmic scale.
2. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: Its 124 Corinthian columns have appeared in numerous European period dramas and commercials. It offers a grand, timeless atmosphere perfect for the screen. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Central spa area. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk along the main river path. Tip: Check out the Mill Colonnade history before your visit.
3. Name: Imperial Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Experience/Museum Why go: The interior was used as the casino floor in Casino Royale. The lavish red and gold decor is breathtaking. Best for: Interior design fans. Where: Near the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee for tours. Getting there: A short walk from the Pupp bus stop. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the specific rooms used in the Bond movie.
4. Name: Hotel Thermal Type: Sight/Experience Why go: This is the heart of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Its brutalist architecture stands out against the older buildings. Best for: Modern history fans and festival-goers. Where: Northern edge of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view; pool access requires a ticket. Getting there: Walkable from the main train station. Tip: Visit the rooftop pool for a panoramic view of the city.
5. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden structure appears in many local Czech films and historical documentaries. Its intricate carvings look like a movie set come to life. Best for: Quick photo stops. Where: Opposite the Vřídlo geyser. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location on the colonnades walking route. Tip: Taste the Charles IV Spring located inside.
6. Name: Vřídlo Geyser Type: Sight Why go: The massive spout of hot water is a dramatic natural effect often used in travel documentaries. It represents the power of the local springs. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Vřídelní Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the signs to the geyser hot spring colonnade. Tip: Go underground for the thermal spring tour to see where the pipes are.
7. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: Located just 15 minutes away, this town doubled as the Montenegro town square in Casino Royale. The castle itself is incredibly cinematic. Best for: Medieval history and Bond fans. Where: Loket nad Ohří. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate castle entry fee. Getting there: Short train or bus ride from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Sit in the town square to see exactly where Bond and Vesper met Mathis.
8. Name: Sadová Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This cast-iron beauty is a favorite for romantic scenes in European cinema. It sits in a lush park setting. Best for: Couples and quiet walks. Where: Dvořák Park. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Hotel Thermal toward the center. Tip: Fill your bottle at the Snake Spring located here.
9. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: The funicular ride and the tower provide sweeping views used in many aerial establishing shots of the city. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: Use the Diana funicular located near Hotel Pupp. Tip: Walk back down through the woods to find more hidden filming spots.
10. Name: Moser Glassworks Type: Experience Why go: Moser glass is the "Glass of Kings" and often appears in films depicting high society or royal life. Best for: Craftsmanship enthusiasts. Where: Western outskirts of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate fee for the museum and factory tour. Getting there: Take bus line 1 or 22 from the center. Tip: Check the Moser factory tour guide for booking details.

Planning Your Cinematic Walk

To make the most of your Karlovy Vary filming locations tour, start early in the morning. This allows you to photograph the Grandhotel Pupp and the colonnades without large crowds. Most locations are within a two-mile radius along the river. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven in places.

If you visit during the film festival in July, expect a very different atmosphere. The city becomes crowded, and many areas are reserved for red-carpet events. While it is exciting to see celebrities, it can make visiting specific filming spots more difficult. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or autumn months.

Public transport is efficient if you need to reach the outskirts. The official tourism site provides updated bus schedules and maps. Most filming spots in the center do not require tickets, but some interiors like the Imperial Spa do. Always check opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment during your tour.