Knowing When is the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Held

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) follows a consistent yearly schedule. It typically begins on the last Friday of June. The event concludes on the first Saturday of July. For those planning ahead, the 2026 festival is expected to follow this same summer pattern. You should check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for exact date confirmations.

During these dates, the city is incredibly vibrant and crowded. Hotels often fill up six to twelve months in advance. The weather is usually warm and pleasant for walking between venues. You will find outdoor screenings and parties throughout the town center. It is the busiest time of year for this historic Bohemian destination.

If you want to experience the full energy, stay for the opening weekend. This is when the biggest celebrities walk the red carpet. If you prefer a quieter experience, the middle of the week is better. You can find more details in our Karlovy Vary film festival guide. This will help you navigate the busy screening schedules.

10 Must-See Spots During the Film Festival

The festival is spread across several iconic locations in the city. To make the most of your visit, you should visit these specific sights. Each offers a unique perspective on the city's history and film culture. Here are the top ten places to include in your itinerary.

• Best overall: Hotel Thermal
• Best for families: Diana Lookout Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free: Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Hotel Thermal Type: sight Why go: This is the heart of the festival. It hosts the main screenings and the red carpet. Best for: Movie lovers and celebrity spotting. Where: Central Karlovy Vary. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Free to enter the lobby; tickets needed for films. Getting there: Walking distance from most central hotels. Tip: Check the ticket guide to learn how to book screenings here.
2. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: experience Why go: This world-famous hotel is a symbol of luxury. It has appeared in films like Casino Royale. Best for: Architecture fans and high-end dining. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to view outside; expensive for dining. Getting there: A scenic walk along the Teplá River. Tip: Visit the Malá Dvorana bar for a classic cocktail.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: sight Why go: It is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. It features five mineral springs and beautiful columns. Best for: Photography and history. Where: Near the river. Time: 30-60 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible by foot in the pedestrian zone. Tip: Buy a porcelain spa cup to taste the local thermal waters.
4. Name: Diana Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the city and forests. Best for: Nature lovers and families. Where: On the hill above Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Small fee for the funicular. Getting there: Take the funicular from behind Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Walk the forest trails back down to the city center.
5. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: museum Why go: Learn the history of Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. Best for: Tasting local culture and indoor activity. Where: Near the main bus station. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes tasting). Getting there: Short walk from the Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Book your tour in advance as they often sell out.
6. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: A massive 12th-century stone castle in a nearby medieval village. Best for: History buffs and a break from the crowds. Where: 12km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Explore more in our guide to best things to do near the city.
7. Name: Elizabeth Baths Type: experience Why go: One of the largest public spa facilities in the country. Best for: Relaxation and wellness. Where: Smetana Park. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by treatment. Getting there: Located in the northern part of the city center. Tip: Book a massage to recover from long days of film watching.
8. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: museum Why go: See world-class glassmaking and the "Glass of Kings." Best for: Art lovers and souvenir shopping. Where: Kpt. Jaroše street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take bus line 1 or 2 from the center. Tip: The glassworks tour allows you to see the masters at work.
9. Name: Stará Louka Type: neighborhood Why go: This is the city's most beautiful promenade lined with colorful cafes. Best for: People-watching and leisurely strolls. Where: Along the riverbank. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central pedestrian zone. Tip: This area is perfect for finding a spot to eat between movies.
10. Name: Market Colonnade Type: sight Why go: A white wooden structure with intricate carvings. It houses the Charles IV Spring. Best for: Unique architecture and quick stops. Where: Opposite the Mill Colonnade. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easy walk in the spa district. Tip: Visit at night when the structure is beautifully lit.

Planning Your Visit for the Festival Dates

When you know when is the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival held, you must plan logistics. The city is very walkable, but public transport is useful. You can use the local buses to reach outer areas like the Moser factory. Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for updated schedules. During the festival, special shuttle buses often run between the main venues.

Accommodation is the biggest challenge during the festival weeks. You should look for rooms in the nearby neighborhoods to save money. We have compiled several accommodation tips to help you find a place. Many students use the festival campsites for a cheaper alternative. Always confirm your booking directly with the hotel.

Finally, remember to pack for varied weather. Days are often hot, but evenings in the valley can be cool. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets. You will likely walk several miles each day between theaters. A small umbrella is also wise for sudden summer rain showers.